Page 84 of The Art of Deception

Xander and Levi laugh as the door swings open, and a familiar tingle runs up my spine—the same one as the old Hope & Faith Ink—as we walk in. The same style of music is playing, and it even smells like the old shop. The sterile cleanliness with a little bit of cinnamon cookie. Don’t ask me why it smells that way, or how Xander mastered the same scent is beyond me.

Excitement swells in my stomach as our little girl kicks me. She’s excited to be here as well. We named her after my deceased sister Kaylie once we knew it was going to be a little girl. I can’t help but think of her and my parents right now and wonder about what they would be thinking of all this. Would they think I’m a sell-out for taking such a massive handout from Xander? Or, would they be proud of me for finding my feet and making a life for Levi and me—a stable environment and support for Levi to turn to? He’s been far steadier since Xander’s been around. Having a male role model is great for him.

“Okay, time for the big reveal. Are you ready, Tomi?” Xander asks, his tie still blocking my view.

I chuckle and sigh. “Yes, hurry up, or I’m gonna wet myself.”

Levi chortles as Xander slowly peels his tie away from my eyes.

I blink a few times as a loud, “Surprise!” booms through the studio. Everyone yells, making Levi block his ears instantly. I grimace, watching him, but he gives me a thumbs-up as I turn back to see Jana, Gigi, Skins, and Hogtie all standing in the middle of the most amazing studio I’ve ever seen.

It’s just like I had imagined—a reception area at the front with the cashier’s desk and a lounging area, all in dark colors and brickwork with gold accents. Then, as I stroll through further, there are separate zones all decked out with state-of-the-art equipment—reclining tattoo beds, brand-new roller workstations, and perfect lighting with the décor the same as the reception. Each zone is backed by a brick wall with white plaster running around the edges and gold furnishings. Then the back wall is black, giving the whole area a romantic warehouse vibe. It’s chic, stylish, and very upscale. I can’t help the rapture running through me right now. I want to jump up and down on the spot, but it’s not a good idea for someone in my condition.

I glance the wall over and see another area with a sign over the top that reads “Tanning Salon.” I giggle. “Oh my God, you remembered that?”

Xander tilts his head. “I remember everything you say. I wanted this place to be perfect for you.”

Shaking my head in awe, I start to reply, but Levi grabs my hand, pulling me through a little further. I giggle, following him. He’s been down here a ton of times with Xander helping him. Those two are near on inseparable now.

“Where are you taking me, Levi?”

“You’ll see.” He takes me further around the front of thereception area to where a tasteful mural is painted on the wall in the walk-in waiting area. Warmth floods through me as I admire the artwork—it’s so full of life and energy. I love it instantly.

Xander and everyone else walk around, watching me take it all in. I try to figure out what it all is, and then it hits me. It’s not just shapes and colors—it’s tastefully done so no one on the outside would know. My heart leaps into my throat as I realize that in the mass of colors and shapes are the faces of my parents and Kaylie. My hand slams up to my mouth to cover my sob at the memorial piece. Around the edges framing the piece are gorgeous cherry blossoms on branches in white but with bright pink centers and stamens. There are petals and flowers floating down into the piece as well. It’s so freaking beautiful, and with my hormones the way they are right now, I can’t hold myself together as fresh tears pool down my cheeks.

Levi cuddles into my side, and I hold onto him tight.

Xander moves in behind us, wrapping his arms around us both.

“We made it special for you, Tomi,” Xander whispers against my ear as he leans in, kissing just under it.

I sniffle, turn my head, and kiss his lips gently as I try to pull myself together. “You’re amazing,” I reply.

This place is far more than I could have ever imagined.

Xander has outdone himself.

I turn my head to my old colleagues, and I can’t help but beam. “So what does it mean?”

Skins fist pumps the air. “The old team is back together again, bitches!”

Everyone laughs as I glance at my stomach. “Well, I’m not sure how long I’m going to work before little Kaylie comes along, but Hogtie, you’ll run the fort for me while I’m gone?”

He dips his head. “You know I got you, Tomi.”

“But don’t worry, bubs and I will be in here all the time. Imean, I need to soak up this place for real.”

“Tomi, look at what Xander put in the mural,” Levi says, tugging on my arm.

I turn back to see a lion revealed in the artwork—hard to make out on its own, but when it’s pointed out, it is there for everyone to see. I love Xander thought of everything when creating this place. He’s put in an extreme effort, and I’m so glad I gave up my stubbornness and allowed him to create this dream for me and our family.

Levi suddenly spins around facing Xander. “You promised me a lion tattoo, Xander!”

My skin prickles as everyone laughs. I shake my head slowly as I steady my shoulders. “Oh no, no way.”

Xander softens his grip on me, turning to face me slightly more with a pouty expression. “The first tattoo should be done by the best tattoo artist here.”

My crew all cheer along with this insanity as I sink in on myself. I guess if Xander is willing to let Levi scratch something into his skin, then it’s his pain, not mine.

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