by Skyla Madi
“Okay.” She nodded. “So how about you tell me more about Toby James this time?”
Chapter Nine
Harlow
“Not that interesting. Trust me,” he replied.
“I find that hard to believe.” She scrunched her face up and tried to breathe through the pain. It hurt like a bitch, but the result would be so worth it. Misfit Tattoo was not what she’d expected a tattoo parlor to be. She had pictured fat, hairy biker guys with beer bellies wearing too-small jeans that would show their asses anytime they bent over or sat down. She had pictured a dive building with questionable people who had piercings and mohawks and rainbow-colored hair. A total stereotype and cliché way of thinking and she was ashamed she’d thought that way.
Misfit was beautiful. A new construction building with blue walls covered in artwork, dark hardwood floors, a counter with a granite top, and a digital POS system. There was a big, red, neon sign that read ‘BLANK CANVAS’ in the back. Mel had told her it was the sign from the old shop that burned down. They had a cool break room with a TV, a gaming console, and plush chairs. Leather seating adorned the lobby area for people who had to wait around. The tattooists were gorgeous, especially Toby. They all had amazing personalities and were extremely talented tattooists. She had been wrong on every account. Yes, there was ink, piercings, and colorful hair, but it was refreshing. Every client had privacy. It was exceptionally clean, and it was strictly professional at all times. She looked around the room and admired the posters, pictures, and signed memorabilia on the walls. “You described what you thought of me, so let’s see if I can do the same for you.”
“Be my guest,” he replied.
“Okay.” She was breathless for a second because of a particularly sore spot on her skin. “Toby James is a successful businessman who works hard and is passionate about what he does. You’re engrossed in the art you create for others. You’re a sentimental man, you have great friends and co-workers who care about you, and I have a feeling you love fiercely, as well. A family man too, perhaps? You work out regularly, from what I can tell about your physique. You’re tall, big, and muscular. You have brown hair and the darkest eyes. They’re quite nice to look at, I’ll admit. Handsome, clearly, sexy as you put it, but I can also tell you’re going through something big. Let’s chalk it up to one lost soul recognizing another. How am I doing so far?”
“I’m impressed.” Toby sounded amused. “Think I’m sexy, huh?”
“Is that all you got from what I said?” She rolled her eyes.
Moving on!
“I like your posters. Is it all from Love the Sinner?”
“Yeah, Ash and I are tight.”
“Mel was telling me Ash Harris was a relative of yours. They visit often?”
“He is, and when they can. Depends on the length of their tour and what new album they’re working on.” He sounded wary.
“They’re a great band. Total fan over here.”
“They all are,” he said in a clipped tone, and she wondered if she offended him somehow.
“Everything okay?”
Toby sighed, and she could hear his chair slide back. He wiped at her skin again and went back to finishing the outline.
“Toby?”
“Look, you seem like a nice chick, so I’ll give it to you straight. If you’re a groupie looking for an in with the band, you’ll have to get in line. Don’t know when Ash is coming back, but I’m sure Mel will give you a heads-up anyway. Good luck with the crowd because it gets pretty crazy around here when the boys step in. Not in the habit of playing ‘who gets to hook up with my cousin.’ If that’s your game, you’re barking up the wrong tree. Ash has no trouble getting his own pussy. Never has. We clear?”
She could feel her whole body heat with both embarrassment and fury that he’d automatically make that assumption. Her? A groupie? It was laughable. She hadn’t been on a date in over a year. Hadn’t gotten laid in almost five. But he wouldn’t know that, so it was time to set the record straight.
She winced and clenched her jaw to keep her anger in check. “Have you ever heard the expression ‘don’t judge a book by its cover?’”
“Huh?”
“Okay, timeout for a second,” she said.
Toby rolled back so she could sit up and look him in the eye.
“Heard the expression, have you?”
“Yeah, who hasn’t?” he said, looking at her warily.
