Page 87 of Coming Up Roses

“C’mon, Myles, he’s gone. Let’s get you inside.” I allow Drake to pull me up off the ground and guide me with a hand at the small of my back. I’m too humiliated to meet anyone’s stare—and my God, are they staring. There’s a small crowd of looky-loos gathered along the opposite side of the street, and Seraphine and Azalea are standing out front. The only person not accounted for is Magnolia, who turns up once we all head inside.

“Sister-girl, are you okay?” Azalea sweeps me into a tight hug, rocking me as she holds me.

“No. Not at all,” I tell her honestly. She walks me over to my station, supporting me as I lower myself into my chair.

“Everything’ll be okay, Myles. Just you wait and see.” Bless her heart. I know Seraphine is just trying to be positive, but it only stands to make me feel worse. This is my fault. I broke us.

Snatching up the coffee Cash left, I notice there’s something written on the side of the cup.

Darlin’-

The only thing hotter than this coffee is you.

Love you, C-

My breath catches and a new round of tears starts, causing the girls and Drake to spring into action. Azalea gently pries the now cooled beverage away from me. Seraphine retreats to the front desk, where she starts calling the rest of my clients for the day and rescheduling them. Magnolia busies herself at her station, trying to stay out of the way.

And Drake—thank God for Drake. He scoops me up and takes me home. He even carries me from his truck to my room and tucks me in. “I know it seems real bad right now, Myles. But just you wait. Shit has a way of getting sorted, and if I know Cash, he’ll pull his head outta his ass and get this fixed. That man loves you. Now sleep, and I’ll send Little Bit over when I get back to the salon.” He drops a quick kiss to my forehead before retreating the way he came.

I’m out cold when I feel the bed dip behind me. For a second, my heart soars, thinking Cash is here, but my hope quickly deflates when Azalea’s soft scent surrounds me. “It’ll be okay, Myla, I promise,” I hear her say, and then I’m drifting back to sleep.

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