Page 17 of Savage in the Streets

Her chewing slows to almost a stop, and I realize that I’m probably being kept half-naked for a reason.

“I’m not gonna make a b-line for the exit,” I promise. “I just don’t want to be pantless when the Ash-Hole arrives.”

She snorts out a laugh. “Ash-hole?”

“You probably haven’t been privy to his condescending, arrogant as fuck, I’m better than you side. I’m shocked he hasn’t called me a filthy peasant.”

She shakes her head in disgust. “That is so not like him.”

“Are you both trust fund kids?”

“Me?” Her eyes grow large as she points to herself. “No. I come from broke. Ashton’s family has money, but he makes his own.”

“He’s never had a hardship in his life.”

“Oh, he has most definitely had hardships, but not like you or I.”

“Weird that you’d end up in the same circle.”

A look of guilt flashes across her face. She’s hiding something.

“Did you fuck him?” I ask.

“That’s rather personal,” she snaps.

“God, it must be killing you that I’m going to be spending so much time here with him. Me, walking around pantless.”

“You can be as naked as you want around him.” She sneers in distaste. “Just keep the details to yourself.”

Not a hint of jealousy.

I finish my food, then bring my dishes to the sink for a rinsing.

I haven’t decided whether I like Mabel or not, but if she fucks up my clients’ hair, I don’t believe it will be out of spite.

“So, you have a son?” I ask, hoping to learn more about Mabel without making it seem like I’m too interested in her.

It’s then that I see how brightly she can smile.

“Beau is my little angel. He’s just started kindergarten, and it’s been tough watching him get on the bus.”

Her hand flies to her face, and I hear a sniffle.

Is she crying?

She exhales a shuddering breath, letting me know that she is indeed overly emotional about her son getting on a motorized Twinkie each morning.

“Ummm….I’m sure the bus is safe…” I mutter out. “And he’ll be fine.”

“It’s not that I think he’s in danger.” Her voice cracks as she forces the words out. “It’s that he’s so big, and one day, the testosterone is going to come.”

Holy fuck, I am not equipped to deal with this.

“Isn’t Beau in kindergarten? I mean, it’s not like puberty is right around the corner. You…have some time,” I reason.

“You just don’t get it.”

“Clearly.”