“Okay, well, I’m repeating it because you just made assumptions about me that were completely out of line. Here I am, laying here, having a conversation that you started, by the way. I’m not sure where it went wrong, but clearly it did. I liked your posters. They’re cool, and I happen to be a fan of someone you’re related to. It’s not every day you meet someone with famous relatives. Their music is good. I listen, so sue me. I am not some groupie, nor will I ever be. I meet your cousin one day, great. I get an autograph. I have no interest in hooking up with him. I don’t meet him, that’s fine too. It’s not something I’ll lose sleep over.”
“Babe.” Toby shook his head.
“Babe? Babe!” She threw her hands up in the air, on the verge of giving up. “What kind of answer is that? I’m not sure what type of women you’re used to, but FYI, I’m not one of them, Toby. I don’t use people, I don’t like to lie, and I definitely don’t like to be classified in that category, so next time, just ask if I have a hidden agenda. Don’t assume.” She folded her arms across her chest.
“Careful there.” Toby loosened her arms and held her hand. “I apologize for offending you, seriously. Women come in here all the time for Ash and try to cozy up to one of us for an intro, hoping to catch his eye. You’re the first genuine woman I’ve seen in a long time who isn’t like family to me. When you brought up Ash, I began to wonder if you were like all the rest. Glad to know you aren’t.”
“Are we almost done here?” She exhaled loudly and looked away.
“Halfway.” His reply was automatic. He let go of her hand and reached up to cup the side of her face. “I’m sorry, Harlow. Forgive me?”
“Forgiven.” She nodded. “What do you say we put on some music for the rest of it? Not sure I’m in the mood to talk anymore.”
“Music, sure.” Toby got up, plugged in his iPhone, and his cousin’s latest song hit the speakers. It was back to business. She was halfway there, and the remaining time spent on the outline was silent, except for the buzz in the air and the low volume tunes she had requested.
Toby James was a beautifully complicated man, and she really wanted to figure him out.
Chapter Ten
Harlow
“How’d it go?” Calista asked.
It had been a couple of days since her first tattoo session with Toby, and Harlow was at Fanny’s with the girls to let loose. They were sharing some wings and having a few beers to unwind. “Good, I guess.” She shrugged. “But it’s so itchy. It’s driving me nuts.”
“Moisturizer,” Dee commented.
Melody chimed in. “Keep putting lotion on the skin. Lots and lots of lotion, but no matter what, do not scratch, and for the love of God, leave the scabs alone. Wash with soap and water, then moisturize the hell out of that bitch.”
Harlow pulled out a small bottle of Aveeno cream from her purse and smiled. “Don’t leave home without it.”
Callie laughed. “Good. Now get up and let’s have a look. If it’s itchy now, I’ll even put some on for you, if you want.”
Harlow sighed but decided, what the hell? They wanted to see it, so she’d get it over with now. She’d only be showing her midriff, not any of her lady bits. She looked around the place, and nobody seemed to be paying attention to them anyway, so she stood, lifted the side of her shirt, and lowered the top part of her jeans a couple of inches. “Toby said we’d be meeting up within the next couple of weeks to finish it. Last session was just the outline.”
“Damn, girl. That’s hot.” Mel grinned.
Dee nodded in agreement. �
��Very nice.”
“Oh, Har.” Calista stood back to admire it. “It’s amazing.”
“I thought so, too.” Harlow beamed. “Toby’s talent has no limits.”
“Don’t tell him that.” Dee snorted.
“Too late.”
Well, shoot! Speak of the devil…
Harlow quickly righted her clothing and spun around at the sound of his deep timber. “Toby?” His name came out breathless, and she flinched.
Woman, pull yourself together.
Toby’s grin was all teeth. He stepped forward and put his arm around her shoulders as they faced the group. “Complimenting me even when I’m not around? I like it.” He winked at her and addressed the others with, “This woman right here has officially become one of my favorite people.”
Carson chuckled, and Rebel just shook his head, looking amused yet again at her expense.
