Forever With You (Misfit Tattoo Book 1)

by Jennifer Labelle

Bargaining: When we feel helpless, there’s often a need to feel in control. That’s when the should’ve, would’ve, could’ve, what-if’s, or if-only’s come in.

  Depression: Losing someone you love is a very stressful experience, from how the death occurred, to the cost of the funeral, and how we’re going to survive afterwards. It’s our preparation for the final goodbye. It can be hard to get past, and sometimes all we need is a good hug and someone to be there for us, even when we try our hardest to push them away. So it’s good that he has you to stand by him.

  Acceptance: Unfortunately, not all of us get here. When a death is sudden or unexpected, some may never get through the anger or denial. Coping with loss is a very personal experience. The best thing is to be a comfort for your friend and to just be there when he needs you most.

  Another thing to think about is the possibility of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a mental illness that involves exposure to trauma involving death, the threat of it, or serious injury. Trauma, like the fire Mr. Idiosyncratic experienced, can cause the recovery period to last much longer. He may re-experience it through vivid nightmares, flashbacks, or with thoughts of the fire that come from out of nowhere. He may have trouble sleeping. He can experience anxiety, have a hard time concentrating, or feel irritable. Some people even manage to feel numb or detached, which might explain all the “bimbo’s” and crazy work habits, as you put it. But please note: not all traumatic experiences lead to PTSD, and I am in no way diagnosing anything by mentioning it. It could very well be a possibility, though, so keep it in mind.

  I know you said your friend might not be interested in therapy, but maybe one day he’ll change his mind. There are several counselling services he may be interested in for the future, and there are also support groups, if that’s a more comfortable route. If you’d like more information on that, I’d be happy to provide a list of resources for you.

  What do I suggest, you ask? I suggest you continue to be supportive. Give him the options I’ve listed about the resources out there to help him cope and talk it out. Express your concerns and your worries and continually remind him that there are people who care about him, no matter what.

  Life goes on, one way or another.

  I wish I could be of more help to you, but there’s no easy answer here. The only one who can truly make a serious mark on Mr. Idiosyncratic and his life is Mr. I, himself, and the people who love and support him.

  Life is what you make of it, after all, and I say he’s very lucky to have you in it.

  Sincerely,

  Harlow

  “Baby, Lucky Charms must be your favorite kind of cereal, cause you look magically delicious over here.”

  “Carson.” Harlow smirked and quickly closed her laptop. “How are you today?”

  “Now, that’s a loaded question,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

  Harlow laughed.

  “Hey, what’s so funny?” He slid the chair across from her out, turned it around, and sat down so they were now at eye level.

  “You have a way with words that always manages to make me smile or laugh. Tell me—do those lines actually ever work?”

  “Sometimes.” He winked. “And, if all else fails, it’s always good to leave a woman smiling.”

  “Touché.”

  “Do you come here often?” He gestured around the small coffee shop and back again.

  “I do, since it’s in the general neighborhood from my apartment, but I normally don’t tend to bring work with me.” Her fingers tapped on the closed computer. “I haven’t seen you around before. Is this your first time here?”

  She loved Dark Java’s homey atmosphere, from their comfortable cushioned chairs, to the free Wi-Fi, to their friendly service, to the vibrant colors on the walls. But what made it better was the fact that it was a diamond in the ruff. A place not everyone seemed to know about, but once they did, they were hooked. Not only was the coffee great but so was the food they served. Sometimes it was just nice to escape from the walls closing in on her at home. Working from there had its perks, but there were times when Harlow felt like she needed a fresh space, somewhere with more windows and sunlight and, well, people.

  “I, uh, stayed with a friend last night, and I needed a little caffeine pick me up before heading to work.” He shrugged, but she also noted the slight tint of red in his cheeks. She bit her lip to keep from laughing at him again, but he changed the subject anyway. “What exactly is it that you do?”

