Page 97 of Hollywood

We laughed for a minute. Ghost was just about as antisocial as they came. After so many years in prison, it was hard to say whether it was his nature or an adaptation to his circumstances. He’d been inside alongtime, and that didn’t just fade overnight.

“Knight would be a decent barber though,” I mused as I grabbed my scissors and pulled a section of hair between two fingers.

“Yeah, though his tats might scare off the more uptight clientele,” Joyride said. “You’ve got that clean-cut, good boy look going for you.”

“Tex thinks I should get a tattoo.”

“Does he now?” Joyride smirked. “You guys must be getting serious if he’s suggesting you mark up your body for him.”

I snipped, and strands of brown hair fell to the floor. “Well, it’s not likethat.”

“Uh-huh.”

“He wasn’t asking me to tattoo his name on my ass or anything.”

Joyride laughed, and I had to lift the scissors away.

“NoProperty of Textramp stamp? I’m disappointed.”

“Shut up,” I said, though my voice sounded far too happy.

“Oh my god. You’d totally get that tat for him, wouldn’t you? Damn, Holly. Where’s your dignity?”

I laughed. “I’ve got sharp scissors in my hand. Don’t make me get violent with you.”

“Sorry, sorry. I’ll be good.”

I trimmed quietly for a few minutes, focused on getting his layers even.

Joyride shifted in the chair. “I think it’s great, actually.”

“Hmm?”

“You and Tex.”

“Oh.” I sighed. “It’s pretty great. I just wish…”

“What?”

“Nothing. Never mind.”

“Come on, Hollywood. You were there for my total meltdown last week. We’re friends. I know you see me as a little brother or something, but you can talk to me too.”

“I know. It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you. It’s…just not easy to put into words. Tex is great. So great. The sex is like…wow.”

“I bet he’s a beast in the sack,” Joyride said with a grin. “Does he get all toppy and pin you down? Because that sounds?—”

“We’re not going there,” I said quickly.

He laughed. “Fine. What is the problem?”

“There’s no problem, exactly. When we’re together, everything feels right, you know? He’s great with Ruby. He’s patient and thoughtful. He’s sweet and sexy. He cares. When he’s in front of me, I know it.”

“And when he’s not in front of you?”

“He’s still not out, and I don’t know if or when he’ll ever be. He’s not ready to tell people. I’m okay with that. Really, I am. But we haven’t really talked about what this relationship is. Like, he’s here to help me with Ruby, and he’s promised mehe’s not going anywhere. I believe that. But what about when Carrie recovers? Will he decide I don’t need him anymore and just…”

I set the scissors down and combed through his hair, getting the loose strands out and checking the lengths to ensure everything was even.