Breaking Free: The Broken Hearts Club

by Michele Barlow

  “Sure, no problem.”

  Luna made sure her station was cleared off as Larissa left to get the customer. Grabbing a fresh cape, she looked up to see Larissa coming around the corner with a naughty but gleeful look on her face. Luna raised her eyebrow questioningly at her receptionist, and then immediately dropped it when she saw the man walking in behind her.

  He was tall and wide, with soft brown hair and a huge white smile. Luna glanced away and she knew she blushed from just looking at the man. Not professional.

  “Luna, this is Ford, he’s here for a cut.”

  Ford? No, no, no. The universe would not be doing this to her. No, it wasn’t the universe, it was two conniving men that were trying to play matchmaker.

  Fine, she wasn’t going to let them manipulate her, she was going to do her job and that would be the end of it.

  “Ford, nice to meet you. Have a seat.”

  “Nice to meet you too, Luna.” He took a seat and must have winked at Larissa, because the other woman giggled and walked away.

  “Charming the receptionist will get you the best appointments you know,” she said casually while swinging the cape around his shoulders.

  “That was nothing. I’m saving my best moves to get the best haircut.”

  “I promise that you will get a good haircut, charm or not. So what are we doing today?”

  Luna didn’t want to touch his head but she had to. She ran her fingers through his hair assessing the length as he spoke.

  “Trimmed up, need my neck shaved. I keep it short on the sides but longer on top.”

  “No problem, do you want me to wash it or just wet it?” Please lord let him say just wet it, she begged the universe. Massaging his scalp would probably send her in a panic attack.

  This man was handsome, fit, and oh so sexy. He was not in her league at all. In fact, he was in another world of unattainable men. She was going to kick Alton and Toby’s asses when she saw them.

  Speaking of Alton, he was absent from the salon today, with an excuse about an errand or something. He was being a chicken shit and hiding obviously.

  “Would you mind washing it? I just gave it a rinse at the gym this morning since I was going to come here.”

  Of course he needed a full shampoo. Fine, she was going to be efficient and get it done.

  Chapter 5

  Ford was normally a brave man. He was a firefighter for a good reason. He never hesitated when rushing to an accident scene or when he needed to fight a fire. He just did the job and hopefully helped people in the process.

  When Toby had inquired about his love life, he’d politely explained that he was into women. Which had made Toby laugh hysterically before he assured Ford that he wasn’t his type.

  Awkwardness aside, Toby mentioned that he thought Ford was single and whether he was in the market.

  “Not in the market, exactly. I’m actually pretty tired of shopping. I just can’t seem to find someone to settle down with. I’m tired of first dates that don’t go well, or second and third dates where we never actually show each other our true selves and it still doesn’t go anywhere. I’m tired of chasing my tail.”

  “Don’t you mean chasing tail?”

  “That’s not the problem. I’ve had plenty of interested parties approach me, but they just see me as some hero type, or trophy lay. I want a partner. Someone to settle down with and start a family.”

  “So what is your type?” Toby appeared to be taking notes.

  “I don’t have a physical type exactly. I don’t like super skinny. Fit is good, soft around the edges is good too. Funny is great. Willing to eat and not pick at salads when we go out. Someone that is motivated, but still needs me. It may not be fashionable, but I like to take care of someone. I need to do that. So someone that is super independent wouldn’t want me around.”

  “What if I told you I knew a real beauty, inside and out. She managed to handle a major life blow and come out ahead. Has her own business and loves what she does. And she’s also someone who really deserves a partner who can see what a treasure she is,” Toby said with a sigh.

  “Is she your sister? Are you trying to offload a family member?”

  “No, actually, she’s my partner’s ex-wife.”

  “I’m sorry, your boyfriend’s ex-wife? How does that even work?”

  “It’s a long story if you want to hear it.”

