He‘d stood up, swaying slightly. “That’s right, you’re my girl. So why are you going out advertising something that belongs to me, unless,” his eyes had hardened. “It’s still up for grabs?”
I’d stared at him in shock. “That’s totally unfair. What is wrong with you? Why are you getting so bent out of shape over my clothes?”
He’d lunged towards me and grabbed both of my forearms, squeezing them painfully. “Look,” he’d growled, his fingers digging into my skin, “from now on, you’re not going out with any of these so called ‘friends’ unless I’m invited, too.”
I’d shoved him away and took a step back. “Justin, what the hell is wrong with you?!”
He’d stared at me for a minute, rigid and ready to explode. But then, as if someone had pulled a switch, he’d smiled and turned on the syrupy charm that had made me fall for him in the first place.
“God, I’m sorry, babe,” he’d said, his brown eyes softening. “I guess I’ve just had a little too much to drink tonight. If you want to dump my ass for being a total prick, I’d totally understand.”
“No, just don’t ever grab me like that again or act so crazy,” I’d said, feeling a little dizzy from drinking. “Wow, I really don’t feel so good.”
“Come on babe,” he’d said, putting his arm around my shoulders, and guiding me towards the bedroom. “Let’s just go to bed. It’s late.”
Tired, dizzy, and still tipsy from all of the shots my girlfriends had given me, I’d agreed. Unfortunately, that’s when things had turned even uglier.
“I can’t… I don’t feel very well,” I’d mumbled after we’d gotten under the sheets, and his hand had moved between my legs.
He’d tensed up. “Excuse me?”
“Justin,” I’d pleaded, feeling queasy. “I drank too much, and I don’t feel good… I just can’t do this right now.”
“Not in the mood, huh? Why, did you already fuck someone else tonight?”
I’d stared at him in horror. “What?”
“I bet you’re still thinking about the guy right now, aren’t you?”
Groaning, I’d rolled away from him. “You’re talking crazy…”
“You’re mine,” he’d growled, grabbing my arm, “and I’m going to make sure you don’t ever forget it.” Then, he’d forced himself on me while I’d lay there, sobbing underneath his hard, cruel thrusts. When it was over, he’d said nothing, just rolled over, and passed out into a drunken stupor. The next morning, he’d tried to apologize, but it had been much too frightening for me to let it go. There was no way I’d wanted someone like that in my life. I’d told him to leave, and then spent the next month trying to avoid his calls, his flowers, and his excuses. Eventually, he’d given up harassing me, and I’d heard that he’d starting dating someone else.
“Okay,” I said, turning to Ransom. “I’ll get you back to my station, and then I’m going to find out what’s going on.”
He stood up and stared down into my eyes. “So, who’s Justin?”
“Just this guy I dated a little while back.”
“You don’t sound very happy to hear from him.”
“Our relationship didn’t end well.”
His face darkened. “Does he need to be reminded that you’re not together anymore? I’d be happy to set him straight, if you’d like?”
The look on his face was totally serious, and I couldn’t help but smile. “No, but thanks.”
“If you need any interference from me, just say the word.”
“Right,” I said, as he followed me back to my chair. “You get into a fight and the media finds out…”
“Screw the media,” he answered, sitting down.
“Ransom, I’m pretty sure that you shouldn’t even be here. You have much more to lose than I do.”
He looked into the mirror, and ran a hand through his damp hair. “So, let them fire me. I really don’t give a shit.”
“Seriously?”
Our eyes met. “Hell, being a judge on this show wasn’t even my idea. My manager set it up, thinking it would be good for my career.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Why, is it in trouble?”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t seem that way. I’m selling plenty of records, I’ve got a tour set up, and the money is rolling in faster than I can spend it. As far as I’m concerned, the only thing dying in my career is… my interest.”
“How could you even say that? Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted? Fame and fortune? Platinum records?”
