by Amiee Louise
“Something like that. Work’s been mental, and we went away to my parents for the weekend. How are you, anyway?”
“Fabulous, darling. How’s that gorgeous brother of yours?”
I roll my eyes and giggle. Danny has a little man crush on Dexter, much to my amusement.
“Yeah, he is all good thanks, babe.”
“Still gorgeous and straight as always?”
I laugh. “Yep, as always, honey.” He sighs dramatically. “How are you fixed for Friday? Do you want to come to Rancid Vengeance’s album launch? Sam’s put mine, yours, and Ruby’s names on the guest list.”
Danny shrieks, “Oh, my god! Do bears shit in the woods, babe? Of course I’ll come; I’ll be there with my knickers in the air as always! We need to shop! How are you fixed for lunch?”
I pause to think about it. “Yeah, I’m free.”
“Fabulous! I’ll swing by the shop at twelve. Have to run, baby girl, things to see, people to do, and all that! Hugs”
“Kisses. Bye, Danny.”
The morning passes by in a haze of ink, and by the time lunchtime rolls around, I have six small tattoos under my belt. Not bad for a morning’s work, and I am grateful to be kept busy. I am wiping down my station when Danny breezes into the shop. He is looking as stylish and preened as always in his bright-red skinny jeans, a black V-neck t-shirt, his signature black chunky knit cardigan, and black men’s UGG boots.
“Hey, sweetie!”
I look up and smile brightly, pleased to see my friend.
“Hey, honey, I’ll be five minutes.”
Danny sits himself down in the leather chair at the reception desk and makes himself comfortable. He puts his feet up on the desk and starts filing his nails.
“No rush, baby girl!”
Seb catches my gaze and rolls his eyes causing me to smirk to myself. I finish wiping my station down, lay out some fresh paper towel across the leather bed, and go to the back to wash my hands. I grab my bag, my coat, and go back out into the shop.
“Finally,” Danny says dramatically, and Seb smiles.
“I’m going to lunch, Seb.”
He looks up. “Could you bring me back something, please, babe? The usual?”
“Yeah ‘course, babe, see you later.”
Danny and I leave the shop, our arms linked and stroll off down the street.
“That man is the epitome of all things rugged; he is sex on legs, like a tattooed Mr. Darcy.”
I laugh. “God, you need to get laid!”
He laughs and waves his arm. “How do you know I haven’t already?”
I look at him, and he has that knowing look on his face.
“Come on then, spill!”
I enjoy spending time catching up and gossiping with Danny on my lunch break. We go shopping for Friday night, and I pick up a gorgeous pair of black, patent, peep-toe, Christian Laboutin heels in the sale, a black clutch bag with a skull knuckle-duster handle, and a pair of simple diamante studs. If it was left to me, I’d be wearing my Doctor Martens under my dress, but Danny insisted I buy a pair of heels, even though I almost never do heels and I feel I am going to regret the decision.
Danny goes all out buying a designer outfit, including skinny jeans, a leather studded Armani jacket, and black shirt. We even manage to fit in lunch at Swingin’ Eli’s all in the space of my lunch break. It is a welcome change, and I leave him vowing that we need to make time to catch up more often.
Back at the shop, the afternoon session breezes by just as quickly as the morning session did, fitting in four more small tattoos. By the time Seb flips the closed sign on the shop door, we are both pleased with the day’s takings and how the day has panned out so far. We wipe down our stations in relative silence until Seb speaks.
“What have you got planned for the rest of the evening, babe?”
“I was just going to go home I have a date with a hot bath, glass of vino, and a blonde Viking vampire!”
“Are you not seeing Sam?”
I shake my head. “He is busy promoting his album.”
He nods. “How do you fancy coming to the gym with me?”
I direct my gaze to him. “Is that your subtle way of saying I look like I’ve eaten too many pies?”
Seb is stuck for words, and I laugh hysterically.
“I’m joking, babe! The look on your face!”
Seb narrows his eyes, and we chase each other round the shop playfully. An hour later, I have been home to change into my gym gear. I am looking forward to a good work out and a proper chat with Seb outside of work. We get to the gym, and we secure two treadmills next to each other. I start with a brisk walk and ease into a gentle jog.
“So, things seem pretty good with you and Sam?”
“Yeah, things are really great, thanks. I really like him, Seb, and I’ve fallen so hard for him.”
“Just be careful and don’t rush into things, babe. I saw how upset you were when you were with Callum. I hated seeing you so miserable every day, and I wanted to smash his face in for making you feel that way. I care about you. I don’t want to see you upset, or I’ll have to bust out my secret ninja moves!”
Laughing, I say, “Thanks, Seb.”
He smiles warmly, and I know Seb likes me a little more than he lets on, but I don’t say that aloud.
“Look, I had an ulterior motive to asking you here tonight, babe.”
I look at him trying to read his expression, but he doesn’t give anything away. He definitely has a poker face.
