I, however, smile at the memory. I was mid-crash out following the aftermath of breaking up with Travis, but thenStella busted in my room with a pack of Red Bulls, a fresh journal, and yes, her tarot cards.
“It’s just…” she continues on, “that would have been a freaking bucket list opportunity. But I get why you said no, I do. I’m proud of you, I guess.”
“Clearly,” I huff out as Dottie puts her front paws on my bed with a whine. “Alright, I gotta take Dottie out. I’ll let you know what happens with Hank.”
“Okay, I’ll be sure to accept any collect calls from jail. Not that I’ll be close to pick you up, but still.”
I push off my bed with a smile. “Excuse me, I’m not the one with a record.”
“It was one time! One little shoplifting incident! I have a big girl job where I clean up other people’s scandals, and yet my one fuck up from nearly ten years ago is still brought up! Will I ever live that down?”
“Nope, sorry, Stel, it’s just too funny. I’ll let you know how it goes at Tally’s.”
Stella snorts. “Don’t worry, I’ll have my tarot cards charged up and we can make any adjustments to the plan if we need.”
I can barely fake excitement with a dragged out, “Greeeeat.”
“You’re welcome in advance. Love you, byeeee.”
I find a smile. “Love you, bye.”
Putting Dottie’s leash on, I grab my coat and we head down the stairs.
Hey you there alone today?
Blake
Yeah and we need to talk.
Glad we’re on the same page. On my way.
After walking Dottie around the block a few times, I run her back upstairs and give her two of her favorite treats. “Sorry, I know that wasn’t much of a walk, but I’ll be back.”
Hopefully. I could have Lucie coming to get Dottie while someone else bails me out of jail.
I exhale what I can of my frustration—maybe it’s not that bad. I know leaving Tally’s was the right move to make, and whatever dick move Hank is playing I should be able to put an end to. Granted, my only play seems to be telling his wife everything he’s done in heavy detail.
The chime to the front door rings as I walk in. Trusting Blake’s word, I don’t bother worrying about someone else being here and head straight for the back.
“Blake?” I call, walking farther in the shop.
“Back here, Jen, I’m just finishing up,” Blake hollers back.
Walking through the curtains, I find Blake at his station wrapping up a girl’s arm with plastic wrap.
“Okay, keep that on until you get home, and here’s the printout going over the aftercare instructions we discussed.”
The girl blushes as she looks down at Blake’s hands taping off the wrap. “Great, and if I have any questions, I can call…” She trails off, clearly hoping he finishes with his number.
I partly understand her blush and interest to some extent—Blake isn’t exactly bad to look at, and from what I’ve come to know, he’s not a douchebag. I personally have zero interest because he’s not a redhead who plays first base for the Blues, doesn’t give me cheesy nicknames, and doesn’t follow me around like he’s obsessed with me.
Good god.
“You can call the shop if you want,” Blake says, completely oblivious to her intentions.
“Great, thank you.” The girl feigns a smile and starts to walk out with a shake of her head.
“You’re welcome, have a great rest of your day,” Blake says, still not picking up any vibes. He looks to me and waves. “Hey, come on in, we can talk while I clean up.”