  “I’m surprised your sister hasn’t mentioned it already. I’m thinking she might be one of my biggest fans.” That seemed to pique his curiosity. “I currently write for Twin City Women’s Magazine as an advice columnist. It’s quite rewarding, it pays the bills, and I like that I’m able to work from home.”

  “Oh, fuck. You’re not the Harlow Helps chick, are you? Melody reads that stuff every day. She’s hooked and makes sure there’s a current issue at the shop to read between clients. She and Dee eat that shit up.”

  He looked a little guilty for his choice of words, and she decided to take pity on him. “I take it you’re not a fan, then?” She chuckled and continued talking before he could answer. “No worries, Carson. I’m not offended. I’m glad the girls ‘eat that shit up,’ as you say. Women love the column, and men…well…” She shrugged, not exactly sure on how to finish that thought. “Let’s just say, I’m happy my target audience enjoys it enough to keep me comfortably employed. It’s flattering. I think the key is to be relatable. I try to personalize each of my replies to the specific reader who writes in, and sometimes, if I see fit, I’ll even put in some of my own experiences.”

  He grunted. “Speaking of, you talk to Mel lately?”

  “Not since yesterday. Why?” A couple weeks had gone by since their last outing, and she’d been able to squeeze Harlow into the schedule to get her long-awaited tattoo.

  “Did she give you the appointment? Toby’s scheduled you in on his time off as a special favor.”

  “He did what? You’re not serious?” Her eyes widened, and truth be told, now she felt a little guilty.

  “Yeah, don’t worry about it,” he said, as if that would appease the uneasiness she suddenly felt. “He likes you.”

  “I-uh, um…”

  Carson got his mischievous gaze back while she stumbled for a reply. “Did you know I once heard kissing burns about three calories a minute? Feel like a workout before I leave here?” He puckered for her, and the effect worked, because she broke out into a fit of giggles.

  “Where do you come up with this stuff?” she asked, but instead of answering, he just lifted her hand and gave her a quick peck.

  “If it’s any consolation, I like you too, sweetheart.” He winked, rose from the chair, and parted with a quick, “But I seriously gotta go or I’ll be late.”

  Rendered speechless by his quick parting from the table, Harlow watched him buy a cup of coffee and wave at her before he left.

  With a shake of her head, she dug out her phone to dial Mel, who answered after the first ring.

  “Hey, Chica. What’s up?”

  “Why didn’t you tell me Toby would have to squeeze me in on his days off?”

  Mel sighed. “He probably sees it as you doing him a favor. He works like a dog, and he’d be here anyway. So why not?”

  “Are you sure? Because I’d hate to put him out.” She gripped her phone tighter. “I feel sort of guilty.”

  “As if,” Mel replied. “Girl, I don’t know what was said between the two of you the other night, but he seems intrigued, happy even, and he wants to do it. Not sure if it’s the design or you. Whatever the motivation, this is good for him, and he’s already started on some ideas to show you. You wouldn’t want to waste all that hard work, would you? Toby’s a genius. I can’t wait for your reaction when you see what he’s come up with.”

  “Well, when you put it that way.” Harlow smiled. “Just one more thing before I let you go. Are you free for lunch? I finished writing you a r
esponse regarding your letter, and I’d love to give it to you. My treat!”

  “Damn right, I am. What time are you thinking?”

  “One o’clock? I’ll meet you at the shop.”

  “Sounds good to me. By the by, how did you know Toby’s schedule anyway?”

  “I ran into Carson this morning, and he let it slip.”

  “Figures,” Mel mumbled. “My brother has a big mouth. Don’t mind him.”

  “He certainly is a one of a kind, but I think that’s a good thing.” Harlow smirked.

  “Meh, he’s all right,” Melody teased. “I’ve got to go for now. I’ll see you soon, okay?”

  Chapter Seven

  Harlow

  Her experience this time was much different from the last. The moment she walked into the shop, it was packed. The phone was ringing. There was a line at reception and no available seating in the waiting area, where a small group of people looked through the stacks of portfolios available to them.