“Get in line,” Calista said. “She’s been one of my favorites for years.”
“Phoenix!” Carson cheered. “How’s it going?”
“Phoenix?” Rebel arched a brow.
Calista rolled up her sleeve to show them the phoenix on her forearm. “Carson gave me this a little while back.”
“Sure did.” Carson moved around the table to step next to her friend. “Hey, baby. For some reason, I was feeling a little off today. But one look at you, and I’m definitely turned on now.” He grinned, and Harlow busted out laughing.
“Knock it off.” Mel grimaced. “You’re going to make me sick.”
“Okay, then.” Rebel clapped his hands together. “I’m thirsty. Anyone need a top up?”
“I could use one,” Dee said.
“You got it!” Rebel winked at her.
“Drinks for everyone,” Toby remarked as he squeezed Harlow’s shoulder before he stepped away. He looked her in the eye then said, “Be right back.”
And she melted. Damn. That man was sex on legs, and he knew it too. She was in so much trouble.
***
Toby
“What’s up with you and Hottie Harlow?” Carson asked.
Toby, Reb, and Carson stood by the bar, waiting for Fanny to fill their drink orders.
“What’s it to you?” Toby crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.
“Relax, bro. Just noticed you haven’t been able to take your eyes off her is all. She’s a nice piece. You don’t want in, I’d be happy to give her a go.”
“I would too, in a heartbeat.” Rebel snorted. “But something tells me she’s already been claimed.” He smacked Toby’s shoulder playfully and turned back to the bar.
“The hell you say.” Carson looked at Rebel strangely, and it made Toby stiffen his posture. “Seriously, dude. Look at her. She may look like an angel, but I bet she fucks like the devil. It’s the best of both worlds.”
“Enough,” Toby warned. “Harlow is off limits to both of you.”
Carson chuckled. “Guess we’re not sharing this one, huh?”
“What’d I just say?”
“I hear you.” Carson put his hands up in surrender and took a step back. “Congratulations, man. It’s about damn time.”
“The fuck you on about?” Toby got in his face, and Rebel intervened.
“Nothing, Tob, he isn’t going to mess with your girl, and neither am I. Just happy for you, man.”
“Not my girl, but this one is different.” He sighed as he tried to explain to them what he wasn’t quite sure of himself yet. He raked his hands through his hair and gave up for the time being. Their drinks were up anyway, so it was time to make their way back to the table and to the woman who had him all tied up in knots.
Here goes nothing.
“Peace offering.” Toby pulled the chair beside Harlow and got comfortable as he handed her a refill. He’d bought the whole table a round.
“For what?” She smiled and took his offering.
“I was an ass the other day.” He took a chug of beer and winked. “Not often I admit that.”
“I bet.” When she smiled, he noticed her eyes had a sparkle to them. They were such a piercing shade of green, it was becoming his new favorite color.
“Friends then?” He held out his hand to shake hers, and she obliged.
“Friends,” she repeated.
“What’s this I hear about you being an ass?” Mel propped her elbows on the table and leaned forward.
“Shit!”
“Now you’ve done it.” Harlow winked. She then answered Mel so he wouldn’t have to. “At my appointment, we were having good conversation until about half way through the outline. I was remarking about the posters and memorabilia Toby had on his walls for Love the Sinner, mentioned I was a fan, and Toby not-so-politely assumed I was a groupie. Long story short, I set him straight, and he apologized and explained about most of the women who stop by the shop to get into Ash’s pants.”
She faced him and gave his arm a squeeze. “Thanks for the gesture, but no peace offering was necessary. I appreciate it, though.”
“We never did get a chance to make plans. We were supposed to so I could check out your mad drawing skills, remember?”
“You can draw?” Carson asked her. Then he looked at Toby. “She can draw?”
“No.” Harlow snickered. “Nothing more than a stick figure, maybe. I totally suck.”
