I know what adoration looks like. I see it every time Marshall comes into the shop for more work with Bianca. The huge smile that takes over his face, and the eagerness that shines in his eyes. It’s not much different than the look Sophia has any time Adrian talks to her or looks her way.
“Did you need something?” Sophia asks.
“Do you want me to get you something to eat while I’m out?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Okay, I’ll be back in just a bit.” Walking outside, I immediately want to turn right back around and order in. The heat is stifling and walking to the burger place down the street seems like a horrible idea right now. But, Ineedto get away from Bianca for a bit. She’s in full on bitch mode today.
That leads me back to Marshall. I’ve noticed that she’s almost pleasant when he’s been in the shop. I’ve suspected they have something going on, but it’s a pattern I’ve noticed. I wonder what’s going to happen when Marshall goes back to school in the fall. Will they try the whole long-distance thing? Or, will he drop her like a sack of potatoes and leave us to deal with her wrath?
What will happen when Jake goes back to school? The thought has never even crossed my mind. I guess I knew deep down that he wouldn’t be here after the summer, but damn that was before I had any actual feeling for him. Before I got to know him. And, still I know there’s something he’s not telling me. I wonder if I’ll find out before he leaves. If I’ll be able to watch him go, and not let it affect me. What will happen to us?
I stop dead in my tracks, right before reaching the door of the restaurant. When did I start thinking about a future with him? This is exactly why I don’t get involved with people. Will he expect me to move if we want to stay together? I finally got started on my career, I can’t let a guy determine how the rest of my life is going to go.
My back pocket starts vibrating, scaring the living daylight of out of me. Scooting to the side, so I don’t block the path, I slide my phone from my pocket and answer it. Not even looking to see who is calling.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Sweetie,” Mom says sweetly from the other side of the phone.
Uh oh, she never starts with that. She usually asks how my day is or what I’m doing.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Have you thought any more about going back to school? I have a few brochures I can give you. I can –“
I cut her off before she even has a chance to finish whatever she was going to say. I have thought about it, mostly to help the shop grow. Some of the social media I’ve talked Corey into implementing is working, which is why we’re so busy. But…I’m not telling her that.
“Is that really the only reason you called?” I ask.
She sighs, knowing she’s already lost me on this subject. “Yes. I just think you need to consider your future if tattooing doesn’t work out.”
“Mom,” I rub the temples of my head trying to ease the headache that is forming. “I’ve been doing a lot of tattoos. We’re so packed that we had to hire someone just to take appointments.”
“Well, that’s good.”
“And,” I relent. “I am thinking about at least taking online courses in marketing. It’ll help get more visibility on the shop,andshould I ever need to get another job, I will be able to.”
“I’m so happy you’re considering it.” I can hear the smile in her voice. She may not like my profession, but at least I can lessen her worries over me by doing this one thing.
“I’m grabbing lunch right now, I’ll call you soon.” I hang up because I know if I let her say anything else, we’ll be on the phone for another hour.
Finally,I open the door and walk to the counter. My little freak out and Mom calling ate away some of my time.
“What can I get you?” The lady behind the counter asks. She must be new because I’ve never seen her before.
“Hi,” I reply. “I need a burger with everything but onions on it and two orders of fries, please.”
“Absolutely.”
I hand over my debit card before she has a chance to give me my total. I wait by the order pick up area looking around the restaurant. I’ve always loved this place. Aunt Nikki, Corey’s wife, would always bring burgers to the shop when we were too wrapped up in designing.
Before I get too wrapped up in nostalgia, Ginger sets my bag of food on the bar. “Here you go Charleigh. You tell your uncle not to work too hard. Him and Nikki haven’t been here in a while.”
I laugh. It’s true, but that’s only because we’ve been swamped. “I will.” I loop the handle over my wrist, “Bye, Ginger.”
She waves at me, and as I reach for the handle my phone starts ringing again. I fumble to answer it, almost dropping my food. “I don’t have time right now, Mom.”