“Well,” she pauses. “The ‘Always’ is from Harry Potter, of course. I’ve loved that series since I was a child, and it helped me through some pretty crappy situations in school. The other is my little reminder to myself after reading a book calledRevelry.”
I nod, listening to everything she has to say. “I’ve never heard of it. I’m guessing you had a connection to it?”
“You could say that.” She takes a sip of water from her bottle before continuing, “I had just come out of a pretty rough relationship. And, I felt, I don’t know like I wasn’t worth anything. I lost myself. But this book, it spoke to me. It made me realize that I I’m so much more.”
“You might be my new favorite client.” I don’t tell her that she’s technically my first one. I refuse to count Jake’s tattoo as my first, even though I still find it hysterical weeks later. “Most people come in here and get tattoos that hold no meaning to them. They just felt like doing it. But you…you have put so much thought into this. I can’t wait to see what you think.”
I’ve just transferred the first design onto Sophia’s wrist when my phone dings with a message.
Jake:What are you doing right now?
Charleigh: About to tattoo someone. Talk later?
Jake: No SpongeBob!
Jake: Call me when you’re done?
Charleigh: She actually knows what she wants. No weird cartoon tats for her. I’ll call you.
I’m sohappy that he can laugh about the Patrick tattoo. Not many people would be able to. I just knew he was going to call Corey raising hell. Instead he slowly worked his way into asking me for a date.
“You ready?” I ask Sophia. “You can still sit in that chair, but I’m going to need you to lean your arm across the table.”
“Okay,” she swallows so hard I can see her throat move.
“You’re going to do great.” I squeeze her hand to reassure her. “Just let me know if you need a break, and I’ll stop.”
“Sounds good.” A small smile appears on her face. I just know this girl is going to love tattoos as much as I do.
I pull a pair of gloves out of the box and shove my hands into them. I hate the way they feel, but it’s a requirement. I connect the power to the gun then dip it into the small pot of ink and press the footswitch so that Sophia can get used the sound.
The moment I start tracing the lines of the design, Sophia jerks. It’s startling when you get your first one. But soon she’s relaxed and talking to keep her nerves at bay. And me? I’m in my element.
Thirteen
Jake
It’s beenover a week since I’ve seen Charleigh. I’ve wanted to go to the shop and see her, but I know she’s busy. Since her uncle has given her more clients, she’s been incredibly busy. I’m ready to see her today, though. Evenings are hard since they are open late.
My phone sitting on the dresser dings, and I rush over hoping it’s Charleigh, but also scared she might be cancelling on our second date. There was no need to hurry over, it’s just Randall.
Randall:Lake in 30 minutes.
Jake: I can’t. I have plans.
Randall: With that tattoo chick?
Jake: Does it matter?
Randall: Nope. But ditching us for a girl is pretty fucking stupid.
I haven’t been hangingout with the guys lately, but it’s not all because of Charleigh. They just assumed that, and I haven’t corrected them. My time has been spent looking for a job. Preparing for the shit show that’s going to take place when my parent’s figure out I’m going to be in Layla’s life, this isn’t how I envisioned my summer. But I’ll do whatever needs to be done to be a part of her world. My phone vibrates in my hand.
Randall:You know your parents are going to flip their shit when they meet her right?
Jake: Yep. Ask me if I care…
Randall: Whatever, dude. Don’t forget about us while you’re making googly eyes at her