"we fell in love the way you fall in leaves."
Juwan "Rocky" Rockwell has had a pretty hard life. Between trying to find a way to fend for himself and dealing with the normal hardships of teenage angst, he had nowhere to turn as an adolescent and no...
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"love letters"
"You like it?" I asked with a smile. "Uh-huh. Thanks again, Ms. Quinn!" Val cheered while hugging me. "You know it's always a pleasure, sweetheart. Come back whenever you want," I grinned broadly, squeezing her tightly before lowering the chair she sat in.
"My big brother is picking me up today," she informed me with a big smile. "Oh, really? I didn't know you had a big brother," I returned her enthusiasm. "Yeah! He's basically a grown up now, but he's the best big brother ever," she nodded. "Well, I can't wait to meet him," I grinned, taking her hand as she stood and leading her toward the lobby area of the salon.
Sitting a couple seats over from a woman who got her hair done regularly by Shanice was Romeo. My smile shrunk substantially as Val released my hand and ran right up to him.
"Romeo!" she cheered, being caught in his arms just as he rose from his seat. "What's up, Val? Your hair looks amazing," he complimented with a bright and genuine smile. "Quinn did it!" she pointed right at me.
His piercing eyes found mine in an instant, his smile widening the slightest while his eyes shined. "Oh, well, Quinn, you did an amazing job," he gave me a simple nod. "Thanks," I gave a cordial smile while his dark orbs lowered toward my physique.
Usually, I'd feel a bit self-conscious especially under the naturally intense gaze that Romeo possessed; however, I couldn't help but smirk the slightest bit.
He was looking at what he missed out on, and I couldn't help but feel more than satisfied.
"Well, Val. I'll see you in the next year. Right?" I asked her. "Definitely!" she nodded with a broad smile. "Alright! My girl!" I held my hand up for a high-five. She gladly gave me a high-five, making me laugh a bit.
"Have a good Christmas. Okay? Be good," I pointed a stern finger at her with a raised eyebrow. "I'm always good," she assured me. "Keep it that way," I instructed, earning a nod from her in return. "Okay. Take care, Val. . . You too, Romeo," I added.
"Thanks. You too," Romeo licked his lips at me, his eyes still wandering. I was slow to turn around, knowing that he'd be trying to watch me as I strutted back to my chair although his sister would be yanking him toward the door.
I couldn't help but shake my head and roll my eyes at the thought of him in general. How did such a sweet girl end up with such a jerk of a brother? I hope she never has to waste her time or energy on someone like that— someone who is inconsiderate of another and still tries to pursue them even after that person dusts their hands free of the situation.
Ugh, thinking of such a garbage experience had me missing Juwan. I was ready to snuggle up to him and leave lazy kisses upon his skin until I dozed off. It was the Friday before Christmas, and I was relatively excited. If we're being real, I was excited as hell. It was my first real Christmas away from home. It was the first Christmas I was spending in New York. It was the first holiday season I was spending with a man that I was in love with. The thought of such freedom was empowering, and I was ready to take full advantage.
