One hour or so later, I’m doing a final wipe down of Ivy’s new tattoo of violets and daffodils. I feel so honored she let me have free reign of the design. Of courseshe approved, but I gave her a few options, and she chose her favorite. After taking some time to decide size, we got her stencil on, and got to work.
She sat so well, and talked animatedly the entire time with Leo and a couple other artists. Of course I’m a love sick fool, and was just ecstatic that I got to touch her for an hour straight.
I motion for Ivy to go look in the large mirror on the wall, and she lifts from her chair, stepping close, and turning her arm side to side to examine my work. At first she doesn’t say anything, and I think I’ve just royally fucked up, but then she breathes out so quietly I almost miss it. “I love it. Thank you, Wesley.”
I finally exhale, flooded with relief.
I dispose of my gloves, and stand, walking over to her. I look at it in the mirror with her and nod. “It looks really good. Thanks for your trust.”
She beams, shimming her shoulders like she can’t contain her excitement. I slide my phone out of my pocket, and guide her over to stand beside theCanyon Tattoosign.
“Say cheese,” I say, grinning like a fool.
The smile she gives me could knock a man on his ass. She holds out her arm proudly, showing the camera her new ink. I snap a few that I’m sure I’ll be staring at later, when I hear Leo say, “Here. Give me it. Go take one with your girl.”
I hand him the phone, and walk over to Ivy, stepping behind her and pulling her back against my chest. My head clears hers by quite a bit, so she doesn’t block me from the shot. I rest my hand on her hip, and she poses for Leo, before I hear the camera shutter a few times.
Leo hands me back my phone, and I tell Ivy I need to wrap her arm before she goes. After I clean the area again, I apply the second skin adhesive to her arm.
I roll back on my stool, “All done,” I say with a smile.
“Thank you again. I love it so much.”
“Of course.” I see Ivy check her phone, so I ask, “Are you getting Lilah after the movie?”
“Yeah, I’m going to go meet her and your mom for ice cream, and then we’ll go home.”
I love that she’s already calling it home.
I nod. “Alright. I have to talk to you about something later,” I say casually.
“Oh my god, what?” she asks, panic lacing her voice.
I laugh, and squeeze her hand. “Nothing crazy. I just got an email asking me to do another guest spot. But it’s a week long, and in New York this time. I’d leave in two weeks,” I trail off, still playing with her hand.
“Oh my god! That’s great! How fun!” she shouts, making everyone look our way.
“Yes, but I’m not sure Lilah would be down to do that. You know how she was when we got back from Texas.”
“Yeah,” she replies, chewing on her lip and playing with my hand as well. “Well, if she doesn’t want to go, I’ll stay home with her.”
“Ivy…” I start.
“Unless you don’t want me to, then I won't," she adds.
“It’s not that,” I say confidently. “That’s just a lot. You’d have her all to yourself for the week. I’d leave the day after my parents leave for their cruise.” Then I tack on, a little more quietly, “Also, I’ll miss you guys.”
“Wesley. I can handle it. Delilah and I are like this.” Ivy holds up her first two fingers crossed together. “If she doesn’t want to go, and you do, go. Spread your wings. You’ve been through hell and back. You’re awesome at what you do. You deserve this.” She laces our fingers and squeezes, then leans forward and whispers, “Also, we’ll miss you too.”
Fuck. Don’t tell her. Don’t blurt out how desperately in love with her you are.
Ivy stands and gathers her purse, saying her goodbyes to everyone she met today, and I can tell everyone loves her already. How could they not?
I hate them all.
I follow after her, and when we exit the shop, the warm afternoon air hits us. Ivy sighs, holding out her arms and tilting her face up to the sky.
“What a great day,” she murmurs, then takes a long deep breath. “This is the happiest I’ve ever been.” Her admission startles me a little, but I decide to respond honestly.