  Ford hadn’t been sure that he did want to hear. This woman had to be carrying some serious baggage. Toby didn’t sugarcoat any of it either. He told him how it had taken a long time for her to get over her break up and Ford didn’t blame her a bit. It was one thing for your ex to fall for someone else, but for them to tell you that you were never going to be their forever was a different kind of blow. He couldn’t fault her for taking the time she needed to make herself healthy again. From the sounds of it, she’d worked hard to get her head back above water.

  Toby wasn’t great on the descriptions, but he was looking with a different eye. Still, a good inside was better than a fantastic outside. Ford was a firm believer in inner beauty.

  Now that he was sitting in Luna’s chair, he saw what Toby meant about her. Luna was a beauty, the inside and out, kind of beauty. He felt his heart skip a beat the second he laid eyes on her. She blushed and that made other parts of him stand up at attention. She seemed flustered by him, which meant that Toby had mentioned him. There was recognition in her eyes when she saw him.

  Then he could see she went into business mode. Ford was going to have to tame this nervous filly.

  “Why don’t you follow me to the wash station?”

  She turned, and he was happy to follow behind her to get a view of what she was packing in the back. It was better than he had hoped. There were curves and just the slightest jiggle in her wiggle.

  Taking a seat at the chair, he leaned back and tried to make eye contact. She was doing everything to not look at him. It was going to be a fun game to see if he could get her to blush again.

  “So, I get the feeling that you might have heard of me before?”

  “Um, someone I know mentioned someone by your name. But it could just be a coincidence.”

  “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Toby told me all about you, he also told me that you weren’t interested, so he suggested I make an appointment?”

  “I’m gonna kill that effer,” she mumbled.

  “Don’t be too mad at him. If it helps, he made you sound like someone I would really like to get to know. So he has a very high opinion of you.”

  “He’s still a sneaky jerk. No offense, but I told him I wasn’t ready to date.”

  “I don’t think he’s so concerned with you dating. It seemed to me that he just wanted you to be happy.”

  “Why does everyone think being with someone makes you happy? I’m happy now. What more could I ask for?”

  She probably was scrubbing his scalp a little harder than necessary, but he was still enjoying it.

  “More, literally more. More happiness, more fun, more sex, more excitement, just more.” He wasn’t sure what she wanted in life, but Ford felt that everyone should reach for the stars. Settling was a sure way to stagnate, and life was often too short for that. He saw that every day. Lives snuffed out before they even had a chance to bloom into what they could be.

  So, Ford was greedy. He worked hard so he could play hard. What he really wanted was someone that could play with him.

  He couldn’t help but wonder if Luna would be willing.

  “I worry how many people spend their lives searching for more and never getting it,” Luna said.

  “I think that’s all about real expectations. Are you trying to get the same as someone else? Same house, same car, same vacations? Or are you searching for what you really want. Don’t care about big houses? Then find the perfect small one. Don’t need to drive the newest latest car? Drive something used that gets you from point A to point B. Those people are searching for someone else’s dreams. Not
their own.”

  “This salon was my dream. I have it.”

  “So no more dreaming for you? No more goals or wins?”

  “Is that so bad?” She was running a towel over his hair.

  “Not bad, just a little sad.”

  Chapter 6

  Luna was sick to death of being sad. She may still have a lot of things she was still working on, but sad she was not. At least in that moment. There was nothing to be sad about.

  A few years, or maybe decades from now? She might be sad that she didn’t do more. Sad she didn’t pick a new dream. What on earth would she dream about now? Her life goals of a happy marriage, family, and a job she didn’t hate had changed. She whittled them down to being happy and having a job she felt proud of. Those were attainable because they didn’t rely on anyone else. Sure, she got help with her salon, but it wasn’t from someone legally, or romantically, obligated to help her.

  The man under her hands was talking in a way that was not the usual banter between customer and hairstylist. He’d made the appointment to see her. He made the effort to meet her. That was unexpected and a little flattering.

  She was trying her best to not look at him. Luna was treating his face like a solar eclipse. Don’t look directly at it and you won’t go blind.

