Page 41 of Trusting the Fall
He chuckles. “My pleasure, Claire. Do you need a ride home now?”
Now that he’s looking at me straight on, and with the streetlights flooding through the window, I finally get my first good look at the guy.
“Oh, my god!” I shriek.
“What?” Lex asks.
“You’re Caleb Heart!” I shout.
He’s the eldest of the billionaire Heart siblings. Their grandmother put our state on the map when she and her sister inherited H&H Mining. He’s made his own billions from his investment firm. And he’s got quite the reputation for never being seen with the same woman twice.Oh.
“Ummm.” Lex looks positively lost as her eyes pivot between me and Caleb. “He’s just Caleb to me,” she whispers, eyes cast down to the floor.
I’m wondering if my bestie didn’t realise she’d shacked up with a billionaire. Certainly not one that has an affinity to grace the tabloids with a new woman on his arm every week. Shit, this is going to bother her.
One of her hands hangs limply by her side. I link my fingers with hers and squeeze.
“The car makes much more sense now, Ritchie Rich.” I turn my head to Lex. “I think we can be done with this night now. You ready?” She nods and pulls her hand from underneath Caleb’s grasp where it was still held against his chest.
“We can get an Uber. It’s late, I’m sure you want to get home,” she says.
“I would prefer to drive you myself.” His words are tentative, careful, as he speaks to her, bending down so he can try to catch her eyes.
He must understand the shift in her demeanour. My girl is sensitive. A sweetheart. She’s not like the fame-chasing, high-society princesses I’m sure usually fall over themselves to get to him. Lex is the real deal.
I give one more squeeze of Lex’s fingers, then head towards the back door.
“You okay?” I whisper when she reaches me, but all she offers is a dejected nod.
I see her take in the dark grey Lamborghini with a more assessing eye once we make it back to the carpark.
Lex makes awkward conversation with Caleb the whole drive home. I’m not sure how closely she keeps up with the city’s social news but I’d bet my favourite pink stilettos she'll be doing some Google stalking when we get home.
I love my job at the salon, but when I had the idea to open my own space, something clicked inside of me.
I love meeting new people and making them see the beauty in themselves. My mother had me in modelling and pageants from the age of eight. The satisfaction in being the centre of attention has never waned, but I didn’t love the competition side of things. I’m more for sharing the beautiful power of womanhood.
It was about three years ago when my grandmother passed away, leaving a chunk of money for my mum and me, when I had the idea for Parlour Tricks Beauty. It’s a place for beauty, but I also wanted to run workshops to teach women makeup application, beauty hacks and skincare routines.
Lex helped me create an in-depth business plan since she’s the one with the business major. There were so many times where I wanted to quit and choose the next opportunity that came along, but I’m glad I stuck it out and found this place. But, with every setback, I question my strength. When planning approvals get delayed. When my contractors doubt my design choices, and now Niagara Falls making an appearance through my ceiling. I keep wondering how much longer I need to wait for my dreams to come true.
I just want to see things happen, but so much feels out of my control right now. Except for one thing.
ME: I need you right now.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: MAJOR CRISIS
Hey mate,
I’ll head to Parlour Tricks first thing Monday to assess the damage and keep you updated.
No need to rush back, I’ll have it covered.
Hope the fam’s okay.