“Taffy, this gig isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Especially when you’re dealing with ‘American Icon’. You win on that show and you ultimately lose, they own your ass. Hell, I’m locked in with them for the next few years.”
I stared at him incredulously. “Sorry but forgive me if I’m not playing a violin solo for you. Most artists would give their souls for what you have.”
“I already did, and let me tell you, it wasn’t worth it.”
“Pussy-whining-wiener-head,” belted out Mrs. Conway, from across the room, as Felicia teased her hair.
I bit my lip, and Felicia turned her head away, trying to control her laughter.
Ransom cocked his eyebrow, and turned towards the old woman, who stared back at us with a straight face.
I bent down, and whispered. “Tourette Syndrome”
“Likely excuse,” he grinned.
“I’ll be right back,” I said. “Try to ignore her. She can’t help it, and gets embarrassed if you comment about it.”
“She didn’t look too embarrassed when she called me a pussy-whining-wiener-head,” he chuckled.
I glanced at her as I walked towards the front of the salon, and from the satisfied look on her face, I had to agree.
“Tiffany,” said Justin, as I approached him. I had to admit, asshole or not, he was still handsome with his windswept hair and deep brown eyes.
I forced a smile. “Hi, Justin. Are you here for a trim?”
“No,” he said. “I just wanted to stop by personally, and congratulate you on getting into American Icon.”
I pushed my hair behind my ears. “Oh, you heard about that?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I ran into Jesse at Geno’s and he mentioned it.”
Geno’s was a pizza place a few blocks away.
“Thanks,” I said, glancing towards the clock, wishing he’d take the hint and leave.
“Listen,” he said, lowering his voice. “We need to talk.”
“About what?”
He sighed. “I…I miss what we had. Don’t you?”
I only missed the man that I thought he was, not the paranoid lunatic who basically raped me. “Look,” I said. “I’m really busy right now. It’s not a good time.”
“How about we have dinner at that restaurant you used to love, El Sinada?”
“Justin, I really can’t,” I said. “And if you want to know the truth, I think it would better if you just forgot about me, and moved on with your life.”
He stepped closer and lowered his voice again. “Listen, I’ve changed. In fact, that’s kind of why I wanted to talk to you. I’m… not using anymore.”
I stared at him in surprise. “Not using? Using what?”
“I never told you,” he said, his face reddening. “But, I um, I had a little problem with cocaine.”
It was definitely news to me but somehow, it made a lot of sense. Even before the night he’d freaked out, he’d seemed a little too hyper and edgy.
“Cocaine? Really? I had no idea.”
He smiled, sheepishly. “Yeah. I guess it made me a little paranoid and kind of crazy at times.”
You think?!
I crossed my arms under my chest. “Congratulations on kicking it. You should be proud of yourself. I mean it.”
He nodded. “Yeah, I am pretty proud. I haven’t used in six weeks, and I’m getting my shit together.”
“I’m very happy for you,” I said. “And I mean that… but,” I lowered my voice, “even
so, it’s over between us, Justin. We can be friends, but seriously, that’s it.”
His faced darkened. “Just friends? You’re really not going to give me a second chance?”
“I’m sorry, really I am. I’ve moved on, though, and so should you.”
“Everything okay over here?” interrupted Ransom, approaching from behind me.
“This isn’t any of your business, pal,” said Justin, staring up at Ransom. “So just walk away.”
He smiled coldly. “At the moment, it is my business. You’re bothering my stylist, and she was just about to trim my hair. The idea of her cutting it while she’s upset doesn’t sound like it’s going to be in my best interest.”
Justin’s eyes narrowed. “You look familiar. Do I know you?”
He crossed his arms under his chest. “Yeah, I’m the guy you don’t want to piss off. Now, do us all a favor and get lost before things escalate into something that I promise, pal, won’t go the way you’re planning.”
“You’re actually threatening me?”
“I’m just giving you some friendly advice. I think you’ve overstayed your welcome, by a long shot.”