  “You know,” she started as she sat his chair up. “Some people have been hurt and know that there can be worse things than being sad.”

  She put the towel around his shoulders and stood in front of him. “Let’s get you cut.”

  Luna turned back to her station and waited for him to sit. She grabbed a comb and her scissors.

  She started cutting the top and hoped that he wasn’t going to start the deep talking again. She paid someone good money to help her deal with her life choices.

  “Luna, would you go out with me?”

  Her hands shook and she almost nipped her finger. “I don’t think you want to go out with me.”

  “Oh, I think I do. How about I take you to the fair?”

  “The fair? Is that where you normally take your dates?”

  “I haven’t really dated in a while, but no, in the past I’d usually stick to the dinner and movie routine. Something tells me you might be up for something with a little more fun. I’m thinking rides, funnel cakes, and some rigged carnival games.”

  “Oh yeah, rigged games, those are a blast. But really, you must know something about me if you know Toby.”

  “I do. I know what he told me. But I’d like to get to know you myself. Give me a chance. If you don’t like me; at least you’ll have a little fun.”

  “The answer is ‘yes…’” This came from the other side of her mirror and the voice was distinctly male.

  “Geezus Alton, mind your own business!” Luna couldn’t believe he was listening in, she hadn’t even heard him come into the salon.

  Alton’s head poked around the mirror.

  “He’s hunky, he likes you, and wants to take you for funnel cake. You love funnel cakes!”

  “Stop telling my secrets!”

  “Oh honey, your funnel cake love is not a secret. Just go, and then if you don’t like him you get to bitch Toby and me out later.”

  “Hey!” Ford said with a chuckle.

  “Sorry man, it’s her I’m trying to convince. Luna, go, have some fun,” he pleaded.

  “You know you’re ganging up on me. I don’t respond well to peer pressure.”

  “Then change your viewpoint,” Ford suggested. “No pressure, your choice. You can say yes, or you can say no. Either way I’d respect your decision. But let me see if I can sweeten the deal. If I can’t win you a giant stuffed animal, I’ll take you out to a real dinner. And if I can swing it, I’ll bring you by the fire house and let you try out the siren.”

  “Oh, Lulu, he knows how to flirt. That’s a good deal, take it.”

  “You are a pushover, Al. A few flashing lights and a free meal…” Luna scoffed.

  “What can I say, I’m easy,” Alton said with a shrug.

  “Fine! But only because I wanted to go to the fair anyway and I hate riding the Ferris wheel alone.”

  “Then it’s a date. How about tomorrow night?”

  Before she could even check her calendar, Alton piped up. “I’ll get coverage for you. Go!”

  “Fine, I’d be happy to accompany you to the fair. Wait, I don’t even know your last name?”

  “Ford Jameson,” he said, reaching his hand backwards to shake hers awkwardly.

  “Luna Kind,” she said back. She had taken her family name back and wasn’t really that upset over not being a Borlowski anymore.

  “Well, Luna Kind. Looks like you better make sure I look good for my big date.”

  Luna gave Alton a glare and went back to finishing Ford’s hair. She did do a good job, not that she could ever do anything else, and walked him to the front to pay.

  “I’ll pick you up here?”

  “Sure, that’s fine.” She wasn’t ready for him to invade her home haven. That was hers.

  “Thanks for the cut. I’m sure the guys at the station won’t make fun of me for my helmet head anymore.”

  “You’re welcome. And I’m sorry you have such pushy friends.” She was feeling more insecure now that she had agreed to go out with him. She must have been unconscious and her head had fallen forward when she agreed. It was coerced at the very least.

  “I’m not,” he said with a huge smile. He reached out to shake her hand and when she put her hand in his, she gasped a little at the heat between their palms. Ford gave her hand a tug and pulled her closer to him.

  He kiss her cheek lightly and whispered, “See you tomorrow.”

  Luna watched as he walked out and stood for a moment remember how to breathe.

