Page 35 of Full Strength

“I am. Well, I’m trying.”

“Good. She’s at work today.”

I sighed, relieved I finally had an answer. Emma had been giving me the third-degree for almost five minutes.

“You could take her lunch. I know she normally works through her shift, but I’m sure she’d appreciate that.”

“That’s a good idea. Thanks.”

“Good luck, Grant. I’m sure I’ll hear how it goes later.”

I chuckled. “I know you will.”

It was only ten, and I’d just got home from practice so I had plenty of time to shower before ordering lunch. I took my time, even trimming my beard, as I got ready. Noah and Emma’s optimism rubbed off on me. I never replied to the text, since I wanted to talk to her in person, but I worried she’d be angry or hurt that I hadn’t. It was too late now to change my mind. Once I was dressed and had taken care of the few emails my assistant had sent to me, I called her favorite cafe and ordered sandwiches and salads for both of us. I was hoping she’d let me stay and eat with her. A makeup for the date we never had.

On my way out the door I checked my phone but got no warning next from Emma. I hoped everything was good to go.

I picked up our lunch then headed to the other side of the city to the salon. I’d never been there but she talked about it enough for me to know exactly where it was. I found parking across the street and looked through the tall windows for a glimpse of her. I didn’t see her, but I did notice a middle-aged man hanging around the corner of the building. He alternated between peering through the window and looking down the alley to the back of the salon. I waited, watching him until he finally walked to the front doors and went inside.

Maybe he was nervous, or unsure he had the right place. I was sure there was a reasonable explanation but something about him put me on alert.

Once there was a break in traffic I jumped out of my car and hurried across the street. I opened the doors and stepped inside, right behind the man.

“The flowers are beautiful. Where’d they come from?” He asked the tall, thin man standing behind the desk.

He shrugged while typing, not paying much attention. “They were sent anonymously.”

“Didn’t the person receiving them want to take them home?”

“No, she wanted to share them with everyone.” He finally looked up from his computer and met my eye. “Oh hello. Who do we have here?”

He stepped out from the desk and stood in front of me, blatantly sizing me up.

“I’m Grant, I’m here to see Addison.”

The strange man spun around and narrowed his eyes. I ignored him and focused on the employee.

“How nice. I’ll go grab her.” He turned and finally addressed the other man. “Sorry Steve, we’re booked out today.”

The man, Steve, nodded with a frown. “I’ll come in next week.” He hurried out like he was being chased.

I watched him until he was out of sight. “That guy seems a little off.”

The employee nodded. “He is. He has an appointment every other week, but sometimes he comes in between them. Sometime multiple times a week. He’s nice enough, but he just doesn’t understand we rarely have time available for walk-ins.” He eyed my hair. “But we can squeeze you in.”

I ran my hand through my hair, suddenly self-conscious. “I’m okay.”

He raised his eyebrows but said nothing more about it. “Addi’s back here.” He waved for me to follow him as he led me to the very back of the salon. He pushed open a door to reveal Addison sitting at a desk, hunched over a pile of papers. She looked up with a smile that disappeared when she saw me. “Grant?”

Was I paranoid or did she sound panicked?

“Hi Addi.”

She glanced between me and the other man. “Thanks for showing him back, Ronny.” She shot him a pointed look but he didn’t move. “You can go now.”

He smirked and turned to me. “Be patient with her, Grant. She’s stubborn but worth it if you can break down her walls.”

I chuckled. “I will.”