“Fuck you,” snapped Justin, his fists clenched. Obviously he’d kicked the drugs but not his temper tantrums.
Ransom took a step forward. “I’ll take that as you need a little more persuading.”
“I’d like to see you try, asshole.”
“Enough,” I said, stepping between them. I turned to Justin, whose face was still red. “Please, Justin, just leave.”
He pointed towards Ransom. “Tell this fucker to get out of my face first.”
Sighing, I turned to Ransom. “Please, just let it go. I’m fine. Really.”
Ransom remained silent but I could tell he was still waiting for Justin to make a move.
“Please,” I murmured, grasping his upper arm, which was hard and tense. Just then, two young customers entered the store, staring at the three of us curiously.
“Hello,” I said, removing my hand from Ransom’s bicep. “Can I help you guys?”
“Supposed to get a trim,” said the dark-haired teen, pushing his bangs out of his eyes.
“Hey,” said the other boy with blond hair, to Ransom.
Ransom smiled at the two young men who looked like they’d rather be hitting the waves then getting their hair trimmed. “Hey, what’s up?”
Recognition lit up the blond-surfer guy’s eyes. “Are you…?”
“No. But I get that all the time,” he interrupted quickly. He then turned to me, his eyes twinkling. “Listen, babe, I’ll go sit down. Don’t be too long, you know we have a lot of things to do before our dinner reservation, tonight. ” Then he bent down and planted a quick kiss on my lips, stunning the hell out of me.
“Uh, okay,” I answered, breathlessly. How many times had I lay in bed as a teenager, dreaming of the day that Ransom would do something like that? Obviously he was putting on a show, but it still gave me goose-bumps.
“Don’t be long,” he said, slapping my rear.
I stared at him in shock.
He winked, and then walked back towards my station.
Still in shock, I turned towards Justin, who stared at me with a look of betrayal.
I smiled weakly, and then turned towards the two boys “Give me a second, and I’ll check the schedule, see if we can fit you in. We’re a little short-staffed today.”
“No problem,” said the dark-haired teen, pulling out his cell phone, and sitting down in the chair next to his buddy, who was busy texting someone.
“Seriously? You’re with that dickhead?” whispered Justin.
“I’m sorry, but you knew it was over between us.”
Shaking his head, he turned on his heel, and stormed out of the salon.
“What in the hell was that all about?” asked Felicia, coming up behind me as I pulled out the schedule.
I cleared my throat. “Ransom got rid of Justin for me.”
“I saw that,” she answered, a small smile. “And heard about it. Girl, old Mrs. Conway had my ears burning when she caught a glimpse of you two locking lips. That old woman knows more cuss words than my nephew, Wylie, and he’s from Detroit.”
“Oh, God,” I giggled.
“Mm…hmm…”
“So, can you take one of these boys?” I asked, motioning towards them.
She glanced down at the schedule, and nodded. “Sure, I’ve got room for one more. Then I have to head out, Devon is taking me bowling tonight.”
Devon was her newest boyfriend, a few years older than Felicia, but still had a lot of energy and was a real sweetheart. He owned his own bar and had twin daughters who helped him run it.
“Bowling?” I laughed, looking at her long nails. “How are you going to manage that?”
She put a hand on her waist. “Honey, I’m not bowling. Devon’s on a team and I’m just going to root for him while I kick back, and enjoy some much needed margaritas.”
I smiled. “Now that sounds nice.”
“Why don’t you join us?”
“I wish I could, but I have an early appointment tomorrow with Mrs. Hauglish. I need all the sleep I can get to deal with that woman.”
“That old battle-ax who bitches and moans the entire time you’re doing her hair?”
I nodded. “That’s her.”
“Girl, you’ve got the patience of a saint. The first time I heard her snapping at you, I had to hold my tongue, and you know how hard that is.”
I laughed. “Yeah, she’s difficult but her tips are outrageous. I just take everything she says with a grain of salt.”