  “Harlow!” Dee waved her over after putting someone on hold. “Come on back here.”

  Wow!

  She made her way behind the counter. “Thanks.”

  “Mel’s expecting you. Why don’t you grab a coffee or something in the break room while you wait? It shouldn’t be too long.”

  “Uh, where?”

  “Down that hall. Second door to the right.”

  The moderate-sized room consisted of two plush reclining chairs facing a small flat screen mounted to the wall fully equipped with an Xbox, games, and controllers. A small kitchenette to the left contained a large fridge. Her eyes landed on the coffee machine, and she sighed, contented.

  Mm, coffee.

  She moved toward it, with the intention of making a cup, when she noticed the table on the opposite end of the room and the unknown man sitting there from the corner of her eye. “Oh?” She jumped and placed a hand to her chest. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there.”

  Damn, Harlow. You should really start taking in your surroundings.

  “I noticed.” He smirked playfully. “By all means, carry on. Don’t mind me.”

  She nodded and began to rummage through the cupboards to grab a mug. “Would you like a cup?” When she looked over again, he was immersed in the book in front of him.

  “Nah, I’m good.” He gestured toward the glass of water beside him and watched her approach with interest.

  “I’m Harlow. It’s nice to meet you, Mr.—?

  “Parker. Rebel Parker.”

  She stretched out her hand to greet him, and they shook.

  “What are you working on there?” She pointed to the paper he was writing on, coffee forgotten.

  “This,” he replied, “is just a doodle to kill time while I wait for Toby to come around, and this is my portfolio.” His head tilted towards a large book beside him, and he shrugged.

  “That’s amazing,” she said while staring in awe at the gothic-looking fairy drawing he was in the midst of sketching, blown away by its detail.

  “Let’s hope the boss feels the same way.” Rebel chuckled. “Because I’m hoping to be the next artist hired here. Toby and I go way back, but you never know.”

  “Well, with that kind of talent, I don’t see why you wouldn’t be.” She shook her head. “I’m getting my first tattoo soon, and I hope it’ll look just as good as that does.”

  “I was beginning to wonder.” His mouth tilted up as he studied her. “Are you a new hire too, by chance?”

  “No.” Her mouth twitched.

  Now that’s a laughable thought.

  She didn’t have an artistic bone in her body. Hell, the best she could draw was probably stick figures. “I’m here waiting for Melody, actually.”

  “Lucky Mel.” He winked.

  “Hey, Reb. I finally have a few minutes free if…” Toby stopped dead in the doorway and looked between the two at his table with a raised brow. “Harlow?”

  “Toby.” She stood. “If I’m in the way, I could just—”

  “Absolutely not,” the boss man said. “I’m glad to see you.”

  “You are?”

  “Yeah.” He strode toward her and gently grabbed her hand to hold it. “I have a sketch for you to look at.”

  Her mind went blank the moment his thumb started rubbing against her skin, and she gulped.

  Is it me, or did the heat just go way up in here? Good Lord. What’s with this man and my reaction whenever he’s around? This whole place is filled with hot guys. That’s what’s up. There’s Toby, Carson, and now this Rebel guy. Damn, maybe I need to visit more often.

  She cleared her throat. “I’d love to, but I can see you’re busy.” She gestured toward Rebel and back again.

  Toby wasn’t having any of it. He gently tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him, and she was suddenly immersed in a Toby-filled fog. He was gorgeous, with dark brown hair, short on the sides and a little longer on top, giving it a messy but sexy look. His clear complexion had a naturally tanned look, thanks to what she assumed were either a Greek or Italian heritage. He had these stunning brown eyes so dark, they almost looked black, and they had a way of hypnotizing her to not look away whenever he came near.

