“Well, you are bright and beautiful, and this will showcase that.” She points at the brightest pink on the chart called Pink Graffiti, then giggles because it’s damn bright. I bet she wouldn’t wear it.
“Can you paint her fingernails and toenails this color, please?” Sara asks the nail artist.
I just laugh. That is way too bright for me, but I’m all about change right now.
We walk out feeling fabulous and fresh. “Time for a quick coffee,” Sara declares as we head to Gloria Jeans.
“Cappuccino, please,” I order, and Sara orders a skim latte. We both get toasted banana bread with butter.
We arrive just in time for our facials and massage. Decorated in a Bali theme, the room has rattan furniture, candles and oils burning, frangipani pictures, and buddhas decorating the walls. We undress and put on their robes, then it’s facial time.
From the cleansing, scrub, and then the facial massage, the oils smell heavenly, and it’s perfect.
Then, oh god, the hot stone massage is to die for. All the stress, tension, and worry have left my body and mind for now. Therapeutic and relaxing. I’m floating as we walk out.
Next is the hair salon. This part has me nervous…
“What are your thoughts, Sienna? Shorter or new color?” Sara questions me, and I honestly have no idea. The idea of “out with the old and in with the new” terrifies and excites me at the same time.
“How about you choose three colors, and I do mixed foils, then trim and blow-dry?” the amazing and gorgeous hair stylist Skye suggests.
I nod. It takes me a good fifteen minutes to take the leap, but I eventually opt for light blond, amber, and a chocolate brown.
Crap, I hope I don’t look weird or something. Total newbie with all this.
One hour and twenty minutes later, I’ve had my hair colored and styled while Sara just had a trim and blow-dry. I smile, like really smile at the result.
Wow, I’m in awe of the reflection in the mirror. My hair looks so sexy; the highlights are perfect, and the way she layered the hair around my face accentuates my features.
“You are a miracle worker, Skye.” I jump from my seat and actually hug the stylist. It’s the exact thing I needed to boost my self-esteem after the turmoil lately. I’m feeling like a new woman.
“I love you hard, Sara. It’s been an amazing day, and your company topped it off,” I tell my cousin as I squeeze her so hard I nearly knock her over.
“Easy, girl. Your grip is a killer, but you are extremely welcome. It was one hundred times worth it just to see you so happy. I miss the fun Sienna, and today, she was back. Smiling suits, you. Keep that grin on your face, cuz,” Sara declares, and I almost cry from happiness.
I call my mom on the way back to Sara’s place and thank her too. Both ladies are a class act.
Crap, I almost forget about my class tonight. Oh, and we are working in pairs. Oh man, I’m with Mr. Rossi. At least I look good. I throw on a tight three-quarter navy-blue dress; it shows off my figure but no cleavage or legs. He’s my teacher, and I’m supposed to be learning. No one ever sees me without foundation, so I take the time to apply makeup. I wish I had flawless skin, but it is so soft from the facial. Sara has gone to Laura’s, so I lock up and drive off.
Mr. Rossi isn’t there yet when I arrive, so I take a seat and get out my book. My nails are so bright I feel like they have a neon flashing sign. I clench my fists to hide them a little. I flick my hair and run my fingers through it, loving that the conditioning treatment has left it feeling like satin.
“Okay, let’s get right into lesson three.” Mr. Rossi catches me by surprise with his entrance.
“Everyone in pairs?” he asks and gives me a thumbs-up, remembering our duo.
“Tonight’s topic is to analyze your market and challenges and focus on the business you chose for your advertising homework,” he announces, and I scribble this down.
I’ve started making a list when I feel his presence near me. He radiates heat, that’s for sure, and god, that aftershave is delectable. Wow.
“Okay Sienna, what have you got for me?” he questions as he looks over my notes.
“Obviously, the market is hungry people, families, couples,” I state, and he nods.
“The challenges might be that other restaurants are cheaper or have more variety, and people aren’t eating out as much. Maybe the easier and quicker fast food restaurants are a better choice for those on the go,” I ramble and then smile when I realize that’s what I was doing.
