The restof dinner and dessert went well. We talked about the ridiculous tattoo I gave Jake. Dad thought it was pretty hysterical. I’m happy he found the humor in it. Mom thought it was mean. Eh, he should have known what he wanted and not taken permanently inking something into his skin as a joke.
Now, though I’m sprawled across the sofa in my tiny apartment watching reruns ofProject Runway. I have no desire to be any sort of fashionista, but I love seeing what they come up. Even if the designers make something I would never in a million years wear, I applaud them for their creativity and confidence in their design.
I also let the conversation with my parents run through my head. While going to back to school would be hard, it’s not impossible. The shop doesn’t open until two in the afternoon, and during the week we close at ten. That would give me time to take at least some online classes. Who knows, maybe I could go to school for marketing. It would definitely help with finding clients for myself, as well as bring in more customers for the shop.
Even though Life in Ink has been around for decades, we don’t get the traffic that some of the newer, flashier shops receive. I want to do more to contribute to the place that is giving me a shot, and this may be the way to do that.
I still have time to make a decision. The Fall semester doesn’t start for another two months, I’ll decide by then. The last thing I remember before my eyes close and I drift off to sleep is a skirt that I would totally wear made completely out of polaroid photos.
Seven
Jake
I wokeup this morning with a text from Marshall. It said two words…Go NOW.
If he were here right now, he’d be pushing my ass out of this bed. I wouldn’t blame him, either. I need to talk to Tonya. I have to know if she will still allow me to be a part of Layla’s life even though I’ve been absent for the past three months.
I roll out of bed and make my way to the bathroom. I’ve never been more grateful than I am right now for the bathroom being attached to my room. If I were to walk out and either one of my parents see the dread and confusion written all over my face, they would no doubt question me until I told them what was going on.
I step into the shower with every intention of it being quick so I can face the consequences of my decisions, but I don’t get out until the water cools. Drying off, I look in the mirror. When did I become the guy that runs from his problems? When did I start doing everything my parents told me without question?
I remember being a child that tested his parents’ patience. But somewhere around junior high I started taking their advice and rules as some sort of golden standard. They also informed me at that age that I was to do what they say, or they would no longer support me. That seems like a pretty brutal threat to most, but I knew it was for my own good. Especially if I wanted to see the level of success they had and wanted the same lifestyle they have. I didn’t question any of it.
The only person I know that has been raised the same way I have is Cami. But she fought the rules her dad placed on her at every turn. We’ve also never been able to stand each other, so I couldn’t go to her at any point in mine and Tonya’s relationship.
I’m stalling. I know I am, but I can’t seem to get into any hurry to go talk to the mother of my child. I brush my teeth and get dressed. As much as I wish this whole situation was different, I need to gonowbefore I lose my nerve.
Throwing my dirty clothes in the hamper, I crack the door open. Listening for any sound of life. There’s nothing. Mom and Dad are still asleep or already out for the day.
Tiptoeing down the hall and stairs, I grab my keys from the line of hooks by the front door. I lock up the house and head to my car. I should give her some warning that I’m coming over, but then she’ll have time to prepare her speech to turn down any sort of relationship I want to have with Layla, and I can’t let that happen.
I just hope Reaf isn’t there. While I know that things between Tonya and I are over, him being the father figure in Layla’s life still rankles me. I don’t know that I will ever get over him being there for her when I had my head up my ass, but it’s just one more thing that I’m not fully capable of handling right now.
* * *
My palms are sweating.I’m sitting in my car across the street from Tonya’s house. To others I may look like a possible stalker or creeper, but I’m just trying to gather my wits and composure. I’m not sure what is going to happen within those walls, but I hope we can come to some sort of compromise.
I step out of my car, and gently close the door. Looking both ways before I cross the street, I wipe the palms of my hands on my shorts. I don’t want to appear as nervous as I feel. I knock on the door and await the surprised reaction I’m likely to get.
I’m shocked when Cami opens the door. “What doyouwant?”
“Wh-what are you doing here?” I stammer. I shouldn’t be the least bit surprised since she’s always here. But I am because it’s early, and she’s normally still asleep.
“Opening the door, dumbass,” she replies with an eye roll.
“Obviously,” I snort. “But you’re not usually joining the land of the living until around lunch.”
“Well, I’m living here for the summer.” Cami leans against the door, barring my entrance. “Not that it’s any of your business. And, I’m running late for work, so I hope you aren’t blocking me in.”
“I’m parked across the street, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
Before she continues on her way out the door, I stop her. “Can you let Tonya know I’m here?”
Another eye roll is directed at me. “I guess. But I’m warning you…if you upset her, I will destroy you.”
I definitely don’t miss her stunning personality. I don’t know what I ever did to her to make her hate me so much, but I’m relieved that I don’t have to see her on a day to day basis anymore.
“Thanks,” I mutter into thin air.