Page 75 of Unexpected Adventures

“Well, you’re a lot of help, aren’t you?” I tease.

“See what the artist suggests and then decide.”

“Good idea.”

We finish getting ready and head out to return the bike to Drake. During our visit with him and Rachel, telling them I’ll be meeting with the tattoo artist, they ask about getting together for dinner, and we all agree on a place.

“Abby, you’re going to love Jade’s work. She’s the best I’ve had,” Rachel says.

“That’s not what you said this morning,” Drake teases as he nuzzles his wife’s neck.

“Drake!”

Shaun and I can’t help but laugh at their antics. Their affection for one another is refreshing, fun, and beautiful. Kinda how I feel about me and Shaun. And as much as we’ve been hanging out together, I’m getting used to Drake’s roguish sense of humor.

“All right, Drake, enough embarrassing your wife. We know you’re a stud-muffin,” Shaun quips.

“You got that right,” he boasts.

“So,” Rachel says, gathering herself after playfully shoving Drake toward the door. “We have an errand to run. We’ll see you two in an hour or so.”

“Sounds good,” I reply.

Two hours later, Shaun and I are experiencing scrumptious German cuisine with Rachel and Drake as we talk about my tattoo appointment.

“So you’re really going back to have it done tonight?” Drake asks.

“Sure am,” I reply excitedly. “Jade said she had a last-minute cancellation, and my design was easy enough for her to do. She’s working on drawing it up as we eat, and I’ll return at eight.”

“I’m glad you like her,” Rachel says. “Where did you decide on the placement?”

Shaun and Drake are scarfing down the food while Rachel and I chat. We’re all sharing each other’s plates, taking a little bit of everything ordered. There’s sautéed pork loin, braised trout, stuffed ravioli, and of course, German sausage, red cabbage, and plenty of potatoes. The food is amazing, and a little bit of wine tops it off perfectly. Can’t consume alcohol prior to getting a tattoo—studio policy, as it should be—so I’ve limited myself to just a sip or two out of Shaun’s glass.

“Shoulder. She’s going to start the staff just left of center below my neck and have it open near my right shoulder. Some of it will actually flow over the shoulder.”

“I won’t lie,” Rachel starts, “close to the bone hurts. And if she goes onto the collarbone, better have Shaun’s hand to squeeze.”

“My appendages are at your service.” He grins.

Rachel laughs. “Oh, you’ve been hanging out with Drake too much. Careful, Abby. Next thing you know, you two will be the proud owners of your own motorcycle.”

“Speaking of…” Shaun starts hesitantly.

“Oh, no. No, no, no,” I say. “One thing at a time. First parasailing, now a tattoo. Let me take my baby steps at my pace.”

“All I was going to say was I’ve been eyeing a two-seater for us. All you have to do is hang on tight and enjoy the ride.”

Drake roars with laughter, and Rachel tries unsuccessfully to hide her smile.

“Don’t fight it, little lady,” Drake says. “Besides, you’ll love it, just like you did with parasailing.”

As our conversation continues, talk of my work comes up. I tell them, as I’ve discussed with Shaun, I’m contemplating a change. I already decided as much as I loved the pooches, I’ve dropped the dog-sitting gig, and Heather, my supervisor has already been advised about the probability of me moving on to something else.

“I’m actually taking some advice from Sylvia, and I’ve applied for positions at the YMCA. They’re looking for counselors and coordinators for some of their youth programs.”

“Such as?” Rachel prompts.

“Visual and performing arts program, after-school mentoring and tutoring. There’s a lot more going on at the Y than most people are aware of, for toddlers to seniors. Do you know they even have a program for mental health counseling?”

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