“Great work. Your mind is ticking away, and you are a natural.” He takes the pen from me, and when our fingers brush, I feel a little zap.
He scribbles down a few more points.
“What kind of business are you in, Sienna?” he questions, looking intrigued.
“Ha-ha, well, you could say I’m between a few. I’m actually a registered nurse, but I have a thirst for knowledge and want to see what else is out there,” I exclaim, probably sounding like a nutcase.
“Jack-of-all-trades, you could say, and that’s inspiring in a way. I, myself, have a few degrees under my belt,” he confesses, and now I’m intrigued.
I really shouldn’t have let Sara pick this damn color. I’m much more of a matte or pastel girl than bright and bold. It is a statement.
We copy down more notes and get our homework. God, I must admit business studies with Mr. Rossi is so easy. Not in the work sense but his company and demeanor.
I didn’t realize how overbearing Mike was until I see how relaxed, cheerful, and humorous this guy can be. Man, he’s easy on the eyes too. As much as I’m trying not to notice, I am a woman.
God, I’m a woman who hasn’t had sex in six months...
Has it been that long?
Shit, I squeeze my knees together as the thought of it gets me hot and bothered. I’ve been so caught up in the drama of dickhead Mike that I’ve overlooked my own needs. Suddenly, I blush as I make plans for a hot bubble bath tonight with a bit of extra steam.
“Well, Miss Owens, you have me intrigued as to where your thoughts have gone,” he declares, and I’m brought back to earth and in class.
Shit a brick.
“Oh, just a funny text a friend sent to me,” I quickly reply to avoid a long and lingering chat about why I’m flushed and smiling like a silly schoolgirl.
“You should forward it to me. I’m always up for a good time,” he whispers, and that catches my attention. A good time? I risk a look at his face.
“A good joke.” He changes his response. I admire his glassed over baby blue eyes because they are a pretty color. I can’t help but wonder if that was a play on words.
Did he mean he’s up for a good time?
No, Sienna, too much baggage, unprofessional, and just no ...
I redirect my attention to my workbook and start the eight new homework questions to keep my brain occupied. Luckily, I’m enjoying this subject, so the answers come easily to me.
Don’t look up again. Don’t look up again, I repeat to myself.
I refuse to embarrass myself, fail class, and allow another male species to hurt me.
“Please hand in your answers tomorrow night,” he explains as everyone stands to exit.
I smirk. Not too much homework for me because I smashed it even though I was distracted for the first half of the lesson.
“Oh, Sienna, here is your pen,” he reminds me. I had a spare, so I didn’t even think about it.
He holds out my silver ballpoint, and as I retrieve it, our fingers touch and zap with sparks of electricity. It startles me, and I see him jump also. We both smile.
“Electrifying,” I swear I hear him whisper.
“See you tomorrow, Sienna,” he says louder and grins at me.
“Bye,” I manage to stutter as my heart races. I race out the door to my car where I turn on the air conditioner and try to cool my flushed cheeks.
“Damn him.” I giggle as I realize how immature I can be. It actually feels
nice to giggle, though.
Mike was so strict, controlling, and precise with everything from dinner to the house, his pristine clothing and even sex.
Fucking hell.
Why did I put up with that? What made me think that was a normal relationship?
As I stretch in bed, feeling amazing from my release in the bath last night, I realize I need to shower and dress for my next appointment with Dr. Collins. Sara has left, so I make a quick coffee and a piece of toast, and I’m ready in record time. Just running a brush through my still blow-dried hair is a godsend.
“Wow, Sienna, you look gorgeous,” she tells me, and I smile. I feel that way too.
“I had a girls’ day with my cousin and got the works and a new hair color,” I declare, giving it a flick like in a hair commercial.
“Fantastic work. You have been paying attention to my advice. Have the nightmares continued?” she asks me.
“No, the past two nights I didn’t have any. I did find myself anxious to leave the house and was always looking over my shoulder, though.” Will that ever go away?
