by Summer, AJ
“Lewis!” I call after him but he just hurries through the door.
I’ve never seen him so nervous in my life. I hope he isn’t in trouble. Who was he talking to on the phone? My client walks in amid my jumbled thoughts and I show her to my table, while distracted about Lewis and his ominous phone call.
My client is getting her newborn baby boy’s name tattooed on her wrist. We’ve worked out a really nice design for her. I place the drawing of the tattoo on her wrist and remove it carefully so it doesn’t smudge. ‘Ronan.’ It’s such an interesting name. I asked her how they decided on it. She explained that her husband died in a robbery two months before their son was born. His name was Roland, and her name is Nancy. She added them, so they’ll always be together whenever someone says her son’s name. Her story brought tears to my eyes. I think it is perfect and I’m honored to do her tattoo.
I color the little blue butterfly we added to his name and then the music note in black. She wanted the note because Roland loved music. I wonder what we would’ve named our little boy or girl if we could have kids? Something fierce and strong like Jase, and wild and free so that nothing can ever hold him or her back. That thought just depresses me because it’ll probably never happen. Maybe kids just aren’t in the cards for us.
I finish the last piece of her tattoo and dab the excess ink off. Then I put some ointment on and we both admire the fascinating design on her wrist. Nancy never takes her eyes off her wrist as I walk her over to the register. After I punch a few buttons on the old register, she finally lifts her head and hands over way more than I rang up.
I give the rest of her money back. “This is too much.”
“No, you have it,” she says on a sad, but pretty smile. I’d never take her money. She’s a single mom. I also know how rude it would sound to simply refuse it. “Buy him something from me. Anything. A jacket or something and then you come show me. I’d love to meet him,” I say, gently pushing the money back into her palm. She opens her mouth, and I can just tell she wants to argue. “Please. From me. Maybe he needs new Converse or something,” I add, sticking my foot out from behind the counter. She looks at the pink converse on my feet and smiles.
“Okay. Thank you.” She takes one last look at my shoes before she leaves the shop with a smile.
For the next hour I sort out Jase’s station. Not that it’s messy or anything, but he just has so much stuff. How many different kinds of black ink does he need? They all turn out the same, black. A couple walk in, for ring tattoos. They just got married in front of the Justice of Peace on Friday. Looks like it’s weddings and babies all round for me today. All of the stuff I don’t have. When I’m done doing their bands, I’m back to being bored. The phone rings, startling me in the quiet shop.
“Alec’s Tattoos and Piercings. You’ve got Mia,” I answer. The line goes dead. Rude.
I make myself another cup of coffee and wait. As my next client walks in, I spot Lewis’s truck drive past the shop. He ducks his head when he sees me. What is up with that boy? I need to phone Jase when I’m done with this client. Lewis is acting weirder than usual.
The next tattoo takes a little longer than normal because the guy had a last minute design change. Luckily, I don’t have any other clients booked for the day. I’m almost done when Jase walks in with take out from Lui-Ling.
“Does this count as a date?” he calls, lifting the take out bag.
“I thought we were done with dating,” I say, laughing softly.
“Lucky guy, I always have to take my girl out and she isn’t cheap either,” my client grumbles.
I smile at him. “Not everyone is as awesome as me,” I whisper while winking. I think my poor client blushes. Cute.
Jase sets the containers on the counter and immediately takes his out. I should be concentrating on my client but my eyes keep straying towards him. His chewing mouth is quite distracting. That little silver hoop keeps catching the light from above. Naughty thoughts of him kissing me this morning play in my head. Focus Mia.
I manage to finish the tattoo without messing it up – difficult task with the kind of thoughts that are swirling around in my head. Is it hot in here? I lift my ponytail off the back of my neck. I ring up the guy’s tattoo and off he goes. Jase’s phone rings from inside his pocket. He moves his food into his other hand and digs his cell phone out. He frowns at the screen for a second before answering the call. Is everyone angry at their phones today?
“You’ve got Jase.” He listens intently for a while before answering with a simple, “Oh.” He nods his head, scowling heavily. “Thanks.” He ends the call and returns his phone to his pocket.
