Acceptance

After dropping a hefty tip for Georgina, I notice a certain handsome man standing outside the front door. I take a moment to brace myself, then push the door open and ignore him completely. I hear a cat-call!

“Looking good, Books.” My heart trips up. Am I still standing? I try to think of something witty to say. “Karyn.” Did I just say something?

“What’s that?” he asks. I did say something. Crap, stupid brain! Cooperate for Pete’s sake. “I … I said my name is Karyn.” Afraid of making a bigger fool of myself I raise my hand to hail a taxi. In my nervousness, I fail to hear him softly whisper my name…

My heart is racing! I just spoke my mind to a practical stranger. We stare at each other in stunned silence from my outburst. I hear light clapping coming closer to us.

“Bravo and well spoken. But if you two don’t mind, your arguing is going to scare any potential clients coming in. So kiss and makeup.” Georgina’s words force blood to rush to my face. Embarrassed yet again by my social awkwardness, I want to fade into the love seat.

“Aw, George. We was just having a little discussion. I have nothing but respect for Books.” Respect for me? I can’t believe he said that. He gives me a nudge with his elbow and I get it. He wants me to play nice for Georgina. 

“Being a Christian does not make me judgmental. I know from experience that Christians don’t have a monopoly on that trait. I find my views differ from the majority and I will not apologize for that, either. You have piercings, fine. They look wonderful on you. You want tattoos, go for it. I bet they will add to your sex appeal. But please, don’t force me to think like you do. I have my views and you have yours. Can’t you accept that?”

“I wasn’t … bible-thumping. I was explaining, ” He broke in with hands gesturing as he spoke. “You were going on about temples and such. I could hear the censure in your voice. You’re a christian, right?”

I think about my youth and growing up inside the walls of the old baptist church. “I consider myself a wayward christian, yes.” He opens his mouth to reply but I shoot my finger up to indicate I wasn’t finished. 

“Does what bother me?”

“The piercings. You keep staring at them.” My mouth starts to work like a fish out of water as I try to think of a reply. “No … I mean, yes I noticed them. But I … no, I don’t mind them. Wouldn’t ever do that to myself, though. And that sounded bad … I just think one’s body is sacred and should be treated with respect. And should you have piercings or tattoos, that is your own business. Your choice how treat your temple.” I finally take a deep breath and wish I could snatch all those words right back into my mouth. 

“Interesting concept, Books. But I don’t have any tattoos … yet. So you can chill your bible-thumping about that for now.”

I slowly close my book and place it on the floor by my feet. Turning my head slightly, I get a good view of his face. He has the most startling blue eyes.

“That a good book?” He asks while gesturing to the book at my feet. ”Uh, yea.” God, I sound like a simpleton!

“Figured it must be, since you ignored me and headed up here to read it.” Ignored him! Is that what I did? I thought he was just giving a greeting not an invitation to talk to him. Crap, social cues are not my forte. I notice the light glinting of the small ring in his brow.

“Does it bother you?”

“It’s lonely down there by myself. I thought I’d keep Books company here.” I felt the sofa shift as the same guy from downstairs sat next to me. “Just don’t annoy my best client, you hear me?” Georgina shouted. I am staring at words but not comprehending their meaning. I sit pretending to read some more when I feel him lean over towards me.  

“I know you can hear me and it’s rude to keep hiding your face in that book.”

Despite the crowded subway, I make it to the salon with time to spare. I wave at the receptionist as I make my way up the stairs to the third floor boutique. On the second floor is a tattoo parlor. Normally, the place is empty and dark. But not today.

My first thought is sexy, and it makes me embarrassed. My brain turns to mush as his eyes meet mine. He smirks. “Hey. S’up?”