The Act|| Tarasia

Chapter Fifty One

Brandee's POV

I knew that Taraji wanted me to relax and take a day to care for myself with her help, but I didn't expect her to send a car to bring me to her house. However, I was thankful that I didn't have to drive my own car up her big ass hill. Sometimes I forget that she's a huge celebrity because she's so humble and down to earth. When she became my patient, I never imagined that I would be coming to hang out at her house. I've built strong connections and lasting rapport with all of my patients, but never like this. I know that it's unethical for nurses to have favorite patients, but if I was allowed to pick a favorite, it would be Taraji without question. It hurts me to know how much pain she went through. I was a witness to it, but I would like to think that our growing friendship has been helping her cope. She's getting better and better everyday mentally and psychically. It's a beautiful thing to see. I hope that she allows me to see more of it. It's hard for her to trust people, but she trusts me, and that means something.

Standing on her doorstep and looking around at the exterior as I waited for her to come to the door, I decided that her house was the coziest mansion I've ever seen. If I keep stacking up my nursing coins, I might be able to buy myself a house like this one day. Knowing her story and how she came into all this, she's a true inspiration. And she's my friend. I'll never get used to saying that. When she opened the door, she had a big smile on her face. She definitely looks healthier. She's glowing different now. She looks so pretty all dressed down and comfortable. What's that one Drake song? Hair tied, sweatpants, chilling with no makeup on...

She pulled me into a hug and rocked me from side to side gently, squealing because she was so happy to see me. We've mostly had to build our connection over FaceTime because we've both been so tied down with work, so it feels good to see her beyond a screen and to be able to actually touch her. Her embrace smells like vanilla and caramel. She pulled back from the hug a little, still holding my waist as her joyful eyes took me in.

Taraji: I'm sooooo happy to see you! You look incredible! Are you sure you work in a hospital and not a gym?

Brandee:*chuckles* Stop before you make me blush, girl. I'm just trying to get like you.

Taraji: Oh, thanks. It's this little diet I started some months back called depression. It makes me drop pounds like magic. But I'm good now, and I want to help you feel good, too. This is gonna be a good day and it's going to be all about you.

Brandee: Your kindness never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for sending a driver for me.

Taraji: My house is hard to find. I didn't want you to put in any work today. You ready to get started?

I nodded my head as she grabbed my wrist, leading me through her house and up to her huge attic that had been transformed into a fully functioning, state-of-the-art TPH salon stocked full of her haircare products and the skincare line that she's been developing. She's sent me plenty of pictures and videos of it, but seeing it in person is an entirely different experience that feels like a huge privilege.

Taraji: What are you in the mood for?

Brandee: My hair has been itching like crazy, but I haven't had time to wash it.

Taraji: Say no more. My Master Cleanse Scalp Wash is going to make you feel like a brand new woman. Have a seat.

I sat down in the furry black chair she was gesturing to, laying my head back as she let the chair back and my head was lowered into the sink. She turned the water on, drowning out the mix of Jhene Aiko songs that were playing on the speaker in the background. I felt like I was in heaven when she began to wash my hair. Her hands were impossibly gentle. My eyes closed and low moans escaped my throat as her nails massaged my scalp. The shampoo smelled like jojoba oil and mangos. I never wanted to leave her chair.

Brandee:*bites lip* Damn that feels so good. I can't thank you enough, T.

Taraji: It's no problem. I like taking care of people. It's my love language.

Brandee: Yeah, I can tell. Most people who went through the things you went through would turn all dark, but you kept your light.

Taraji: It wasn't easy. You watched me struggle just to interact with people without having a breakdown. I worked on myself, and I worked hard, but I can't take all the credit. I owe a big part of my healing to you. So me doing this for you is nothing. I owe you my life.

Brandee: You don't owe me anything. When you were my patient, you made it easy for me to do what I love to do. I'm so glad we decided to get to know each other.

Taraji: The feeling is mutual.

Taraji's touch got a little rougher as she worked through my knots and tangles, but it still felt amazing nonetheless. It was a soft aggression and I wanted more of it. I don't know if I'm still talking about hair washing. She washed the shampoo out before turning the water off and conditioning my hair. She went downstairs to get us some snacks while letting the conditioner sit in my head. She returned with a fruit platter with yogurt and granola on the side to make parfaits.

Brandee: You should make this a side hustle. A lot of people would pay to be pampered by a pretty woman, especially a famous one at that.

Taraji: Believe it or not, I don't like a lot of people being in my salon. This is my personal space to escape the world, but I share it with the people who are worth sharing it with. You're only the second person I've had in here.

Brandee: Who was the first?

Taraji didn't respond verbally, but the longing smile on her face and the faraway look in her eyes said it all. Whoever she had in here first, they must have been pretty special to her.

Taraji: I think your conditioner has been sitting long enough.

She completely avoided my question, turning the water back on, most likely to block out the noise of her own thoughts. I don't want to walk on eggshells around her, but I do realize that I have to be mindful of what I say. Her past is full of darkness, and I just want to be a light for her.

Taraji: You have beautiful, thick hair. What style are you thinking?

Brandee: What can you do?

Taraji: Anything you want me to do. So what do you want me to do?

Brandee: Whatever you desire.

I got the vibe that she too was no longer talking about hair anymore, but neither of us were going to address it. Neither one of us wanted to be the first to cross that line. I genuinely want to be a true friend to her, but maybe I'm starting to wanting something more. Maybe we both are. If done the right way, beautiful relationships can be built off of friendships.