“Everything fine?” I ask.
“Yeah. That was the detective who’s investigating the accident. That guy’s hearing was today. Found guilty on all charges. Both of them.” He doesn’t look too happy. This should be good news.
“And?” I ask with my hands on my hips, waiting for him to explain what I’m missing.
“This detective. I phoned him a couple of days ago. He was adamant there was only one guy. Now there’s two and no one told me. It almost feels like he’s deliberately keeping information to himself because he doesn’t want me to get a look at these people. I’ve never seen their faces. No photos. I didn’t even get a look at them the day of the accident.” He rubs the bridge of his nose.
“Have you asked him about it?” This seems to really be bothering him.
“Not in so many words. At least it’s done now. That family got justice for the lady who died. They’re being punished.” His grip on the take out bag increases making the paper packet crinkle. Trying to make light of his heavy mood, I bump him with my shoulder and hold out my hands for the food before he squashes it.
“And you can walk,” I tease on a wink. It seems to work, because a small smile blooms on his lips. Jase hands me my food with a kiss. “Thanks,” I say, placing a kiss of my own on his chin.
His answering grin does something sinful to my already fluttering stomach. I’m head over heels in love with this man, all over again. I eat my food while staring at his face. He’s busy on his phone, which reminds me of the call I wanted to make to him.
“Something’s up with Lewis,” I say. I place another bite into my mouth. He watches me chew, before meeting my eyes.
“What?” He isn’t paying attention at all. Is everyone also spacey today? Am I missing something?
“Lewis. He was here earlier. Acted all weird.” I move my burger in the air before I take another bite.
“Weird how?” he asks sitting up straighter.
“He got a call and then just acted strange. Then earlier I’m sure I saw him drive by here, only he ducked when he saw me. Almost took out Lui’s Cooper.” I know the little car is small but it is not invisible.
“Huh,” he says, scowling and looking annoyed. “I’ll see what’s up with him. I have to go to Ray’s. He’s got a problem with a car and asked me to come over. You almost done?” He leans over and places a kiss on top of my head. I’m having none of that. I put my empty container on the counter and fist his shirt, pulling him to me. He looks down at me through dark lashes with smoldering eyes. If I wasn’t sitting down, I’d be a mess on the floor. No one could survive that look. His lips meet mine with an intense hunger. I’m already tingling in places inappropriate for work. As quick as the kiss started he ends it, making me groan something not even a dictionary would understand.
“I have to go. Now. Or I’m going to make Alec very pissed off with us.” He shoots me a wistful smile.
“Alec is a big boy. He’ll get over it,” I purr. Really, like a cat. They don’t call me Mew for nothing. Jase chuckles, and with a quick kiss on my nose he walks out the door. “Hey!” I call after him. But he’s already gone. “Tease.”
No walk-ins, no clients, no visits. I drum my fingers on the counter. Only an hour to go before I can close up shop the phone rings again. “Alec’s Tattoos-” This time the person on the line doesn’t even
let me finish. Rude.
I’m busy making coffee when the phone rings again. I drop my spoon mid stir and run over to answer it. “Alec’s Tattoos and Piercings. This is Mia. And if you drop this phone again, I’m going to kick your ass,” I add just in case. There’s laughter on the line and my blood boils. I’m going to mess up whoever this is. “Listen here ass-” Again they drop the line. Damn it! I slam the phone down, wincing when it bounces off the counter. Oops. I pick it up off the floor and put it back into the holder. That’s three calls today. We have those on a regular basis. Livvy normally handles the phone so she’s used to it. Me, not so much. I’m ready to strangle someone.
I finish making my coffee and take it with me to the front door. I light a cigarette and wave to Lui who is smoking outside his store. He waves back. I finish my smoke while watching the cars drive by. All very boring. Can this day end already?
When there’s about twenty minutes left I decide to phone Jase to find out if he’s done at Ray’s. If he isn’t I’ll have to phone Looney Lewis to pick me up.
