Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

“Do you want popcorn?” Robert asked as he held open the door for me.

The movie theater was an older one, family owned and operated. I didn’t know how long it had been around, but it was a fixture in this town, much like the Dragon Runners MC. Melissa Wall sat behind a sheet of plexiglass, taking money and handing out paper tickets. She was mainly Bex’s client but had sat in my chair once about a month ago. Cute short layers with blonde highlights that were easy to maintain, as she had little time to herself while running the family business. Right now her pretty blue eyes were fixed on me and Robert.

It didn’t feel right to call him Bobby as he’d told me to do. I don’t know why, but it just didn’t.

I hadn’t planned to go out with him this evening but got pushed into it more or less by the ladies at the salon. Perhaps they wanted to participate in a real-life soap opera starring the preacher, the biker, and the stylist. Robert came in as a walk-in trim this afternoon and waited for my chair to be open. Then he asked me about seeing a movie tonight, and I swear the whole place perked up with excitement. I tried to put him off by saying I had Pearl to take care of, but Deandra blew up that excuse by volunteering to watch her for me.

Other people greeted us as we entered the theater and found seats. All smiles and speculative glances at seeing the local young, single pastor out on a date. There was an unease that settled in my stomach, but Robert hadn’t done or said anything wrong, nor did he treat me badly. He didn’t try to kiss me or claim me. Not even hold my hand. He opened the doors for me and was attentive without being pushy or hovering, just as he’d been at the Halloween festival. He was overall pleasant and kind as always, and I really had no reason to be so antsy.

I couldn’t figure out exactly what the movie we watched was supposed to be—action, comedy, or drama. It was entirely forgettable, but maybe that was because I couldn’t get into the story. My thoughts kept drifting to Weatherman and what he would say if he spotted me and Robert here together. Tendrils of guilt ate at my brain, and I had to concentrate not to fidget.

Robert was innocent. I was not.

Both men were attractive in their own way. Both men were educated. Both were successful in their chosen fields. Both seemed to want to be with me, but that was where the similarities ended.

Robert’s scholarly appearance was much different from Weatherman’s athletic ruggedness. Robert had this ethereal aura of kindness around him, while Weatherman gave off a vibe of raw power. Robert flowed like a calm steady river. Weatherman moved like whitewater rapids, fast and potentially overwhelming.

If I had to choose, who would I go with? The safe bet or the one who drove me a little crazy?

After the credits rolled, we got up to leave.

“I hope you enjoyed the movie.” He smiled and pushed his glasses up on his nose.

“Yes, it was nice.” I guessed it was. I had no clue.

“I enjoyed the company more.”

It didn’t take an expert to recognize the flirty tone. What did I do now? Say thanks? Indicate that I wanted another date? Did I want another date? I was so lost.

Thankfully, someone interrupted my musings as we entered the lobby.

“Pastor Bobby. Nice to see you.”

Of course , it had to be Table of all people. His sons hung off either arm, and Angel stood next to him. They had apparently just seen the latest Disney movie based on their excited chatter.

Robert stiffened next to me, and his easy manner changed. “James, nice to see you too. I hear you have another child?”

Table smiled, unaffected by the pastor’s cold tone. He curled his colorful biceps in tandem to lift both giggling kids. “I do. Lori is at home taking some ‘me’ time, and I’ve got hooligan duty.”

“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, that dream 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 other people 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?

The universe had no answers for me. My heart sped up, and my belly churned with anxiety. Two thoughts came to the forefront of my mind. One was escape, and the other was talking to Weatherman as soon as possible.

“Thank you for that. Speaking of my daughter, I need to get back to her and let Deandra get home.”

“I’ll walk you to your car.”

I really wished he didn’t insist on that, but I was stuck. At least I got him to drive separately again.

When we reached my vehicle, he leaned down to kiss me again, but the sudden roar of a powerful engine and a flash of headlights startled us both. I spotted Table in his giant extended truck with his kids waving from the windows.

“We’re in the hooligan club!”

A small muscle twitched in Robert’s jaw, and then it was gone again. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

I nodded, hoping the relief didn’t show on my face. “You bet. And thanks again for the movie.”