Layers(82)

“Here you go, ladies, two goat cheese salads and two sparkling waters.”

“Thank you,” we both say to the cheerful waitress.

“So Hales, how was it?” Tasha asks, and she doesn’t need to elaborate that she’s asking about my weekend. We don’t need too many words between us to communicate.

“Sorry to disturb, ladies. Is this seat taken? Can I have your extra chair?” asks a sassy-looking redhead, interrupting us.

“No, you can take it,” I reply to her oversized sunglasses.

“Thank you.” We both nod curtly and continue with our conversation, now in lower voices.

“It was amazing, Tash, we had such a good time. We’ve connected on so many levels.” I tell her about our surfing experience and what came right after.

“Wow, he actually sang to you?”

“Well he kind of murmured the words. If it had been anybody else I would have thought it was lame or that he was trying too hard. I probably would have needed a sick bag, but it wasn’t like that with him. On the contrary. He just has this something about him.” A smirk blossoms on my lips thinking about that evening and my heart makes half a somersault.

“Frankly Hales, it’s still kind of hard to believe that out of the three of us you’re the one in a serious relationship. And, with no less than the Daniel Stark, ah?” She presses her lips into a foolish smile, and I nod in joyful confirmation.

“Yep.” I say, popping the p.

“So, what is it about him besides being a total babe that made my best friend fall so deep and so fast?” Tasha takes another forkful of her salad.

“There are so many different layers to him; he never ceases to amaze me.” I say, sighing with content. I take a sip of my water.

She pats a napkin to her lips, “and?”

“Well for one, we both know how domineering and impulsive he can be.”

We trade knowing stares and snicker in stereo.

“Intimidating Mr. Stark,” Tasha rolls her eyes and I counter with a side smile.

“But on the other hand, he has all those sensitive sides to him and the combination of them all just blows me away.” I muse for a short second, fixated on my bubbling water.

“You know, Tash, he had quite a traumatic childhood,” I say and add, “Can you imagine, his father walking out on him when he was just seven, leaving him and his mom with no more than a penny to live off.” A shiver runs through me and makes me hurt all over deep inside, thinking about him that way again.

“Not to mention dealing with his mother’s almost fatal disease when he should have been enjoying life and playing with other kids his age.”

“That is so awful, but look what he eventually became despite all of it,” Tasha says with an air of respect.

I take another sip of my water and a bite of the salad. “I’m not sure, but I think that one of his scars has something to do with his dad.”

“Are you implying he was violent?” she asks, tentatively.

“His reaction when I asked him how he got it was very similar to how he acted the first time I asked about his father.” I hope I’m not right but somehow I have a pretty good hunch where that story might lead.

“You’ve got to hand it to him, though, being so together and successful as he is, given his background,” Tasha says approvingly. I couldn’t agree more. “During those years that his mother was undergoing treatments he was passed between different homes. Some friends, some family. Imagine all that lack of stability for a young child.”

Tasha nods, pensive. “Do you think any of that affected, you know, his lifestyle before you came into the picture?” I assess her words, forking another bite of my salad into my mouth, distracted by the redhead beside us asking the waitress for another coffee. I take the chance and order a soda.

“I actually do believe that all these expensive call girls he used to see had to do with his past, but it’s also due to his current success, altogether a giant mess.” I sigh, repulsed by the thought. This would never be easy to get over.

“But I’m so in love with him, every bit. I know it’s too soon, but I feel as if I really know him and I adore every part of what I’ve gotten to know: the good and the bad.”

“I’m so happy for you, Hales. I could not be happier.” She squeezes my arm.

“Here you go.” The waitress hands me my cold drink.

“So how long are you visiting your parents?” Tasha asks.

“Saturday till Monday.”

“I’m going to ask Ian to stay with me while you’re away.”

I smile, knowing Ian will immediately agree. “Just don’t let our gorgeous man-whore bring anyone to my bed.”

She laughs and places her hand on her heart in oath.

“Talking about our lovely hormonal teen, he’s going to be called in today for the interview.”

“Did I mention jealousy before?” Tasha says, absurdly sullen.




“Lamo …” Tasha wrinkles her pointy nose.

“What’s up, Hales? Am I boring you? Why are you peeping at your watch every other second?”

“It is just that I don’t have much time and all this Daniel talk makes me want to drop by and say hi.”

“So ‘Drop by and say hi’, is what we call it these days, huh?” She backhands playfully.