“Mew?” he answers. There’s a racket in the background and I can hear Lewis and James shouting something at each other. “Hold on.” The line goes muffled. When he comes back it’s much quieter on the other side. “Sorry.”
“No problem. I’m almost done. Can you come get me?” I’m anxious to get out of this quiet shop.
“I’m done. I’ll be there in a few.”
“Was that Lewis? Did you talk to him?” I ask.
“Yeah. He’s fine.” I’m not convinced.
“Are you sure?”
“Yup.” He sounds awkward. I can almost see him staring at his boots; he does that when he’s lying.
“What’s going on Jase?” I’m sick of all this mystery nonsense.
“Nothing. Why?” he asks quickly.
“Because I know what you sound like when you lie,” I say, instantly irritated.
“Lewis is going through some stuff, okay? I can’t talk to you about it now. I’ll see you in a bit.” This time he sounds sincere, and it makes me feel guilty. I’d never let him betray Lewis’s trust. ‘Bro Code’ and all that jazz.
“Okay. I love you.” I’m surprised at how easily that last part flows from my lips. It’s like I never stopped saying it.
“I love you, too.”
I end the call with a big goofy grin on my face and walk to the back of the store to start switching stuff off. I tidy up my station and cash up the register, then put the cash away in the safe and turn off the TV’s. By the time I get to the door Jase is pulling up outside. I flip the closed sign and lock up and he meets me at the door. He wraps his arms around me from behind and squeezes me tight.
“Hi,” I murmur.
“Hey.” He inhales deeply, his nose buried in the crook of my neck. He walks us backwards towards his truck - lucky for him there’s a clear path. He turns me around and opens my door, then he gently lifts me inside. I buckle myself in and wait for him. He hops into his seat and starts up the truck.
“What’s this?” I ask, picking at something sparkling on his black t-shirt. He looks down at his chest and rubs his hand over the spots quickly. It looked like glitter to me.
“Must be from the spray paint.” He says still wiping at the spot.
“It looked like gold sparkles,” I say, eyeing him carefully.
“Just paint,” he says, checking his mirrors before pulling away.
Since when does spray paint have star shaped sparkles in it? Something fishy is going on here. They’re all terrible liars. My stomach starts fluttering with a nervous buzz. What are they planning? What could have Lewis so nervous and make Jase lie? It has to be something big. I roll that thought around in my head all the way home.
The house is quiet, no one else is home. I place my bag down on my bed while still wondering about all this mysterious behavior. Jase is downstairs so I decide to phone Jenna. If she sounds off, I know they are planning something.
“Hey Mia,” she answers loudly.
“Hi,” I reply much softer.
“Is something wrong?” she asks. Now she sounds fine. Maybe she was just excited to hear from me. Yeah right.
“Nothing’s wrong. Just checking in.” Lame. I’m so lame.
“Everything’s fine. We’re just at home watching TV.” I strain to hear, maybe get a clue if she’s lying or not.
“Hiya Mia!” Aiden shouts over the phone. I get such a fright I drop my phone.
“Hello? Are you still there?” Jenna asks when I get it back to my ear.
“Sorry, dropped my phone. I’m glad everything’s okay. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay. Goodnight?” Now she sounds suspicious at me. I guess nothing is going on.
“Night.”
Jase flops down onto the bed in front of me. “Do you want to do something? I still owe you one date.”
There’s not much to do in Bailey on a Sunday night and Jase looks exhausted. “We can just stay in,” I say, falling down next to him.
“Can I go show you something?” he asks, pushing up on his elbows. He doesn’t look so tired now. In fact he even has a sparkle in his eye.
“Can I take a shower first?”
“Can you make it a quick one?” he asks with excitement lacing his voice. I almost expect him to bounce up and down.
“Yes,” I mimic his tone, standing up.
“Get in there then.” He laughs, smacking me on my behind. I bark something between a giggle and a yelp.
“Anything specific I should wear?” He hasn’t said what he’s showing me.
“Anything is fine. You’re beautiful just the way you are.” I look down at my pink converse and skinny jeans. Okay? I close the bathroom door and turn on the water. While kicking off my shoes I hear a noise from the bedroom. Voices? His voice. Who’s he talking to? I hop over to the shower and shut the water off. Quiet.