“OK, sounds ominous.”
He clears his throat. “I’m expanding the shop; I’ve just bought new premises.”
I nod. “That’s excellent news, babe.”
He pauses. “That’s not all; the shop is in California, which means I’ll be splitting my time between here and the States.”
I take in Seb’s news with a shocked look on my face.
“Please don’t look so worried, honey; your job is as safe as houses. I want you to manage the shop in London for me. You’ve worked so hard and earned your stripes, and I think you’ve got it in you to handle it.”
My mouth forms a perfect O shape—I am genuinely shocked at Seb’s proposition.
“I believe in you, Peyton; I trust you to run my shop. I wouldn’t have asked you if I didn’t think you could do it. You’ve proved you’re a great friend and a treasured employee, the shop isn’t the same without you in it. You and me, babe, we make an amazing team. I consider you part of my family.”
For the second time this week, I am speechless. Seb wants me to manage his shop. Little old me. Wow. That is such a massive responsibility, but he is right, I have worked so hard to get to where I am. My reputation as one of the best female tattoo artists in the industry is unprecedented, and I have earned respect in an industry dominated mainly by men.
Seb cocks his head thoughtfully, and before I talk myself out of it, I blurt out. “Yes! Yes! Yes! I’d love to manage the shop, Seb!”
Seb’s face breaks out into a dazzling grin.
“I’m so glad you agreed, babe! I was so worried that you’d turn me down.”
Seb’s statement has a double meaning, but I brush that aside.
“I’ll run over the paperwork, and we can have a proper chat at the shop tomorrow, maybe go out and celebrate after work? Thank you so much, Peyton.”
He smiles a wide genuine smile. I am so happy and honoured to be the manager of Saint Sinner Ink. We finish our work-out in two hours, and when we leave, I am exhausted. I can hear my bed calling. Seb drops me off home, and I am so tired I can barely function. I walk back into an empty flat; Ruby must be staying over at Jax’s.
I take advantage of the peace and quiet and take a well-earned, hot, bubbly bath and enjoy a cold glass of white wine. An hour later, feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for bed I get out. I dry my hair and pull on my dressing gown. Just as I am about to call it a night, the door taps softly. I automatically think Ruby has forgotten her key and open the door. I
look up at the figure filling the doorframe.
“Hey, baby.”
Sam smiles his familiar dazzling smile, and my stomach flips. I am so happy to see him I jump into his arms, fling my arms around his neck, and wrap my legs around his waist. He carries me into the flat and swings the door shut.
“Happy to see me, baby?”
I nod against his neck and breathe in his scent. He sets me down and kisses me gently on the lips.
“I’ve missed you so much, Peyton. You’re all I’ve thought about since we got back. I tried so hard to get away, but the schedule has been so busy. J.D. has been cracking the whip. I’m so sorry.”
He envelopes me in his strong, muscular arms, I feel so safe and overwhelmed by his presence in our flat.
“I’ve missed you too, baby, so much,” I whisper in his ear, and we kiss passionately. His tongue gently strokes mine, and I love the feel of his light stubble grazing my cheek. His hair is spiky and a little longer than the last time I saw him. I take in every inch of his muscular, statuesque body. I have missed everything about him—his touch, his kiss, and the way his arms feel around me. He decides to stay over, and we crawl into bed, snuggling against each other, enjoying our reunion.
The next morning, I wake to an empty bed. I reach over, and there is a black and white photograph of Sam sleeping laid on the pillow next to me. I smile and pick it up; there is a message on the back in Sam’s familiar handwriting.
I’m so sorry I had to leave early
Had to get to a TV interview
Imagine I’m still lying next to you baby
See you tomorrow
Love you
S xx
I put the picture back on the pillow and get out of bed. I take my early morning shower, and Ruby is in the living room on the sofa watching early morning TV. As I am towel drying my hair, I glance at the TV.
“These guys have been in the music industry for ten years and are about to release their highly anticipated greatest hits album titled Tattoos and Tears on Monday. Famous for their guitar-driven, all-out rock anthems and husky-voiced vocalist, we are very pleased to welcome into the studio, Rancid Vengeance.”
I see Sam, and the boys saunter casually into the studio and sit down on the bright yellow sofa. Sam looks gorgeous as ever wearing baggy jeans, a white vest, a black leather jacket, and a black beanie hat. He looks mouth-wateringly handsome, and the woman on the sofa is fawning over him. The other boys look handsome too. Jax’s blonde hair isn’t in its usual messed up bed-head style—it is gelled and perfectly styled. Brody is playing up to the camera and pulling faces with his black and blue Mohawk. Lucas is grinning and casually relaxing on the sofa. I am mesmerized by their chemistry and closeness as a band. I carry on getting dressed for work, opting for dark-blue skinny jeans, a Rancid Vengeance vest top that was given to me by Sam, and Doc Martens. I tousle my hair into loose waves choosing not to straighten my hair today. I apply natural make-up, and I am ready for the day ahead. I am about to go out of the door when the TV catches my attention again.
