Page 165 of The Forever Vault

“On your head. Your long, blond hair on top of your head.”

“Yeah, why? Oh shit, bro, I thought that was a dream. Did we shave your head? Do you have your hair? How bald are you?”

“I’m not bald. It’s only buzzed, thank God.”

“I guess you went first and somebody must’ve stopped me.”

“I stopped you,” I heard Declan say.

“Why didn’t you stop me?” Luke asked.

“I was still getting a shave when y’all started that shit. I got there in time for my babe, not you, man. Sorry.”

“Does Cam like it?” Ty asked.

When Luke looked at me, I nodded and smiled. “It’s different, but I like it.” I whispered, “Wondering what it will feel like on my balls.”

“Gotta go, Ty. Glad you’re still Goldilocks. See you at the rehearsal dinner.” Luke hung up. “You really like it?”

“I do. It’s like I’m dating a completely new man.”

“It’s like you’re engaged to a completely new man,” Luke corrected.

I heard my ringtone, but didn’t answer in time. I had six texts, five of which were from Erika.

“Everything okay?” Luke asked.

“Fuck, we need to shower so, so fast. Austin’s match starts in forty minutes.”

“How far away is it?”

“I don’t know, but I can’t go with dried cum in my hair, can I?”

Luke didn’t answer, but smiled and dashed into the bathroom.

* * *

The next morning was a little more peaceful. The absence of Luke’s curls had been a humorous diversion at Austin’s matches in the afternoon, especially when Ezra said he would’ve teased Luke about his other curly hairs still being there, but he knew he trimmed. The joke made the usually quiet Miles cry from laughter. Later in the evening, his new hairstyle was a solid reminder for attendees to remain relatively sober at the rehearsal dinner. At least, those that knew Luke. The wedding was massive, but the rehearsal dinner was somehow under thirty people.

We had a quiet breakfast together at the café on the corner with my mother. Despite an invitation to the wedding, she wasn’t going. Once she said it felt a little out of her league, I didn’t pressure her. Despite being in northern California, I had seen the venue and it definitely had a Hollywood feel to it. My mom was more comfortable in intimate gatherings than the kind of thing I knew had been planned.

We talked about Austin and how amazing - and confusing - it was to watch him wrestle, and she agreed with me that Luke’s new haircut was flattering.

“It allows people to see more of that beautiful face.”

“Thank you, Heather.”

“I’ll admit, though, I didn’t recognize you at first. I wondered where my son keeps finding all these attractive men.”

“All these attractive men?” Luke repeated. “What other men have you been bringing to her?”

“I don’t know what she’s talking about. Honest.”

“I didn’t mean anything that specifically. It just seems like there’s always someone new to the group and they’re always handsome. Like Austin’s security guy, Raymond.”

“Remy,” Luke and I both corrected her.

“Yes, him, or even Nia’s boyfriend, or Ezra’s brother. Everyone’s just so darn handsome.”