Page 48 of Weatherman

“What’s a hooligan?” one of the boys asked.

“A kid who never cleans up his room.” Table grinned down.

“I’m a hooligan too!” crowed the other one.

Table let out a chuckle and turned his unreadable eyes to me. “Opal, I hope you’re having a good night.”

How am I supposed to handle this?“Yes, I am. I hope Lori’s well. If she wants a home visit for a haircut, just let me know, and I’ll be glad to take care of her.”

Table nodded sharply. “I’ll do that. Have a good night.”

The family walked away with the kids singing the latest Disney song. I smiled, thinking it wouldn’t be long before I started taking Pearl to kids’ movies and buying whatever princess toys came with them. Maybe I’d save up enough money to go to the mother ship itself—Disney World, with all its pretty pictures.

As a kid, I’d always wanted to go but never got the chance. It was just some fantasy that would never happen. Now, thatdream was actually within reach and was one I could fulfill for both myself as well as my daughter.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Robert asked as we walked to his car.

I shook myself as visions of the most famous mouse in the world faded. “I was just thinking about taking Pearl to Disney World someday. Like for her fifth or sixth birthday. I want her to be old enough to remember it.”

“Maybe we can do that together.”

His serene face gave nothing away, but his words sent a jolt through my body. Did he plan on being with me that long?

He leaned in and placed his lips on mine. Soft. Gentle. Warm. Just a simple kiss with no pressure or depth.

He took my hand and held it between us. “I really like spending time with you, and I’d like to do more of it. I think we fit together well with our personalities and our lives. I like you. A lot. I hope we’re on the same page. What do you say?”

The bottom dropped from my belly, and I was stunned. My words came out cautiously. “I don’t know what to say. Are you… are you asking me to be your… your girlfriend?”

His smile showed nothing but gentle benevolence. “Yes, Opal, that’s what I’m asking. I know it’s a little much, but I hope you’ll give me a chance.”

“I’m… I’m…”I’m out of my league!“I’m not ready for anything serious right now.”

“No problem, my dear. I can wait. In fact, I’m heading off on a mission trip for a few weeks. I won’t be able to see you or call you much, as I’ll be working most of the time. When I get back, maybe you’ll be ready by then. Unless… you have someone else you’re interested in?”

Weatherman’s face popped into my head. “Nope. I’m just not into… um… dating right now. I want to focus on my job and my daughter, you know?”

“I understand. We can keep going out casually like this, but you understand that people talk, right? If we’re seen in public together enough times, everyone will assume we’re a couple.”

I was very familiar with the salon gossip machine. “I can’t help what other people think about me.”

“This is very true. I just don’t want to see you uncomfortable or hurt. People can be very cruel. If I may, I think it would be best for you to stay away from those bikers. They’re a rough crowd, and I wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression of you.”

Something about the way he said those words made my ears perk up. “What do you mean, ‘the wrong impression’?”

He took a breath as if reaching for infinite patience. “Women who hang with bikers have a certain reputation. You don’t want that in your life or Pearl’s life.”

I paused. Not a single member of the Dragon Runners had ever been disrespectful to me or treated me as less. I worked for a DRMC business. One of their people took care of my child. I’d been to their headquarters and did a favor for the queen. Pearl had been welcomed into their fold, and Betsey had more or less added her into her flock of “grandchildren.” The last time I had my oil changed, Dodge did the work and bartered a haircut in exchange. I got the better deal. In fact, the only person who had ever said anything bad about the MC was the man standing next to me.

Robert made me wonder if some people’s prejudices ran so deep, they would never look outside their own little bubble world. If so, it didn’t matter how hard someone tried to change or improve their lives, they would always be judged by a crooked stick.

I straightened up. “My reputation here is based on my ability to cut and style hair. If anyone wants to criticize me, they are welcome to do so. As I said to you before, I can’t help what otherpeople think about me. I can only do my best to find my own peace.”

I was sure he would bring up going to church with him, but he left that alone.

“You’re right. You can’t decide for other people. I’m sorry if I stepped over the line. I’m just really concerned about you. And Pearl.”

His tone didn’t sound as condescending as his words, so maybe he was genuinely concerned for me. Still, that same caution flag popped up again, just as it had every time I’d been out with him. How would he treat me if he really knew me? He wanted me to be his girlfriend officially. Would I have to hide myself and act a part to make that happen? Did I want to take it that far?

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