“So, Sam, it’s been reported that you’re dating the daughter of nineteen seventies model Sophia Bailey. Are those rumours true?”
His face breaks out into an ear-splitting grin, and I’m sure I hear the woman on the TV sigh.
“Peyton Harper, yes, it’s one hundred percent true, we are dating.”
The feeling warms me inside that he wants to give me my own identity to the world and his fans. I am someone other than just the daughter of Sophia Harper. He looks to the camera.
“If you’re watching, babe.” He winks and blows a kiss.
Ruby shrieks. “Oh, my God, babe! Did you see that?”
I grin and nod.
“Does this mean you’re officially off the market? Do you think that will bother your legions of female admirers?”
Sam crosses his leg and leans back.
“Yes, I’m officially off the market. I hope it won’t bother the fans, but if they’re true fans, they’ll be happy that I’ve finally found someone who loves me for me and wants to surround themselves with the madness of Rancid Vengeance!”
He laughs, and before I get distracted further, I head to work. The day goes by in a haze of paperwork and the handing over of the shop to me. I still haven’t told anyone my news yet; I want it to be a surprise. By the end of the day, I’m still reeling by Sam’s public declaration of his love for me, and I still can’t quite believe my luck at landing a rock star. He is the sweetest, gentlest, most genuine man I have ever met; I must be the luckiest girl on Earth right now.
22
Peyton
Friday goes by in a flash, and before I know it, Seb has given me the afternoon off to get myself ready and prepared to tonight’s album launch. I am actually feeling quite nervous at being publicly paraded around as Sam’s new girlfriend. I get my hair and nails done with Ruby and Danny. By the time we are all freshly pampered and preened ready for our night out, we go back to our flat. We eat my favourite Chinese takeaway of chicken and king prawn curry with egg-fried rice and set about getting ready for the night ahead.
I grab a shower, reluctantly let Danny apply my makeup, and pull on my dress. Danny makes an excellent job of making me look sexy and sultry, with natural make-up, smoky eyes, lashings of mascara, and a splash of red lipstick. I look in the mirror and can’t quite believe the reflection staring back at me. I have had my haircut and dyed back to my original dark-chocolate colour. My dark, glossy hair is loose and tumbling down in waves around my face and shoulders. The dress is figure-hugging and fits like a glove. It accentuates my curves and makes my boobs look phenomenal! Danny wolf-whistles.
“What have you done with our Peyton? She has been replaced with a total sex kitten! You and the rock star are definitely getting laid tonight!”
We all laugh and take some pictures of all three of us together. We definitely scrub up well. Ruby is wearing a black, lace, knee-length dress, sky-high black heels, her dark hair is poker straight and glossy, and she looks like she would be at home on a catwalk. Danny is looking extremely dapper in his outfit he bought on our shopping trip. His hair is perfectly styled into a side quiff, which seems to be his new way to style his hair. He is wearing black eyeliner, which makes his dark blue eyes stand out, and his golden tan completes his look for tonight.
He pulls on his newly-purchased, Armani, leather, studded jacket and asks, “How do I look?”
Ruby and I start giggling.
“You look beautiful, sweetie!”
We both kiss him on the cheek. I look up at the clock, and it is almost seven. I feel butterflies start in my stomach and I take a deep breath.
“Are you all right, babe?” Ruby brushes my arm.
“Yeah, babe, just really nervous.”
She smiles and hands me a glass of rose wine.
“Here, drink this. You’ll be fine, honestly, you’re with one of the most famous rock stars in the world right now. If the public doesn’t like you, then fuck them, babe!”
I take a long glug of the wine and smile at Ruby’s optimism, but I can’t seem to shake the feeling that something bad might happen. I take another deep breath and plaster a bright smile on my face.
“I have some news.”
Danny and Ruby stop admiring their reflections and turn to look at me.
“You’re not knocked up already, are you, babe?”
I narrow my eyes at Danny and slap his arm playfully.
“No! Of course I’m not pregnant!”
Ruby looks at me—she looks relieved.
“Come on then, spill, babe.”
I smile. “Seb’s expanding the shop to the States, and he has asked me to manage the shop in London.”
They both start shrieking and whooping. They throw their arms around me, and we start jumping up and down.
“Congratulations, babe, that’s fantastic! I’m so happy for you.”
Ruby seems genuinely pleased for me, even in her current unemployment situa
tion.
“Double celebration tonight then, babe, let’s get wasted!” Danny says brightly and we all laugh. I have to admit I am in good spirits. I am grateful for having such amazing people in my life, my family, Ruby, Danny, Seb, and Sam.
The buzzer goes, signalling that Cole is here. We all head downstairs to the waiting dark limo at the kerb. Cole smiles warmly and tips his hat.
“Peyton.”
I smile. “Cole, nice to see you again. These are my friends, Danny and Ruby.”
