Protective Arms (Completed)

12. Small Act

Dinner did take a pleasant unexpected turn. Not only did Zack show up but Dason. We still had fun and chatted.

Talking with Zack and Chasity after seems like it was the highlight of it all. It's Zack's words though. They played through my mind all night long and even into my dreams. Surely, it is him just being overly kind or part of his job reassuring me like he did. Right?

The fact that gets me and other than Chasity and I know that my case seems to be tied with a cold one. I am not even sure if I should say anything to Bethany or not. She tends to overly worry as it is and I don't want her stressing more.

Bethany already has been doing so much and going so far to stay closer by since I had the little panic attack. I know she has been with me when Dason was not working and the last thing I want to do is cut her time with him lower. It makes me wonder if that guy is ever going to propose to her or not, they have been together for almost five years officially. Just a year after being in town they met at the grocery store and it took off from there.

I shake my head and get out of my car. Walking up to the salon doors to unlock them for the day. Bethany and Chasity both are walking up.

"So are we getting to really play with your hair today?" Bethany starts once she is close enough, rubbing her hands together.

"Good morning to you too." I laugh.

"That is what I like to hear the laughter back."

"I agree. Dinner was so nice last night just getting out and being free." Chasity smiles but with a little undertone.

"It was very nice. Also to answer your question yes, you guys have free reign to do up a new hair do for me."

They both clap their hands and get the stations prepped for the day. Just incase we get any walk ins, because we do not have any scheduled clients. These days also seem a little off, but they do happen back and forth.

Dropping my purse into the drawer, I sit in my styling chair. They both walk over with different items in their hands.

"Now the only thing I request is no shorter than right here." I show them just a little past my shoulder.

The sparkle in their eyes means either one or two things. I will look completely different and love it or I could be in trouble. I am fine with looking different since change is good at times.

I put my trust in them with a spin of my chair, I look away from the mirror and close my eyes. Sometimes the stress melts away when someone is messing with my hair. I listen as the scissors in Bethany's hands are snipping away.

With my hair cut, I hear them giggling and whispering. My interest is peaked but I won't look until the end.

The cold feeling brushes over me, when the brush gently touches my hair and the color agents are being applied. Taking a peak out, I see them on either side and working together. I don't bother looking at the coloring bowls because it won't tell me anything unless it is one of those random, new style colors.

Gosh, I hope I won't be all pink or purple.

"You may open your eyes. The bowls are in the back to be washed and you're all foiled up to set." Chasity's voice beings me out of the dream land.

"Thanks. It isn't all pink and purple is it?"

"That you will just have to see once we have it washed out and dried." Bethany is quick to peek around the corner to answer.

We all laugh and sit in our chairs. The talk flows over last night.

"I seriously think you're eyeing the candy." Bethany laughs.

"She sure is. You should have seen them talking after you left with Dason."

"Now that is not fair. We were just talking about everything going on really. The words Zack said are no doubt part of his job too."

"Athena he doesn't just say those things." Chasity laughs shaking her head.

My phone dings and I let out a sigh. Bethany and Chasity stand up coming to my chair.

I pull it out and open it up.

"It is that number again." I mumble and they move to look at the screen as I pull it up.

Shock is the first thing that hits me. It is another picture but this one is of all of us last night. The photo was taken sometime after Zack and Dason got there. Took just when Zack and I locked eyes. I know when I looked at him like that because he brushed my leg and you could even see my blush in the picture.

"I am calling Zack." Chasity breaths out.

We stare at it, not saying a word. Each of us jump when the salon door opens and relax when we see it is Zack.

"You were quick getting here." Chasity tries to smile.

"We are taking shifts staying close." Officer Gaperal walks in with him.

"I was over at the other shops trying to see if their video feeds picked up a better view from when we seen the suspect before on the cameras." Zack answers.

I just hold my phone out. "You need to see this."

Zack takes the phone and when his fingers brush mine, it sparks something in me. I seem to have relaxed some from just his simple touch and look.

"I am right here. Stop looking at another man or you won't have sight left." Officer Gaperal reads out from my phone looking at it with Zack.

Chills run down my spine and the timer goes off telling us my hair is done setting. This is not the perfect timing.

"I will get this sent in and add to the file. Let me go by the restaurant to see if they have cameras." Officer Gaperal takes off.

Bethany gets me to stand and over to the washing station. Taking out the foils in my hair.

"I will stick around. My break is almost here and after this I want to make sure you ladies are okay." Zack rubs his hands down his face after sitting my phone the counter.

"I am fine. Just hating that now it seems to be a scare when he was in the restaurant with us and we never knew." I shiver some and Bethany knew it is not the water for the rinse.

Zack moves over and I feel his large hand rest on my hand that clings onto the chair.

My heart burst because this small act means more to me than he will ever know. It doesn't help as it makes me fall for him even more, although it may not be a good time.

Then again when would ever be a good time. I know what my heart is already calling for and it is Zack. Call me crazy but it just feels right.

A/N---
Hey Hey Guys!!!

Something new came up with the stalker. Will they get closer to chasing this person soon?

Could start trying to guess if the person is local to town or someone Athena has had a run in with?

Athena is admitting her feelings to herself so when will she talk with Zack?