Page 76 of Unexpected Adventures

“Abby, the new voice of the Y,” Drake states as he gives me what I see is a proud smile.

“I’ve learned that once Abby latches on to something, there’s no letting go. Tenacious,” Shaun says. “You certainly won’t hear me complaining about that quality.”

“I guess I can get a bit overzealous.” I grin.

“Nonsense,” Rachel says as she reaches over to squeeze my hand. “I think it’s wonderful, Abby. Young people today are faced with so much more than in the past. And people are living longer, so the elderly need activity too. Those programs can make the difference in the lives of so many.”

“Thanks, Rachel. With everything that’s been going on with Sylvia, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this. But I’m pretty excited and should hear any day about an interview. At least I hope so.”

“I’m sure you will, and I know you’ll do great.”

“Absolutely,” Shaun adds. He wraps his arm around my back, pulling me closer to his side.

“Heck, yeah,” Drake adds, continuing to show off his pearly whites.

To hear their confidence in me is making my heart swell.

A few moments later, Shaun says we better get going so we can make my tattoo appointment.

“Thanks for this,” I say to Rachel as Drake is paying for dinner. “It’s always great getting together with you and Drake.”

“Glad he hasn’t scared you away.” She laughs.

I grin. “Nah, I know he’s a big softy at heart.”

“Huh, could’ve fooled me,” Shaun jokes.

“I can hear you all,” Drake says as he slides next to me, hugging me goodbye. “Have fun tonight, Abbs. We’ll look forward to seeing the finished product.”

“And I’ll look forward to showing it off.”

After final goodbyes, Shaun and I make our way to Jade’s tattoo studio. Once inside, she greets us and shows off her artistry. I’m beyond impressed with what she’s drawn up.

“Oh my, that’s beautiful!”

“And going to look so nice on you.” Jade winks. “Let’s get you prepped.”

She leads me over to her work area and instructs me to sit in her chair, back facing out.Shaun makes himself comfortable in a chair close by so that he can watch the process. Since I’m wearing a camisole, it’s easy enough for me to slip the strap and that of my bra off my shoulder, and tuck them beneath my arm. Jade has set out her supplies and begins to clean me with alcohol. Once done, she places a special carbon paper that she’s copied the picture onto, transferring it onto me.

“I’m going to start out with a few short strokes to let you get the feel of this, okay, Abby?”

“Sounds good.” My hands are clenched together in front of me as my arms wrap around the chair.

“Need me to hold your hand?” Shaun asks.

I know he’s asking with sincerity. “I’m good.” I try to keep my voice from wavering, showing just how nervous I am. “For now.” I take a deep breath and slowly let it out.

Jade lets me know she’s going to begin, and the buzzing of the machine starts. The initial sting of the needle is surprising, but tolerable. As warned, she does a few short strokes, asking me if I’m okay. I give her the thumbs up and she continues. Much of the design is black, with hints of color on two flowers, a bird, and some shading around a few stars. As she’s working, the three of us begin chatting about ourselves and the time goes by faster than I think.

Jade then tells me it’s time to come over the shoulder, and that she’ll be getting close to bone in some areas. I prepare myself as best as I can, but I won’t lie—some of those areas hurt like a… yeah, well, I’ll keep my potty mouth silent and just scream in my head.

After a few too many hisses, Shaun scoots closer and takes my hands in his, softly caressing them. “You’re doing great. Just remember, it’s going to be beautiful.” He lifts my left hand and kisses it.

Before I realize it, Jade’s telling me she’s done with the outline and now she’s going to add the color. After a bit more hissing and less than thirty minutes later, it’s complete. She wipes me down with cool, soapy water, then more water, and blots it dry. She ushers me to a corner with mirrors on opposing walls so I can view her handiwork.

I almost cry.

“Need I ask what you think?”

---