“If you win ‘Icon’, you won’t have to deal with women like that anymore.”
“Very true, although I’d miss all of my co-workers,” I said.
Just then, Ransom’s two security guards stepped back into the salon.
“Oh, I’d better finish him up,” I said as the two guys eyed me curiously.
“You do that and I’ll schedule these two boys in.”
“Thanks.”
Chapter Nine
Ransom
“I was wondering if I had to come back out there, and kick some ass,” I told Tiffany when she returned and re-clipped the brown plastic cape around my neck. She picked up her comb and scissors, and the fruity scent of her perfume along with the proximity of her tits near my face made it difficult to sit comfortably.
“Sorry.” she said, looking slightly distracted. She stepped behind me, and our eyes met in the mirror. “So, you wanted it short, right? How short are you thinking on the top?”
I scratched my chin. “Surprise me.”
“Okay.”
“So,” I said, after a few minutes of silent trimming, “you going to comment about that kiss?”
She chuckled. “Actually, I don’t know who was more surprised, me or Justin.”
“Hopefully that asshole will leave you alone after that.”
Her lip twitched. “Now, how do you know he’s an asshole?”
“Because anyone who lets a girl like you go must have screwed up, big time.”
Her cheeks turned pink. “Thanks, Ransom. Turns out he was an asshole, but it was because he was using cocaine at the time. He just told me.”
“Cocaine alone won’t make someone an asshole, but you’re obviously too good for that dirt-bag.”
“What about you?”
I raised my eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
She moved in front of me, and started trimming my bangs. “Is it true what they say, that you’re into some hard stuff?”
I stole another glance at her chest, which was right in my face and thought that the only thing hard at the moment was my dick. “This isn’t about me,” I said, pulling my eyes away from her cleavage. “It’s about your ex, and why you should stay away from guys like him.”
“You’re preaching to the choir,” she said. “I’m not interested in going back with that guy. Not after…”
“Not after wh
at?”
“Just… I’m not going back with him, no matter what. I’m not interested in going down that road again.”
“Good because his road appears to be a dead end. So,” I grinned. “Where do you want to eat, tonight?”
She stopped cutting. “Are you asking me out?”
“Just to make it look legit, you know? In case he’s waiting for you, when you get off of work.”
“You seriously don’t care about getting kicked off the show? I mean, it’s not like we can go anywhere together, in public. It would be bad for both of us. Speaking of which,” her eyes narrowed. “Thanks for voting ‘no’ by the way.”
I was wondering when she was going to bring that up. “Look, I had a very good reason to vote that way. If you go out to dinner with me tonight, I’ll even tell you why.”
“Why can’t you just do it now, and save yourself some money?”
“Money obviously isn’t a concern. Just have dinner with me.”
She sighed. “Are you sure you’re not trying to get me kicked off of the show? If someone recognizes us, it’s probably over.”
“No,” I said, although there was always that route to consider. I hadn’t even thought of that.
“Good answer, especially since I’m holding the scissors. I don’t know about dinner, though. If you ask me, it’s too risky.”
I smiled innocently. “Oh, come on. Nobody will recognize me with my hair buzzed.”
“I really don’t know if I want to take that chance,” she replied. “You’re practically a name brand, Ransom. Everyone knows your face.”
“Come on. I know of this little hole in the wall that’s discreet, and serves the best burgers in the world. Swear to God. Let me buy you one, and we’ll catch up on old times.”
“A hole in the wall, huh? Where’s this place?”
“It’s called Jimbo’s, in Santa Ana. It’s a real dive, but their burgers are killer and if you like southwestern food, the guacamole is excellent.”
She grabbed an electric clipper, and began trimming the sides of my hair. “Okay. What about your security guys? Are they going to be joining us?”
“Fuck no. We’ll ditch them. You’ve got a back door in this place, right?”
Her eyes widened. “Can’t you just tell them to go home?”
Tangled Mess Page 6