by Liwen Y. Ho
What was her type? Physically, it was everything her ex was—tall and rugged. Richard could command the attention of a whole room as soon as he stepped inside. His personality was just as large, which explained why he was contemplating a career in politics and could handle being in the spotlight. These were the things that had drawn Bria to him when he approached her after a study group session. He’d asked her out on the spot and wouldn’t take no for an answer. That’s how she’d found herself doing things she never dreamed of doing as a Christian. And boy, did her choices have consequences. Even a decade later, she still couldn’t escape Richard’s grasp.
Even before the thought fully crossed her mind, Bria’s phone buzzed again in her back pocket. It was Richard; it had to be. He wouldn’t accept the fact that she didn’t want to hear from him, much less date him again. Time and distance had taught her what she hadn’t known back in college: No man could take God’s place in her heart. If her ex had a relationship with God, he would understand her reasons for turning him down. Unfortunately, faith was the last thing on his mind.
She finished up with her client and walked her to the register. They chatted for a few minutes and set up another appointment before parting ways.
When Bria turned to tell Brandon it was his turn, she found Seth with him on the couch. Brandon held her son’s paperback, the book flipped over as he perused the back cover. She watched their interaction in amazement. Seth had his mouth open and actual words were coming out so loudly and clearly, she heard them ten feet away. Brandon said something that made her son smile. The way they were chatting and making eye contact did something to her. She’d never seen her son so at ease, so himself, outside of their home. It was a shocking yet beautiful sight to see.
Brandon looked up, and their eyes locked. “Is it my turn?”
She struggled to swallow past the lump in her throat. “Yeah, whenever you’re ready. If you two want to chat some more, I can wait.”
“We’re done for now, Mom,” Seth answered for them both as he jumped to his feet.
Brandon handed the book back to Seth and patted his back. “Thanks for showing me your book, buddy. I forgot how much I used to like reading fantasy.”
“No problem.” Seth shot Bria a serious look as he passed her. “Use the clippers on Mr. Brandon, okay, Mom?”
“Uh, sure, bud,” she called out to his back. She turned to Brandon and cocked her head. “What was that about? Can you believe he’s giving me haircutting advice?”
Brandon chuckled. “He’s a smart kid.”
“That he is.” She motioned for him to follow her to a chair. After he sat down, she covered him with a black cape and secured the button at the back of his neck. “He reads three to four books a day. For fun,” she emphasized with a smirk. “I don’t think I’ve read a book for pleasure since … ever?”
“Didn’t you read Romeo and Juliet? We had to write a paper on it for English Lit.”
“That was not by choice.” She laughed. “I’d never read such a depressing story unless I had to. I don’t know how anyone can call that book a romance.”
“Oh, but it’s not. It actually starts out as more of a comedy then turns into a tragedy. People think Shakespeare was trying a different take on tragedy when he wrote it.”
Bria rolled her eyes. “It’s all Greek to me. And to think I majored in English. This explains why I flunked out of college. That, and the life choices I made.” She cringed, not wanting to rehash her mistakes. “It’s all in the past though.”
Brandon met her gaze in the mirror. “We learn the most from our mistakes, don’t you think?”
“You can say that again.” She was still learning from hers but wishing she didn’t have to. Eager to change the subject, she asked, “So, what style would you like today? Just a trim or shorter all over?”
“Whatever you think will look good. I trust your expertise.”
She grinned. “I see you’re feeling brave.”
“Actually, I am.”
His tone seemed to reflect more than he was saying. He was like Seth in this way, always holding his cards close. But there was a telltale sparkle in his eyes. When they lit up, they were a surprising hue, a vivid blue like a cloudless summer day. Her stomach dropped as she got lost in them for a moment. Did he always have such gorgeous eyes? Swallowing her surprise, she forced herself to focus on her job. Studying his reflection in the mirror, she considered the best style for his face shape and hair texture. “Let’s go short. I think it’ll be good for this heat wave we’re having.”
He nodded. “Sounds good.”
She set to work combing his hair straight. Using a comb in one hand, she grabbed small sections of hair and cut the ends with an electric clipper in her other hand. Buzzing filled the air, breaking through the peace and quiet of the salon.
After Bria had finished the back of Brandon’s head, she leaned close to his side as she cut around his ear. It was only then that she noticed how bright red his face had become. She gasped and took a step back. “Are you okay? Is the cape too hot?”
“N-no, it’s—I’m fine,” he stammered, his complexion darkening even more. Now, the tips of his ears matched his face as well. “I-I’m just not used to having someone so close to me.”
“Oh!” She noticed beads of sweat dripping down the sides of his face. She grabbed the hair dryer and turned it to the cool setting before aiming it at Brandon’s head and neck. “Does this help?”
He nodded, relief softening his features. After about thirty seconds, his face returned to its normal color.
Bria turned off the dryer and set it down. She snuck a peek at Brandon who had his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling at an even pace. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she rubbed it gently. “Are you sure you’re okay, Brandon?”
His eyes opened. “I’m fine, really. Sorry about that. I just get nervous sometimes. Especially with people I don’t know or haven’t seen in a while.”
