Page 63 of Slashes in the Snow
“Kira?” I hear Ky’s voice next to me. When I take my hands away from my face, I find him on one knee beside me.
“I’m fine.” I suck it up. I have so many mixed emotions when I look at him. So much I want to say. So much I want to scream.
I take a few deep breaths and calm myself. Wiping my face, I send him away. “I’m okay. Go sit down.” I then look at Dahlia. “Let’s do this.”
Dahlia puts on her bravest expression for me.
“Let’s do this. You have a gorgeous face. I know exactly the cut that will look fabulous on you.”
I may have only met Dahlia fifteen minutes ago, but I decide I like her. She’s genuine, and I can really use some of that in my life right now.
I close my eyes as Dahlia snips away, shaping and evening what’s left of my hair.
When she turns the blow dryer on and I feel the warm air against my bare neck, I open my eyes. What I see is a little shocking, but I’ve learned to judge a haircut once it’s completely finished.
I watch Dahlia brush and blow dry my hair simultaneously. She smooths it out until it’s pin straight and the blonde is shiny and dry.
“All finished.” She steps aside, confident in her work. I gaze at myself in the mirror. The bob haircut is actually beautiful, even if it’s a style I never considered before. The front is a tad longer than the back, but it all still moves in a light and airy way.
I look over at Ky meekly. “What do you think?”
“Actually.” He stands and strides over to us. “I love it. It’s sexy.” He touches the end of one strand.
“I agree,” Dahlia adds. “It’s beautiful and edgy and enhances the features of your face.”
“Thank you.” It’s nice to hear a compliment.
“Anytime.” She really is so sweet. A young, hot brunette who rocks leather is definitely not what I was expecting when Ky’s friend called her an “ol’ lady.”
“What do I owe you?” Ky goes to grab his wallet.
“Not a thing,” Dahlia stops him.
“C’mon,” he pushes.
“Nope. Just take care of this one.” She taps her curled finger under my chin.
“That goes without saying.”
I steam a little from his response. I hold back my irritation, saving it for later. He may be trying to make things right, but he’s not just going to waltz right back into my life like yesterday never happened.
Fuck. No.
Ky places a twenty on Dahlia’s station. “No arguments.”
She stops while she’s ahead.
“Kira, maybe our paths will cross again soon.” She sounds hopeful.
“I’d like that.” I slip out of the chair feeling, surprisingly, world’s better. I can now blend back into society without weird looks or insecurity.
Ky slides his arms around me protectively, and we walk back out into the sunshine.
“You good, Snow?” Ky drags his hand up to the back of my neck and leans in for a kiss, but I jerk away.
Ky isn’t keen on that response. “Okay, I get it.” His voice is even, but his expression is cross. “We’ll get back to where we were. Even better than we were before.”
I’m glad he’s so confident, because I have serious doubts.