  Harlow sighed with longing as her eyes caressed their way down his physique. Broad shoulders and muscular arms filled with tattoos she wouldn’t mind exploring at another time, a flat stomach she knew must have been rippled with a six pack, and a tapered waist encased in form-fitting jeans. He clearly worked out. The man was a huge mass of muscle and ink. It was a heady combination, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this attracted to a man. It had been so long. Toby cleared his throat to gain her attention again, and she could feel the heat hit her face. He’d obviously caught her ogling. The smirk he wore just proved it as he spoke. “There’s no time like the present. Hey, Reb, can you give me a few more minutes?”

  “Whatever you say, boss man.” Rebel looked amused and dismissed them by continuing to draw.

  “Great!” Toby tugged her out of the room and toward his work station. She hoped he was about to show her what he came up with based on her description from last time.

  She knew she was right when Toby handed her the sketch.

  “Oh, wow!” It was picture perfect, even better than she’d imagined, and she couldn’t help a tear from escaping down her cheek before she quickly wiped it away. Toby had really made her life and death tattoo a reality, and she was in awe of it. The large skull was shaded in black and grey, just as she’d described, with the traditional death flower, aka carnation, flowing through it from top to bottom, its stem working as a halo on top. The flowers continued to flow from the bottom, and she loved the vibrant colors and that he focused on putting lilies into the mix. “Thank you.” It came out quieter than she’d expected, so she cleared her throat.

  “Hey, are you okay?” Her answer was muffled the moment his big arms wrapped around her and he pulled her close.

  She just needed a minute and stood there enjoying the warmth of his hug. It was sort of nice to be embraced like this, and the soft beat of his heart against her ear was soothing.

  He smells so good.

  “I’m fine. Sorry.” Harlow stepped back and laughed. “I’m speechless because it’s perfect, but I’m also a little embarrassed because of my reaction.” She traced the image lovingly and tried to explain. “Thank you for this. It’s better than I’d imagined, and she would have loved it, too.”

  He didn’t look certain, though. “She?”

  “My daughter. Her name was Lily.” She traced the flowers again and focused on a calla lily in the center.

  “Was?” Toby held her hand again. “What happened to her?”

  “Car accident. A drunk driver hit us, and I made it, but she—she didn’t.” Her eyes left the tattoo sketch and landed on him again to gauge his reaction.

  “Damn, Harlow. I’m so sorry.” He nodded as if he understood and squeezed her hand in a show of support she really appreciated. Tru
thfully, he looked devastated for her, and she couldn’t stand the sight because it would only bring her down into that dark place that she didn’t have room for anymore.

  It’d been a long, hard road to recovery, because not only had she lost her daughter, she’d almost lost her own life as well. With time, she was finally starting to get back to how she used to be before all the tragedy began, and Harlow desperately needed to stay there. Losing Lily wasn’t something she’d ever get over. It’d be with her for the rest of her life, but she had to go on. Heck, life went on, and through the tragedy, she’d learned to embrace life one day at a time. One step at a time.

  “I can see why the lilies were so important to add.” He gestured toward the drawing and back.

  “And it’s perfect, so thank you again for knowing exactly what I needed it to be.” It was time for a subject change, and there was no better way than to put the focus back onto him. “You’re amazingly talented. To go from my words to creating this is just—wow. I can’t draw at all.”

  “Oh, come on. You can’t be that bad.” He smiled.

  Harlow shook her head and chuckled. “I am. Trust me.”

  “You’ll have to show me what you’ve got sometime, and I might be able to give you some pointers.”

  Her smile broadened. “Maybe I will.”

  “It’s a date, then. How about we talk more at your appointment? You know, to finalize the details.” Toby smirked at her, and she could feel her heart beat faster.

  “Hey, boss man. You got my girl in here with you?” Mel peeked inside the door and smiled when she spotted the two of them together. “I’ve only got an hour, so we’d better get a move on.”

  “You got it.” Harlow tightened her hold on his hand and squeezed back. “And Mr. James? Just so you know, I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Is that so?” Toby teased. He stretched his hand out as she stepped further away until they couldn’t hold hands anymore and he was forced to release her.

  She stopped in the doorway when they lost contact and winked after she waved goodbye.