“It’s okay.” She gave him a sympathetic smile. “You don’t have to explain yourself.”
“It’s nothing personal to do with you, I mean, not exactly.” He frowned. “I just get in my head and caught up in what other people are thinking. Socializing’s not my strong suit. You know me, always the introvert.”
“I think I understand.” She tried to put herself in his shoes. “It sounds like what I went through when I moved back home and started going to church again. It was like everyone and their neighbor was watching and judging me. That was the one time I wished I could keep my head down, tune out the world, and disappear into a hole. Except in your case, I guess you feel like that most of the time, but on a smaller scale?”
“You could say that. That’s why I love being an author. I don’t have to interact with people in person, at least not on a regular basis. I get to disappear in my books in the comfort of my home.”
Bria smirked. “That sounds exactly like someone I know.”
Brandon glanced over at Seth. “Yeah, I think we get each other.”
“No wonder he took to you so quickly.” She sighed. “I’m glad someone understands him. I have a hard time knowing what he’s thinking most of the time. Or maybe he’s not thinking much at all. I really have no idea.”
“No, I bet he thinks a lot. It just takes him longer than other people to process things. Sometimes even longer to say them. But he’ll open up when he’s ready.”
Bria took in Brandon’s bashful smile in the mirror. She found herself wondering if he was not only talking about her son. What things did he hold onto inside? And how did she factor into them?
Chapter Nine
Brandon
Brandon closed his eyes, savoring the feel of Bria’s hands running through his hair. He focused on taking deep, slow breaths and not on her skilled fingers as she smoothed his hair to the side and applied some gel. He’d already embarrassed himself enough a few minutes ago when he’d turned into a living, breathing tomato. It took everything in him now to not reac
t to her touch.
It wasn’t just his social anxiety that had him blushing and sweating earlier. It was a fundamentally male thing, the way a man reacts to a woman he’s interested in. Which explained why his body went crazy when Bria’s warm breath caressed his earlobe as she leaned in. And now he was more than a little anxious to know what she thought of him.
Was she treating him so nicely because he’d helped her son out? Did she only think of him as a friend? More importantly, was Seth’s father in the picture? He still had so many questions and no courage to ask them. This was one problem he had to remedy.
With his eyes still shut, he said a quick prayer for boldness. If God could make a donkey in the Old Testament talk, He could certainly help him form some words, couldn’t He?
Brandon opened his eyes in time to receive the mirror Bria handed him. “Are you done?”
“Yep, you’re good to go.” She spun his chair in a one-eighty. “Take a look, and let me know what you think. It’s probably a little shorter than you’re used to, but I think it suits you.”
He gazed at his reflection in the hand mirror, taking in his new haircut. The new style, which was cut closely to his head on the sides and back, gave him a tougher, more masculine appearance. Maybe it could help him be tougher on the inside, too. “I like it. I like it a lot. Thanks, Bria.”
“You’re very welcome.” She removed the cape from his body and shook it out, letting the excess hair fall to the ground. “Let’s get you cleaned up. I hate when there’s bits and pieces of hair stuck on my skin. It drives me nuts.”
Brandon held his breath as she leaned close to dust off his face and neck with a large fluffy brush. The last scent he got was a whiff of her sweet, floral perfume, which made his body go nuts again. He felt his cheeks flush and quickly shut his eyes in embarrassment. Why, oh why, did he act like a teenager around her? He was a grown man, for crying out loud.
“Brandon, it’s me. The girl you used to watch chick flicks with every Sunday night when we were supposed to be studying? We were pretty good friends once upon a time. There’s no need to feel nervous around me.”
He opened his eyes to find Bria with a wistful smile on her face. Her soothing words, along with her lighthearted tone, made his worries fade. It was like old times again, just the two of them enjoying each other’s company. “I know. Thanks for reminding me. I guess I’m just out of practice. I haven’t hung out with anyone of the opposite sex for a long time. Not that I don’t talk to women, I do. Almost all the authors I collaborate with online are female. But in person, it’s just me and my brothers.”
“You don’t date?”
He lowered his gaze, not wanting to meet her eyes. “Not really. I tried online dating a few years ago, but it never went further than a few messages back and forth. And since I work from home, there aren’t many opportunities for me to meet people. Not that I would know how to strike up a conversation if I did meet someone. Talking to women isn’t my forte.”
She was in the middle of putting some supplies away but stopped when he answered. “But you write about women and relationships like you’re so familiar with them. Amy let me borrow your latest book. I’ve been reading a few chapters each night, and I’ve gotta say I’m enjoying it. That’s saying a lot for someone who doesn’t normally read romance.”
“Thanks.” He nodded in gratitude. “That means a lot coming from you.”
“So, you don’t date. Have you ever been in a relationship?”
Cringing, he shook his head.
Bria blinked in surprise. “Wow. Not that there’s anything wrong with being single. But—” she paused “—where do you get your inspiration from? How do you write about love if you’ve never been in love?”
That was a loaded question. “I have a good imagination?” He shrugged, not knowing how else to explain it without revealing more than he wanted to.
