Page 58 of Protector

She laughs and nods.

I take a few more shots, but when she asks me if I’m ready to try the gun, I hesitantly tell her no. “I think I’ve had enough excitement for one day.” I hand her back the rifle, remembering how she told me to, then ask, “Can we try this again another day?”

“Of course. Why don’t we go inside and talk before Brooks gets here.”

I follow her back into the house, but when I head to the couch, she says, “I made raspberry tea if you want it. I’ll be right there.”

Before I sit, I detour to the kitchen and go about getting us each a glass. I can hear Jade opening the closet near the entry, so I’m guessing she stores the guns there, but when she passes me and heads down the hall, I can still see the outline of the handgun at her back.

I bring the glasses over to the living room and set them down on one of the three square wooden blocks in front of the couch just as Jade returns to the room.

“Thanks,” she says, grabbing one before sitting in the chair beside me.

We stare at each other a moment, and it’s almost as if she’s wondering about me as much as I’m wondering about her. Sure, I’ve shared some details about my life, but there’s a point at which women really open up to each other, and Jade and I haven’t gotten there yet. Specifically, I’m thinking about my feelings for her brother.

“I have to admit,” she says, leaning over and setting her glass back down. “You’re not what I expected. You did great out there…”

I squint at her, measuring my response so I don’t come off defensive. “Thank you for teaching me…really for everything. You’ve been so kind to me.”

“It’s nothing. I’m glad to do it.” Dragging a hand through her hair, she stares toward the large window, the blue sky behind littered with wispy clouds. “Honestly, it’s nice to have some company.”

“I’m almost never alone, so this is kind of nice for me too.”

We exchange a smile, but before she can say anything, I have to know something. “So, what made youexpectme being a certain way? Have you…heard of me? Seen me?”

She pulls her feet up and tucks them under her. “Actually, no. I only had what Brooks told me to go on.”

I must have frowned or shown disappointment because she rushes to add, “Don’t get me wrong. He only had nice things to say about you, but it was more about what he didn’t say.”

“What do you mean?”

She hesitates, lets out a nervous laugh.

“Come on. I can take it…whatever it is…”

She glances to the door as if to make sure he’s not walking in. “My brother…he and I are close but with you…he struggled to tell me about you, held back details, but his face said it all. He’s freaking crazy about you, girl. And I guess I thought his silence was because there was something about you…I don’t know, maybe some reason it would never work.”

I drop my gaze to my hands, unsure how to respond. It’s quiet a good full minute, and I appreciate her not pushing. “Well if that’s the case, it’s not because of me.” I look at her then, can’t keep the smile at bay. “I’m crazy about him, too, but he’s… He just seems to hold back. Sometimes it feels like he thinks he’s not good enough or something, which is crazy.”

Leaning on the arm of the chair, she nods confidently. “Don’t you worry, I have a good feeling about you two.” She jabs a quick finger in my direction. “But don’t you dare tell him we talked.”

“I won’t. But since he’ll be here any minute, let’s talk about you. Brooks says you’re a hairstylist. Have you been able to find work here?”

“Work? No, but I’ve actually been keeping myself busy giving free haircuts.”

Somehow this doesn’t surprise me, but I’m interested to learn more. “Really?” I run my hand through my own hair, thinking I could use a change. Of course, I wouldn’t expect it free.

“Yeah, I go down to the local farmers market in town, do free haircuts for vets and senior citizens.”

“That’s so wonderful of you. I mean, you’re stuck in this situation, and here you are giving back. I admire that.”

She laughs. “Thank you. I do care and want to help, but I also love doing hair, and I just don’t have the option to get a job right now.”

My heart goes out to her that she’s dealing with this. Her situation is horrible, and though similar to mine, she was physically hurt. I know how she feels, sort of, but to have this happen to you by someone you loved and trusted…I can’t imagine that. When I notice the pain in her eyes, I know I shouldn’t press, so instead I say, “I really love your hair. Have you always worn it short?”

Her expression doesn’t change from the compliment. “No…” She looks toward the fireplace even though no fire is burning. “After your scumbag boyfriend uses it to keep you in line, it sort of motivates you to cut it all off.”

I have to try to keep a gasp from escaping my lips. “I’m so sorry, Jade. That’s awful.”

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