“Just trying to get to know you a little better.” I shrug. “Isn’t that what you do when you’re dating someone? Ask questions?”
She rolls her eyes and takes a drink of water. “I guess. But it’s really not all that interesting.” Putting the cap back on her water bottle she continues, “I spent a lot of time watching my uncle work. I was fascinated by the art he created, and he always encouraged me to do what makes me happy. And being a tattooist at Life in Ink is my happy spot.”
“You can tell you’ve grown up with that kind of influence. It shows in the pride you take in your work. What do your parents think?”
She shrugs her shoulders and sighs. “They’re supportive for the most part.”
“I sense a but coming.”
“But…they think I should go back to school and at least some sort of degree.” She takes another drink of water. “I can see their point, and I’m thinking about it. A degree in marketing would really help get the shop’s name out there, but I don’t want to try to juggle it all either. What about you?”
“I’ve got a football scholarship and majoring in law.”
“I have a feeling that’s not what you want to do.”
“Honestly, I don’t know what I want to do.” I want to tell her about Layla but I don’t know how. And, I’m pretty sure it’s too early to even discuss children. What if I tell her and she runs for the hills? I don’t want whatever this is to end before it even begins.
“What about your parents? Are they the ones pushing you toward a law degree?” She questions.
“My parents are overbearing assholes. They only care about themselves and appearances.”
She puts her hands under chin. “Well, I hope I never have the pleasure of meeting them.”
“I’ll try my best to save you from their presence.” I really hope they never meet. Not because I’m ashamed of Charleigh, but because I don’t want her to become a target of their criticism.
The temperature is slowly rising, and even though the tree offers us some relief, I don’t want to subject her to the heat any longer.
“You ready to get out of here. I don’t want you to melt.”
“Sure, I need to get ready for work anyway.”
We gather everything up and throw our trash away. I rush to get the air conditioner blowing when we get in the truck. It might be hot as hell outside, but seeing Charleigh enjoy my simple picnic means a lot to me.
I want to linger when we get to her building, but I don’t. Not wanting to get too attached too quickly, I give her a kiss and tell her bye. Before I make it to the truck, I’m texting Randall, seeing which lake they are at. A night with the guys is way overdue.
Fourteen
Charleigh
The past fewweeks Jake and I have either seen each other, or talked, every single day. He’s the one I go to when I have news to share. He’s also the one who gets to hear about Bianca the most. Since I’ve started doing more tattoos, she’s been meaner and nastier. Every single day she has something to say.
It’s to the point I’m considering asking Corey to switch our schedules. Or, at the very least make the hours I work with her shorter. It might mean less money for me, but it will keep the comments I have to endure to a minimum.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m no delicate flower. I participate in our little verbal song and dance just to see what craziness comes out of her mouth. It just gets old. She doesn’t treat anyone else the way she treats me. I just wish I knew what is so horrible about me that she feels the need to harp on me about every little thing.
The only saving grace has been Sophia. She came back three times after that initial tattoo for more ink. I knew in my gut that she’d be one of those that absolutely loves them. The last time she was in my chair, Corey came in complaining about nobody being up front to take appointments. She was looking for a new job, and he hired her on the spot. Well, after I finished the tattoo I was working on.
“Hey, girlfriend,” I walk into the lobby. “I’m going to grab lunch do you want anything?” Sophia is staring at the door to Adrian’s workroom. I’m not a hundred percent sure she even knows I’m in the room with her.
Walking over to the counter I snap my fingers in front of her face. “Earth to Sophia, is anyone in there?”
She jumps, clearly surprised by my appearance. “Oh, uh sorry, did you say something?”
“Girl, you’ve got it bad.”
Her cheeks flush. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She starts shuffling papers on the counter.
“Sure, you don’t,” I say, but I don’t say anything else. She doesn’t need me telling her what her feelings are, even though I can see them from a mile away.