“That is normal. I’ve been meaning to suggest a self-defense class, it will give you self-confidence, increase your strength, and, of course, give you a few pointers on fighting back if you needed to. Not that you would, but I think it would help you to know that you could hurt someone if you wanted to.”
“That sounds perfect. I will visualize Mike when I hit the punching bag,” I say. Because I’d love to lay into him with my fists.
I call the number Dr. Collins gives me, and the only available class is Saturday at four p.m., so I take it.
I refuse to stay the weak shadow of myself. I will gain strength and confidence.
The trainer talks about self-confidence and inner strength, the class is just what I needed.
Punching the bag is so goddamn rewarding. I feel a release as I’m letting off steam and burning away the anger. Anger that simmers isn’t good for anyone.
Over the weekend, I find myself thinking about Ethan. I’m even calling him that in my head instead of Mr. Rossi, and I wonder what he might be up to.
God, he might have a girlfriend for all I know.
During our last class, he finally flirts with me. I feel like others might have noticed, but I don’t care. He is no longer my teacher because school is over and out.
After class is dismissed, I’m the last one left.
“Sienna, you have a minute?” he asks me before I leave.
“Yeah, sure.” I’m intrigued and a little nervous.
“Look, I really shouldn’t spend time with you out of class, but as you are now an ex-student, I feel like I can speak freely. And there is something about your smile that draws me in,” he declares, and I feel my cheeks flush as I bite my bottom lip.
Heat radiates through my chest at his compliment. He is strong, tall, and handsome.
His ocean-colored eyes appear to glisten with lust, creating a fluttering in my core. His scent is fresh and homey mixed with his sexy cologne.
I can’t speak. Literally, words escape me.
When he realizes I’m at a loss for words, he takes over the conversation. “I thought I might try to brighten up our boring week of work with dinner. Are you free tomorrow night, Sienna?” he asks me.
He just asked me out to dinner! Shit, I wasn’t prepared for that. Do I want to go out to dinner with this guy?
God, it’s not like it’s high school. College is completely different.
“Oh, crap. Sorry, I mentally checked out for a minute,” I declare, salvaging my embarrassment. “Yes, I am free tomorrow night,” I reply, realizing my brain hadn’t completely caught up with my voice.
“I was hoping you would say that.” He smirks, and after I write down my number for him, I float to my car. I’m on cloud nine, and I haven’t even had a date yet.
Then I commence to freak out while driving home.
Am I ready to date? It’s so soon. What do I tell him about my ex-husband?
Deep breaths, Sienna, I tell myself. In the words of Doris Day, “que sera sera, whatever will be, will be, the future’s not ours to see, que sera sera.”
SCREW THE PAST, IT’S TIME TO ENJOY LIFE!
“Holy crap, Sara. I’m freaking out,” I announce to my cousin. My nerves about this date with Ethan are getting the better of me.
“Remember to breathe. You look stunning,” she tells me as I quickly run into the bathroom and give my already straight and smooth hair one last brush. I tried to do my makeup light, but then I added a little darker eyeliner and lip liner with a burgundy lipstick for a dressier look.
I do a spin. My new dark skinny jeans, black boots, and burgundy ruffled top make me look pretty damn good, if I say so myself.
One last quick dust of bronzer, lipstick touch-up, and spray of my Robert Cavalli perfume, and then I grab my purse.
“You look fantastic,” she confirms one last time as the doorbell rings.
I let Sara answer it, and they introduce each other.
“Wow, Sienna, you look amazing,” he tells me as his eyes gaze down my body.
“Thanks. You look fabulous too.”
As we head out, I look back at Sara, who nods and gives me a thumbs-up. Oh, I know he’s smoking hot.
Ethan has reservations for us at the Outback Steakhouse
“Everything on this menu sounds amazing,” I say, licking my lips. “I think I’ll get the beef ribs.” My stomach growls a bit; I was too nervous to eat earlier.
