I close my mother’s journal and put it back on the nightstand. That’s enough reading for today. Right on cue, my cell phone rings. My heart jumps in hopes that it’s Dorian but the caller ID indicates it’s Morgan.
“Hey, Bitch, what are you doing?”
“Homework,” I lie. “What about you?”
“Leaving work. So listen, I got these tickets for an exclusive salon opening tomorrow night. I want you to come with,” she says. I can hear her climbing into her candy apple red Mustang and revving it to life. The racy sounds of Rihanna blast through the sound system, causing me to hold the phone away from my ear until she’s turned it down.
“I don’t know, Morgan. You know that’s not really my scene,” I say apprehensively. Usually these things are full of schmoozing and boozing. I’m not one to turn down free drinks and food but I’m just not in the mood to deal with the fake and phony.
“Aw, come on, Gabs! I got the tickets from a really sweet client of mine and it will be a really great networking opportunity for me, being that I’ll be a licensed beautician in less than a month! She told me the salon will be amazing. And she’d even hook me up with an introduction!” she squeals. She really does sound excited.
“I thought you were staying at Posh once you got your license? They offered you a chair and everything, right?” Morgan is only officially a shampoo girl there since she’s still unlicensed, but the owner has been nice enough to let her actually cut and style to get some experience. Morgan already has quite a client base and it’d be stupid to leave.
“I know, and that’s still the plan. But I want to see what’s out there. This new salon only caters to the big spenders and VIPs. Even the grand opening is invite-only. My client is close with the owner and gave me tickets. She said she really thinks I have the talent to land a position there. This is the type of opportunity that veteran stylists dream about. Working in a place like that would really contribute to my future goals. Please Gabs! Pretty please!” Oh God, Morgan and her spoiled princess ways. But I love her and can never say no.
“Ok, ok. What time?” I ask, exasperated. If I don’t say yes now, I’ll have to endure an hour of her begging and whining.
“Great! I’ll pick you up at 8! And please, Gabs, wear something hot. I would dress you myself but I have to work. Love ya, babe!” And with that, she hangs up. That’s Morgan for you. Quick and to the point.
It then dawns on me that I’ve already made plans with Dorian for tomorrow. Shit! If I cancel on Morgan, she’ll be pissed, plus it is a good opportunity for her. I quickly text Dorian.
To Dorian, 9:04 P.M.
-What time did you want to meet tomorrow?
Oh, please say early in the day. I really don’t want to cancel our date. It’s the only thing I’ve been looking forward to all week!
Ding! Ding!
-Noon ok for you?
Whew, disaster averted.
-Noon is perfect :)
Damn me and those emoticons. But something about Dorian just makes me feel so flighty and giggly, I can’t help it. He’s so unexpected but oddly right on time. With all the crazy twists and turns my life has taken over the past week, he is a welcomed distraction. Hard to believe I only met him seven days ago. The chemistry we share is uncanny, unlike anything I’ve ever had with anyone else. Sure, there have been guys before. Even a couple guys I thought I could really like. But none of them measured up to Jared so they were more of a consolation prize. But now there’s Dorian. And frankly, there’s no comparison.
Dorian is an enigma that I want to decipher. I want to get to know him but I relish the mystery. I like the excitement of not knowing everything about him, and I want to take that journey of discovery. I want to know his likes, his dislikes. I want to know his fantasies. I want to be his fantasy. And as improbable as that may be, I’m willing to take the risk in trying. Why? Because I have nothing else to lose. I could be struck down by the Dark tomorrow and the last thing I want to die with is regrets. And if I do survive the next year, I’ll be 21 forever. Time to start living for today.
I flick off my light and try to drift off to sleep, excited to meet the daylight and see Dorian again. Friday can’t come soon enough.
Chapter Nine
It’s too early when I wake up but I don’t mind at all as I leap out of bed. Today is going to be a good day, I can feel it. The sun is shining brightly, impervious by the threat of rain clouds. I stretch my limbs and head to the kitchen for breakfast. I’m not surprised at all when I see my mom there whipping up some oatmeal and my ritual smoothie.