“We’ll see.” He smirked. “How about dinner Thursday? I’ll check my calendar and figure out when I can fit you into the schedule so we can finish that tatt.”
“You’re on.” She beamed, and he could feel it in his chest when she looked at him that way. He’d have to tread carefully with this one, otherwise it could be damaging to his heart. It was still filled with Carley, and he wasn’t ready to let that go yet. Harlow was different, all right. She was the whole package.
A package that could be trouble if he wasn’t careful.
So, cheers to friendship!
He took another big gulp of his beer.
Chapter Eleven
Three years earlier
In the Blink of An Eye
By Harlow Ross
January 2015 Issue
A few months ago, I was approached by this magazine with the chance to launch an advice/help column, and it came to me at an opportune time in my life. You see, I was looking for a change. I desperately needed one in my life, and I’ll soon tell you why.
But first, I’d like to take an opportunity to announce how much I’m looking forward to getting to know you all as you get to know me before we get to all the heavy stuff I’m about to share.
So, for this column, my very first, I thought I’d take the leap with something different from the typical advice columnist norm. I’m going to give you me.
I think it’s important to establish a rapport as we go forward.
You ready?
Hi Readers, my name is Harlow Ross, and it’s a pleasure to meet you all. I’m currently twenty-six, and I was born and raised in Fresno, California. I have a psychology degree from Stanford University, which I put to good use when I landed a job at St. Paul’s Family Services in this great city shortly after graduation.
I come from a wonderful family. My parents have been happily married for the last thirty years. I have one sister who I adore, and I once had the most beautiful daughter in the world. She was my everything. Until one evening, in the blink of an eye, my whole world changed. Completely shattered, destroyed.
It was a nightmare that’ll forever haunt me.
I’m not sure if any of you can recall reading about it, but about a year ago, almost to the day, I got hit by a drunk driver, and it cost me my life as I once knew it. I was critical, they tell me, yet I somehow survived my injuries. My two-year-old daughter, however, wasn’t so lucky. My precious Lily was just gone. So, as I take a deep breath while I write this because it’s still so hard, I’d like to honor her by telling you all a little about her.
I fell in love with my daughter before I ever laid eyes on her. I’ve always wanted to be a mother,
and although Lily came into my life a bit sooner than I originally planned, she was my everything. The first time I heard her heartbeat was phenomenal. My own heart swelled with excitement. She was my miracle. I had her in the fall of 2013 at the healthy weight of nine pounds two ounces. She was perfect in my eyes, so sweet, really. I close my eyes and I can still see her smiling face, hear her giggle, and see her curly blonde hair, sparkling green eyes much like my own, and she had the cutest little dimple on her left cheek. Lily loved the outdoors, especially the swings at the park, and her favorite hobby was to color pretty pictures for our refrigerator. She was curious by nature and had questions for almost everything because everything seemed to fascinate her. I was honored to be her mother. I am honored still. So, for Lily, I continue to go on to the best of my ability because I know she’d want her mommy to be happy.
And helping people makes me happy, so here I am, making a change in my life at a time I feel good enough to try something new and exciting.
Welcome to Harlow Helps, everyone. It’s the newest column here at Twin City Women’s Magazine. I truly look forward to hearing from you all.
All my best,
Harlow
***
Toby
Toby ran a hand down the front of his face and leaned back in his chair as he finished reading Harlow’s first article from three years ago. It was an impulsive move to look her up online and read an article or two, but he couldn’t help himself. He was all alone at home with nothing but his thoughts to occupy him, and she made him curious.
He took a big breath and exhaled heavily as he picked up his phone and debated whether it was a good time to call her. They’d made plans, and it was only right that he called to confirm. He thought about it, and well, it was the excuse he was going with.
He felt connected to Harlow somehow, probably because she understood his grief. What was wrong with making another friend? A hot, sexy, fucking gorgeous friend. Shit, it’d be so much easier if she didn’t make him nervous because of how attracted he was to her.