  “Oh, he’s too pretty!” Larrisa gushed.

  “That is very true!” Luna murmured.

  “That kiss, girl, you got a firecracker there.”

  “He kissed you? Already!?” Alton said way too loudly. He had been snooping in the back and had somehow missed the kiss.

  “It was on the cheek, settle down,” Luna said turning on him.

  “Lulu, don’t get mad. I love you, and I just didn’t want you to pass up a chance at some fun, and maybe something more than fun.”

  “You are putting a lot of hopes into a guy that Toby knows from the gym. He could be a serial killer. Toby would ignore that fact just because he can do squats or bench lift some stupid amount of weight.”

  “Honey, he’s a lawyer, he’s not stupid,” Alton said.

  “Being a lawyer makes him smart about law, not life. This could be terrible. He may realize I’m not his type and abandon me in the tunnel of love or something. Gawd, my therapist would be able to afford a vacation house if that happened.”

  “First, they don’t have tunnels of love anymore. He’d be more likely to leave you while you are waiting in some stupid bathroom line. That’s what I would do.”

  “Good to know,” Luna said walking by him and slapping at his arm.

  She wasn’t really mad at him; it was one of the major flaws of their relationship. She had a very hard time being angry with him because she always knew that his intentions were pure.

  Still, now she had a date to look forward to. A date with a hunky man that smiled at her as though she might just be something he liked.

  At least the fair would have a lot of distractions. Bright lights and games could help if they couldn’t find anything to talk about.

  Chapter 7

  “You guys, I need advice.”

  Luna had gotten home and called for reinforcements. She Skyped with her girls that were online. Her friends Waverly, Elena, and Cambry were all online staring at her with various degrees of shock on their faces.

  “Uh, advice like, jump his bones?” Cambry offered. She was happily in love, and was all for everyone going full throttle towards potential happiness.

  “You shouldn’t get a vote. You’re getting it regular,” Elena sai
d with a snarky tone.

  “Jealous much?”

  “Hells yes, we are jealous. Some of us are still relying on mechanical interventions,” Waverly overshared.

  “I feel like I’m on a soap opera every day. ‘My gay ex-husband’s new boyfriend set me up with his gym buddy.’ What’s next? A convenient coma or amnesia?”

  “Oh, that does sound like a good show,” Elena said while munching on popcorn. Apparently, the best show on tonight was ‘Luna’s Love Life.’

  “He’s so out of my league, girls. He’s tall, like really tall... and muscles, he had muscles everywhere. I swear he had muscles in his hair.”

  “I think you are suffering from a serious set of pity goggles,” Waverly suggested.

  “Pity goggles? Seriously?”

  “You can’t see yourself like others do,” Cambry agreed. “You are beautiful, Luna. This man came in, saw you with his own eyes and still asked you out. Do you think he was blind?”

  “Maybe he couldn’t think of a way to get out of the obligation? I mean I knew why he was showing up, and if he didn’t ask me out after he saw me, which would have been worse, Toby would have sued him for breach of promise or something.”

  “Yeah, I don’t think that’s possible, sweetie,” Elena said around a mouthful of food.

  “What man would go out with a woman whose husband left her because he’s gay? What if he thinks that I knew and still married him because I didn’t think that I had any other options? What if he thinks that Al was so repulsed by me that I turned him gay, OR what if he thinks that I was so bad in bed that Al figured he’d give men a try?”

  Waverly made a growling noise before saying, “Honey, I say this with love and affection. Stop being a fucking idiot. One, he was always gay. You know that’s how it works. If you are bad in bed, a straight guy will cheat on you with another woman. And two, there is no way you repulsed anyone. You are all woman, complete with curves and sexy hair, you might not realize it, but you strut when you walk. These are all very appealing things to a smart man. Ford sounds like a smart man. So shut up, get off the pity pot and take some of that positive reinforcement that years of talking about yourself in therapy should have bought you, and have fun.”