“But you’ve kissed a girl before, right? Because if you haven’t, then you’re really good at imagining things. The kiss in your book, that first one the characters shared, was out of this world. I’ve been kissed quite a few times, but never like that.”
Brandon swallowed hard. This conversation was becoming more awkward by the second. Trying to stall for time, he rubbed the back of his neck. “I have … once.”
“Only once?”
“It was quite m-memorable.” His mouth had grown so dry, he was having trouble talking. Could it be that she didn’t remember their kiss? “For me, at least.”
She studied him for a moment, her expression blank. Suddenly, her brows shot up. Her mouth formed a small circle as understanding registered in her eyes. “You don’t mean—” she lowered her voice “—you and me? Our kiss?”
“Y-yes.”
“Oh.”
This wasn’t the reaction Brandon expected. The regret in Bria’s voice cut through his heart like a knife. The kiss obviously hadn’t meant the same to her as it had to him. He hopped down from the chair and reached for his wallet. The sooner he could escape this embarrassing situation, the better. He held out a twenty-dollar bill to her. “Thanks again for cutting my hair. How much do I owe you?”
Bria waved his money away. “Don’t worry about it. It’s on the house. Call it the old friend discount.”
Brandon winced. A pity discount was more like it. He was sure she was trying to ease her conscience with this generous act. “Well, thanks for that. I’ll be sure to leave a tip.” He pointed to the tip jar sitting near the cash register. “I better get going. Let me say bye to Seth.”
He felt her eyes on him as he walked over to where Seth sat. He placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder to get his attention. “Hey, buddy, you were right. Your mom did an awesome job,” he remarked in a lighthearted tone. His heart, however, sank heavy in his chest. Brandon tried his best to focus on Seth’s bright smile. Despite how the day was turning out, he was grateful to have met Bria’s son. “What do you think of my haircut?”
Seth cocked his head to one side then to the other. He nodded in satisfaction. “It’s good. I like it.”
They both looked at the front door as someone walked in.
A delivery man in a tan uniform greeted Bria and set a large vase on the counter. In the vase sat a bright bouquet of six sunflowers wrapped in silver paper and tied with a large bow. “Are you Bria Montgomery?”
“Yes, that’s me. What is this?”
“It’s a special delivery for you. There’s a card attached,” he added before exiting the salon.
Brandon watched with curiosity as Bria reached inside the bouquet and took out a small envelope. The hesitation with which she removed the card inside worried him. She didn’t seem at all happy to be receiving such a gift. He gave Seth a small smile as he gestured toward Bria. “I’ll go see if your mom needs help.”
Seth nodded readily, his blue eyes dark with concern.
Brandon reached Bria’s side just in time to see the card drop to the floor. He picked it up and set it on the counter. “Is everything okay?”
Bria glanced over her shoulder to where Seth was before replying, “Fine. Everything’s fine.”
“Are you sure?” Brandon hated to pry, but nothing about this situation seemed fine. When did a woman not appreciate getting flowers? A lightbulb went on in his head. His author brain began whirring with all the possibilities. Was this gift from a secret admirer? Or a former flame? “You don’t seem happy about the flowers.”
She gave him a long and hard look as if she were debating whether to confide in him. After some thought, she turned toward him so that her back faced Seth. In a hushed voice, she remarked, “I’m not. But I can’t talk about it now.”
“I see. Do you, uh, maybe want to talk later?” Brandon asked, surprising himself with his boldness. The last thing he’d wanted a few minutes earlier was to stay in Bria’s presence and embarrass himself further, but it looked like she could really use a friend. If that’s what she needed, that’s what he’d be for her. “I mean, if you want to
.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.” She paused then asked, “Actually, do you mind following us home? We live a few miles away. It’ll just take me a few minutes to close up here.”
“Oh, sure, that’s no problem. I don’t have any place to be.”
“Thanks, Brandon. I’ll explain later. I just want to get Seth home.”
And that’s how Brandon found himself unexpectedly at Bria’s apartment that afternoon. He’d soon learn it was only the beginning of many more surprising things to come.
Chapter Ten
Bria
Bria’s hands trembled as she fished in her purse for her apartment key. Beside her, Brandon and Seth waited patiently. Her son wasn’t aware of the adrenaline coursing through her veins; however, she suspected Brandon knew something was up with the way his eyes kept flitting around the dim hallway. He’d picked up on her fear back at the salon, and for that, she was grateful. Today was the last day she wanted to be alone. Even if Brandon wasn’t cut out physically to be a bodyguard, she still felt better with him around. She needed all the help she could get now that Richard had raised the stakes.
She finally found her key and opened the front door. She pushed her way through and flipped on the lights. The small one-bedroom was far from roomy or fancy, but it was all she could afford. Housing prices were sky-high in Silicon Valley, and even with the child support she received each month, she was still scraping by.
“Come on in,” she urged Brandon. “Sorry for the mess. I wasn’t expecting company.”
Brandon followed them inside. “No worries.”
“Hey, buddy, would you clear some space on the couch for Brandon? Why don’t you show him the books you got from the library.”
“Okay.” Seth motioned to Brandon. “Come on, Mr. B. Wait till you see the next book in the series I’m reading.”
