Page 93 of Broken

“It’s not working,” Phoenix comments.

“Maybe I need another session,” he wiggles his brows.

They banter a while longer. It’s good to see Phoenix getting involved, even laughing at some of the bullshit out of Shane’s mouth.

Sumner grabs a drink from the fridge in the corner and sits back down. “It’s the Inked Circus Expo at the weekend.”

“Shit, that came around fast.”

He looks over at me. “Still okay for me to go? Lucky kept the diary clear.”

“Yeah. I booked us a slot.” I glance over at Phoenix. “Are you still going?”

“Maybe for one day,” he rubs the stubble on his jaw. It’s grown longer than normal. Lucky has already expressed her displeasure. He told her what he does with his face is his business.

“Shane, you can go for the day Phoenix isn’t there.”

“For real?” His eyes widen in excitement.

“Watch and learn,” I tell him. “Take a flash sheet. The ones you’ve perfected. A lot of times, people want small designs. Let them know he’s an apprentice,” I remind Sumner.

“Awesome,” Shane claps his hands together.

“It’ll be grand,” Sumner says. “The kid’s coming along.”

He’s right. Giving him this chance shows Shane I believe in him. There is no way I’d let him represent the shop at an industry event if he’d fuck it up.

Phoenix packs up his stuff and comes over. “It’s good you’re giving him the exposure.”

“Sumner’s right, the kid deserves it.”

“You’re a big old softie.” He slides his arms into the sleeves of his leather jacket and laughs at the glare I give. “I’m gonna shoot.”

“You have plans?”

“Called up that girl I told you about.”

“Good,” I nod.

“Yeah, need to let off some steam,” he turns as Sumner bursts out laughing and slaps his thigh. “Shane is telling his stupid jokes again.”

“He can knock that on the head for the Expo.”

“I don’t know,” Phoenix muses. “It’ll be good to draw people in. You know how ridiculously serious most of these artists are. You want people to come to you. Having a friendly face might work.”

“Tell them that joke,” Sumner elbows Shane.

Shane is the king of the ridiculous joke. Fuck knows where he comes up with them.

No one notices the door opening as Shane grins. “What do women and noodles have in common?” Sumner laughs again before the punchline. “They both wiggle when you eat them.”

Phoenix snorts, and Sumner cracks up again. I’m the only one who hears the laugh behind us. Looking over my shoulder, my smile drops. Everyone else goes quiet when they see who entered.

“Nero,” I dip my chin. Phoenix spins around and stares at his brother.

I’d forgotten he promised after his last run he had a job for me. Didn’t expect him to show up here. My eyes flick to the clock. It’s eight o’clock. Never thought I’d be wishing Calli didn’t show.

Shane is staring at Nero and Nashville, who is behind his Prez. This is the first time Phoenix has seen his brother since the car crash with his mom.

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