Page 39 of Linc
“What good is it if I can’t give it to my girls and watch as they live out their dreams.We may not share DNA baby girl, but we have always thought of you as our other granddaughter.”
Tears fill my eyes as she says this.“I love you so much, thank you!”
Saylor pulls all three of us into a hug as I let my emotions out.I couldn’t be more grateful to have them and Saylor in my life.
“I’ll have Reese start showing you the business side of things next week,” Glammy says when we pull away.“I’ve got to go but I’ll see you on Monday for our lunch date and we can discuss the details a little more.You girls stay out of trouble.”She walks out with a wave and goes down the hall.
“Ohmygosh!I’m so happy they are doing this for you,” Saylor says excitedly.
“I can’t believe Glammy just told us that,” I say still in shock.
“Believe it,” she says as she looks down when her phone buzzes.“I’ve got to get to the bakery.”She comes over and gives me a hug before she makes for the door, but turns when she’s crossed the threshold.
“This is a good look for you Everly.Whatever this guy is doing, I hope it sticks.”She giggles and I’m not sure why.“And I don’t just mean in you.”
“Saylor!”I chide her when it sinks in, and I get the double meaning behind her words.“You’re going to divulge about your new guy too.”I point my finger at her, giving her a knowing look.
“Later, slut!”She calls out with a wink, then she’s gone with the door closed behind her, and I’m back to my serene room with soft lighting and music.
The light above the waiting room comes on and finally pulls me from my thoughts of last night and what Glammy just informed me.I really need to focus on work and stop thinking about all the ways Linc devoured my body.I wonder if I’ll always feel like this, or if it’s because it’s my first time.Shaking my head to get myself back on track, I tap on the waiting room door to let the client know I’m ready for them.
I make my way over to the counter to wash my hands and gather up the lotion that helps with tension, when I hear the door close.Turning to introduce myself, I see that no introductions are needed.
“Oh, I didn’t realize that you’d be my new client,” I say a little taken back because I’m shocked at her standing here in my room.We haven’t seen each other since that day over a month ago.
“I’m everywhere, or don’t you see my face on billboards across this town or in the news,” Linley Lewis bites, and I can tell this isn’t going to be a pleasant treatment.
Linley is standing inside the room, wearing a purple jogging suit with a baggy jacket.It seems a little hot considering LA weather is already in the low eighties this morning.
“Miss Lewis, I’m here at my job working.If there is something personal that you’d like to discuss I’m sure we can meet after hours, but this isn’t the time nor place to have a scene.”I’m trying to be as professional as possible.
“Oh, we’re going to talk.Well, I’m going to be the one doing all the talking at least.”
Her words confuse me, but in an industry like ours where the client is always right, I don’t really have a choice, and I hope that the next fifty-five minutes goes by quickly.The last thing I want is for the spa to gain any negative attention.Even being friends with the owner’s granddaughter and them helping watch after me while my dad was on a mission, I’d never take advantage of our relationship to leverage to secure my job, if I’m in the wrong.
Linley moves to stand in front of me, leaving the massage table between us.Her eyes are wild, and I swear they look glazed over.
“If you’ll remove your jacket we can get started.”I gesture to her heavy coat, but she doesn’t make a move to remove it.“Is there a certain area that needs more attention?”
Instead, Linley brings her right hand to her pocket and pulls something out.
Oh my God!
“I don’t think I’m in the mood for a massage today,” Linley sneers, tightening her grip on a metal pipe, the length of my forearm.“I wanted to give you a message.”
My body starts to shake as my mind tries to wrap around what it is seeing.All the joy and bliss I was feeling a few minutes ago has left my head, while dread and panic settles in its place.
“Wh-what are you doing Linley?”My hands go up in front of my body in a surrender gesture.
“I’ve come to take back what was mine.What was stolen from me.”
Linley makes a move to the top of the table, and I mimic her steps and head to the bottom of the table.Looking over her shoulder I realize my mistake.I’ve now put a greater distance between me and the exit; the only way out is having to go right by Linley.
“I’ve not taken anything from you Linley, I swear,” my voice is void of confidence and quivers as I try to figure out how to get out of this situation.
“Liar!You’ve taken the one thing from me that was the most important.”
“Linley, you have an amazing career.You’re on every magazine cover and have all kinds of deals working for you.”
