I stand under the hot spray for a long time, still surprised at how my things suddenly showed up in my apartment. I had a feeling it would happen at the right time, but I never once thought it would be for the reason it did.
Wrapping a towel around my waist, I pad into the kitchen. The fridge is stocked with beer, almond milk, eggs, bacon, and other essentials. Coffee, cereal, and a few canned goods fill the cabinets as well.
It’s as if the universe knew exactly what I needed.
I scramble some eggs and take a couple of aspirin. Aftereating, I get dressed and head downstairs to the shop for my one appointment of the day.
My one o’clock is a long time client who wants a detailed sleeve using the watercolor technique—something that usually requires my full concentration. But halfway through the outline, I realize I’ve asked her to repeat herself three times because my mind keeps drifting back to Noia.
“Everything okay?” she asks as I wipe away the excess ink.
“Yeah, sorry. Just a little distracted today.”
I force myself to focus, but it takes twice as long as it normally would. By the time we finish the session and schedule her next appointment, I’m mentally exhausted.
“Sorry about today,” I tell her as she examines the outline in the mirror.
“No worries. It’s looking amazing so far.”
After she leaves, I clean my station meticulously, taking my time. With Jax out on a supply run and Claire handling paperwork in the office, the shop is quiet today.
Desperate for a hit of caffeine to help with my hangover, I head to the break room. The coffee machine gurgles as it brews a fresh pot, and I lean against the counter, rubbing my temples.
Suddenly, I realize I haven’t checked my messages since I woke up. When I go to take my phone out of my pocket, it isn’t there.
Shit. I left it upstairs in my apartment.
“Great.”
I fill my mug and take a long sip, wincing when I accidentally burn my tongue. Setting the mug aside to cool, I decide to head upstairs to grab my phone, stopping abruptly when Jax walks in.
“Dude, what the fuck was that about last night?” he demands, blocking the doorway.
“Don’t start with me right now, man. I’m not in the mood.”
“Cut the crap.” He crosses his arms. “You were a complete wreck, begging to go to your apartment. Then you don’t answer my calls all morning?”
“Sorry about that. My phone was on silent.”
“Seriously?” Jax narrows his eyes. “Claire and Lizzy were worried sick. We all were.”
Spreading my arms wide, I force a grin. “As you can see, I’m perfectly fine.”
Moving in closer, he lowers his voice. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on with you and Noia, but you need to get your shit together. You’re not acting like yourself.”
“I told you, I just needed some space to figure things out.”
“And how’s that working out for you?” Jax’s tone drips with sarcasm. “Because from what Claire tells me about how you’ve been acting today, you’re worse off than you were when you were drunk last night.”
“Fine. I’ve been distracted today, okay? Is that what you want to hear?” I rake my hands through my hair. “Can you just lay off? How would you like it if I gave you shit about you moping around after Sasha left, huh?”
Jax’s eyebrows shoot up. “I haven’t been moping. It was just one night, no big deal.”
“Yeah? Andthat’snot what Claire toldme.” I push past him, heading for the stairs. “I need to get my phone.”
“Fine,” Jax calls after me. “But you’re going to have to come to terms with what you’re feeling eventually!”
Fuming, I take the stairs two at a time. The last thing I need right now is a lecture.
