He chuckles at my reply. “But I bet you want to, right? I don’t blame you if you do, Jax.”
“No way. I’m not repeating my mistakes. Anyway, let’s get that ink covered, then we can both leave.”
Once Banks’ tattoo is covered, he gets up from the chair, stretching his arms, and we walk toward the front desk. Thefirst thing I notice is how Soph has reorganized everything. Then I see her post-it notes next to the screen. Slowly reading them, I realize they’re cheat sheets for daily things she needs to do. I like that she’s prepared.
Marking the price of today’s session in our system, I smile after another successful session. My standard rate is $250 an hour, depending on the design and size, but I give discounts to returning clients. Today’s session was relatively cheap because we only did some touch-ups and planned his next piece. This guy has spent thousands on my talent, so I like to give him a discount whenever possible. He’ll tip me anyway, so I don’t lose too much cash by doing that.
Having agreed on the price before the session, Banks hands me the cash. “Thank you, Jax. See you in January for my next piece.”
I try to give him some change, but he doesn’t accept it. “Thanks, man. Say hi to your lovely wife from me.”
“I will,” he says and leaves me alone with my thoughts. Before I do anything stupid, like write a note for Soph, I leave the shop.
12
SOPH
Currently playing: Issues by Julia Michaels
It’s my fourth day at King Tattoo, and I have lunch plans with Haisley and our mutual friend Marianne. She used to be Haisley’s roommate before she moved together with her partner Fred. They’re having a baby soon, and I can’t believe how I’m at that age where my friends are growing their families.
We meet at one of my favorite lunch spots in Brooklyn—the restaurant serves the best avocado toast I’ve ever eaten. Walking in, I spot my friends immediately because Haisley’s bright red sweater is hard to miss.
“I’m glad I can always find you, no matter what.” I laugh as I walk up to their table. Haisley dusts off her shoulders and fluffs her hair while flashing me her beautiful smile.
Next to her, Marianne gets up and hugs me. “It’s so freaking good to see you, Soph. I’m sorry I haven’t had time to visit the shop yet.”
“It’s all good! You’ve been busy with your own business and creating a life,” I tell her, motioning to her growing baby bump as we sit down. Marianne owns a photography studio, and her days are busy as she’s booked months in advance.
“You have no idea. The baby keeps me up at night—and they aren’t even here yet,” she exclaims. “But that’s enough about me. I want to know more about how and, most importantly,whyyou work with Jax.”
“You’re nailing the mom routine already.” Haisley chuckles as Marianne looks at me sternly.
I chuckle with her. “You are! But honestly, I have no idea what’s going on with my life anymore.”
“What do you mean by that?” Haisley asks.
“Well, things are weird with Jax, and I don’t want to be Tiffany 2.0.”
Marianne looks at me with curiosity in her eyes. “But isn’t your situation different as you two aren’t dating?”
I hate when she makes sense. But she has no idea how hot I think Jax is. “Ugh, I know. I don’t know how to explain it. Let’s order food, and we can talk more about it later.”
After the waiter has taken our orders, Marianne turns to me. “Why didn’t you invite Rose?”
I wince because I knew someone would ask me this. “Rose doesn’t want to take sides. She’s known Jax for a long time and loves him like a brother. I wanted to talk without her saying how great he is every two minutes.”
Marianne nods understandingly. “Definitely. She always wants people close to her to be happy. I love that about her, but it doesn’t always work out the way she intends.”
“And that’s why we all love her. But it wouldn’t have worked to have her here today.”
“Why not? She could tell you all the good things about him and make you see that youmighthave overreacted when you stole his bike,” Haisley reasons.
“Can we please talk about something else? I regret my actions and don’t need another reminder of what I did. I’m hopefully getting my sling off this Saturday, and I can’t wait.”
“Okay then,” she says, playing with her cutlery to avoid my eyes. “But know that I was worried about you for a moment there. Sitting in that hospital waiting room sucked.”
I grab my best friend’s hand and squeeze it. “I know, and I’m sorry. I never meant to worry you or anyone else.”