“So, what do you do on the weekends, Ethan?” I ask, wanting to know more about him.
“I volunteer at the animal shelter, so I was there today helping out for a few hours,” Ethan says. God, this man is also an animal lover. That always says a lot about a person; hence why Mike never let me get a pet.
“That impresses me. I am an animal lover, and I believe in making a difference for those who feel abandoned or unloved. It’s inspirational,” I tell him as his steel blue eyes stare into mine. My soul feels the connection way down deep.
Dinner is so relaxed, and the conversation flows easily.
“I’m also a champion on Guitar Hero,” he announces, and I laugh.
“Can’t say I’ve heard of that.”
“God, woman, you really haven’t been out much.” He’s got that right.
“I totally have the worst singing voice. I cannot sing,” I reply, laughing.
“Mine isn’t great either. It’s the air guitar,” he insists. He does the guitar and strumming actions, and I seriously laugh out loud. His movements are priceless.
My chest and stomach muscles hurt but in the best possible way.
“I will show you how to play one day. Though I will kick your butt, so I hope you don’t mind losing,” he tells me. It’s so much fun seeing this side of him. After all, all I’ve known is the teacher side.
“I’ve had so much fun tonight. Seriously, I am going to meet with you every week to make me laugh,” I say, really meaning it. Even if we end up friends, he is a keeper.
Whatever happens, it feels right for right now, and that’s all that matters.
At this point in my life, all I really need is affection, sex, and someone to occupy my brain. Or other parts of my anatomy. No sex on the first date, though.
The drive back to Sara’s is a little quiet. I am already wondering if he will kiss me and if I’m ready for that.
After he parks the car, he opens the door for me and grabs my hand to help me out, being a gentleman. He catches me by surprise when he pulls me to him. Feeling his breath, his heat, and his hard chest, I revel in his protectiveness.
Then he kisses me, and it’s amazing, soft, and sweet. I’m glad he’s holding me up as my knees start to buckle.
Holding my hand, he walks me up to the apartment and gives me one more quick peck.
“Good night, Sienna,” he tells me with a smile.
All I can manage is, “Good night, Ethan,” as I beam like a schoolgirl. I unlock the doo
r and slip inside, high as a kite on all that is Ethan Rossi.
***
The next day, my cousin calls from work as she was in bed when I got home. “Spill all the gossip right now,” she exclaims, and I break into laughter.
“You don’t want the juicy details, do you?” I joke to hear her response.
“What? You little tart,” she replies jokingly, and then we both crack up laughing.
“God, of course, I didn’t sleep with him. No way. Not yet,” I tell her.
“It was a really nice date. I was surprised at how easy our conversation flowed at dinner. He was so relaxed with me,” I tell her, remembering just how smooth everything ran.
“Oh, and he volunteers with animals,” I reveal with a smile.
“Oh, that sounds cool and not something I would expect a boring business studies teacher to do,” Sara replies, sounding intrigued.
“I was blown away, too. What you see isn’t always what you get, right?” I muse. “Honestly, Sara. I can’t wait to get to know Ethan better. To see what makes him tick, what makes him laugh, and what his hobbies are, but this time, I need to read between the lines. God, I was fooled by Mike so badly.”
“You go, girlfriend. Have some fun. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” she tells me, and I smile at that thought.
Exactly. Life is too short for questioning what could have been.
A DAY AT THE BEACH
Ethan picks me up for a fun beach day for date number two.
I power down the window and enjoy the fresh air on my face. It’s invigorating. Ethan parks the car. I have been daydreaming about how happy I have been and not paying attention to where we were driving.
As we exit the car, I gaze out at the view in front of us. The gorgeous waves are crashing onto the shore, and the dark blue water looks so inviting.
Seagulls fly around, though it’s pretty quiet here with only a small group of people in the water.
I inhale the saltiness of the water as we walk down to the sand. My sandals are off, so I feel the sand in my toes. I can’t help but wonder if I will ever get back to the way I was. I am hopeful, though, because the only scars left are emotional.
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