“Are you okay in there?” he calls from the door. I shriek when I hear his sudden voice after straining and hearing nothing.
“Fine!” I call back. What’s wrong with me? He’s going to think I’ve lost my mind. I turn the water back on and finish stripping my off clothes. Even though I wanted him to, Jase never comes into the bathroom.
I’m dressed and brushing out my hair while watching Jase in the mirror. Every now and then his right leg jumps up and down. He sees me looking and stops it.
“Done,” I say when his eyes meet mine in the mirror.
“Finally!” he teases.
I stick my tongue out at him and grab my bag.
“Where are we going?” We’ve been driving in circles. I know we’re somewhere near the lake but I’m starting to worry that we might be lost.
“You’ll see,” he replies, staring straight ahead.
“We’re not lost, are we?” He gives me a disbelieving look that bring my hands up in surrender. The Superman song comes on, and I turn it up louder. “I love this song!”
Jase tilts his head a little bit but doesn’t say anything. We drive around yet another bend on the unending gravel road before he pulls off the road and parks. Is this it? There’s nothing here. I wouldn’t dare say that to the quiet man next to me though. He’s practically oozing tension and I have no idea why. He types something on his phone before shoving it roughly into his pocket. I feel sorry for that poor phone.
My stomach starts doing somersaults again when Jase opens my door and helps me out of the truck. He clicks on the small flashlight in his hand and leads me through the trees.
“You didn’t bring me out here to kill me, did you?” I joke. He scoffs a very unconvincing laugh. My heart gives a little lurch of fear. I don’t like surprises. I squeeze his hand tighter. Jase turns around to look at me. Something in my face must make him worry because his eyes soften and his mouth loses the hard line it’s been pressed into the last twenty minutes or so.
“We’re almost there. See, just through these trees. And no I’m not going to kill you. You were joking, right?
” He cups my cheek softly, his eyes begging me for answers to questions much deeper than he just asked. Instead of easing my tightly wound nerves, it just makes me feel worse. I look to the side of him, peering through the trees. If I look carefully it almost looks like shadows are moving over there. Someone laughs loudly, causing Jase to drop his head back.
Hang on, I know that sound. Lewis. “Is that Lewis?” I ask. Jase groans loudly, pulling me forward by my hand. We step around a few more trees and into our spot at the lake. It’s our spot, just from a different route. Aiden’s truck is there, so is Lewis’s, and James’s car. They are all here, sitting next to a big fire. Red is here too, but I can’t see Ana. I wonder if she’s still missing.
“Mia!” they all shout loudly. I wave back, confused. Jase gives Lewis a look that makes him blanch.
“Oh shit.” He rubs the back of his head, looking sheepish.
“What’s going on?” I ask Jase. He just looks at me. Man, he is shaking with nerves and it’s making me sweat. Shitters! Is he going to propose? Is that what this is? All this mysterious behavior? The glitter. It all makes sense. Oh shit! Shit!
“Dance with me?” he asks, reaching for my hand.
“But there’s no music,” I say, totally out of my element. The way he’s looking at me isn’t helping my nerves either. Like right now, right here is all that matters. This moment right here. Me and him. His eyes are so pretty out here by the fire. “Give it-” he starts saying but the same song we were listening to in his truck comes on from somewhere behind us. Jase smiles at me before wrapping me up in his arms. I lay my cheek against his chest and let him sway us to the music. His heart is beating steadily under my ear, but his body is stiff as a board. My hands are clammy on his back. I’m not sure which one of us is going to pass out from hyperventilation first. My money is on me.
Jase turns his head, resting his lips against my hair. “I like your hair like this. But I loved the pink,” he says loud enough for only me to here.
“I can always change it again.” I look up at him. The stars behind him shining brightly. Aiden and Jenna are dancing next to us. So are Lewis and Red, if what Lewis is doing could ever be called dancing. He grinds his hips into Red causing her to push him away. I laugh, Jase looks at Lewis and shakes his head. Lewis seems kind of wasted.
