Page 50 of Clover

“It’s not a problem. We’re family. It’s what we do.” My heart nearly jumps out of my throat, constricting my words and suffocating my lungs.He thinks I’m family. I realize they all do. They all treat me like I’m one of them, without question. With each passing day and hour, I spend with these people, I too feel like I’m one of them.

They may be violent and crazy and carry guns that see more action than a Bruce Willis movie, but they’re my people now. My family.

“Thanks. I appreciate that, and I know Nix does too.” We’ve obviously made it clear to everyone that we’re a thing now and seeing each other exclusively, so I don’t have to hide it anymore. And if it wasn’t obvious from the sleepless nights and massive search party he sent out for me, then they weren’t paying close enough attention.

“Nix is a great guy. A little rough around the edges, but you get used to him. I know he cares for you and would do anything for you, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a jackass sometimes. Don’t mind his little tantrums.”

“Oh, don’t you worry. I know how to handle him.” I give him a wink and a grin. “But I’m still not forgiving you for the club incident.”

“Oh, come on, that was likeforeverago. Can’t a guy get a break?”

“No. You ruined my night.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I try my damndest to look mad. It’s hard, though, since I’m smothering a smile.

“I highly doubt that. From the look of things on your way out, it was probably a great night.” He gives me an all-knowing Cheshire grin. Damn him and his cousins for being so close. Nix probably told him all about it. And now my cheeks are turning red.

There’s nothing I can say to that, so I button my lips, and thankfully Rosie interjects. Asking about his ankle and who’s winning in their game. She also asks about some of the other player's relationship statuses. Zander looks unsure if he wants Rosie to be flirting with the guys or not. I get it. Pro athletes are even bigger whores than Nix was. Not sure I would want a sibling or relative of mine to get involved with them either if I knew how many notches were on their bedposts.

We stay through their half-hour break for half time and chat some more with Zander and a few of his football buddies. A couple he brings over and introduces seems he likes them well enough. I can also see the sadness in his eyes when they talk about going back to practice with the team. It being the beginning of the season, they’re all slammed and working their asses off to prepare for the season ahead.

Rosie and I promise to come to watch a home game soon since apparently the Colton’s have a lift time VIP box. Didn’t know they were such football fans, but I guess they would be if one of them was a player. He probably still would be today if it weren’t for his injury. Then we leave to go find the last person on my list to thank today.

Stepping through the front door to Robin’s Nest, Nix’s tattoo parlor, the bell dings above, and the familiar sight of the shop’s lobby greets us. The front of the studio has large multi-paneled windows with dividers that make them look like a checkered board. The front of the shop and windows are all painted black to match the interior wall across from the exposed brick wall. Large, framed art hangs on the black wall. I assume they’re all original works done by the artists who work in the shop.

Other than Nix and Arrow, there’s a few other tattoo artists here. Spread out in their own stations separated by half walls to break up space and designate them into their own workspace. Nix has his own private space in the back where I went before when he filled in the color on my arm. He still had to color in the matching underbust sternum tattoo. We just haven’t really had the time lately with everything.

Today Arrow isn’t behind the front counter. A lilac-haired girl with tats covering almost every inch of exposed skin sits on a stool typing on a tablet. She’s thin but curvy and has a diamond stud piercing in each cheek like sparkling dimples. We approach the antique-style wood counter. It’s black with the Robin’s Nest Logo painted in white across the front.

“Hi. How can I help you today? Do you have an appointment?”

“No, we’re here to see Arrow.” Arrow, who is back in one of the station areas, pops his head up, hearing his name, and shines a million-dollar grin at us.

“Clover! It must be my lucky day to deserve a visit from such a beautiful lady.” Rosie scoffs in mock offense.

“And what am I? A flaming bag of dog shit?” Arrow chuckles and makes his way to us as we meet him by the black couch against the brick wall. Across against the black wall is a matching twin but in blood red. I don’t know who decorated the shop if it was Nix or one of his sisters or cousins, but it’s very stylish yet edgy. A balanced mix of vintage and modern with a dark twist.

“Of course not. You’re my beautiful Rose bud.” His embrace is softer than Zander's but just as warm and welcoming. I know Arrow better than the others because he’s been in the bar much more frequently. Especially when Braxton was stalking me and Nix couldn’t be there. Arrow was always ready and willing to take up sentry guarding me. He hugs Rosie after releasing me, and we all sit on the black velvet couch. It’s one of those tufted wood-trimmed ones that looks like it belongs in a castle in Transylvania. While Rosie sits in the matching armchair with one of those backs that curves over the top and makes it look like a throne. It’s freaking sweet, and I kind of want one for the house now.

“Did you realize that I’m a way better tattoo artist than Nix, and you want me to ink your skin now?” He’s all on dimpled smiles and charm. Wearing ripped white jeans that are splattered with tiny drops of every color ink, but it’s all focused on the front and mostly the thigh area. It looks like he drips his tattoo ink on them while he works. His long-sleeved grey shirt is pushed up to his elbows displaying his black and grey tats.

“No, because no one is better than Nix.” I gush sardonically, and he gasps, pressing his hand to his chest like a preacher’s wife who just heard the f word. He knows I jest, but I also kinda mean it. Nix is my boyfriend, so I have to say he’s better. Even though it’s true.

“Well, if you’re not here for my subpar tattooing, then why are you here?”

“I wanted to thank you. For everything you’ve done for me. Keeping an eye on me at the bar and helping liberate me from that asshole.” His face softens, and a rare moment of seriousness crosses his baby blues.

“I just wish I had been there that day so I could have kept him from getting to you. I keep kicking myself for not making sure you got to and from work safe while Nix was busy.”

“It’s not your fault Arrow. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that it’s no one’s fault but Braxton’s. I thought the same. If I had just let Rosie pick me up, if I had just listened to Nix or checked outside before leaving. There’s a lot of if’s and should have’s, but it doesn’t do any good to regret what’s already done and in the past. There’s nothing we can do now to change it. Only learn from it and move on. I’m here now, and that’s what matters.”

A small and slightly sad grin curves Arrow’s lips. Reaching out, he grabs my hand and squeezes reassuringly. Telling me that if I ever need someone to call at three in the morning because I needed help, I could call him.

“I’m sorry, Clover. For everything that happened to you. You’re too good a person to deserve any of it.” I can’t respond because if I open my mouth, all that will come out is a blubbering sob because I’m trying to hold back the tears. Arrow rubs the back of my hand softly, then breaks into his panty-melting brilliant smile again.

“Now, don’t go crying. It’ll only make me want you more. Then I’ll have to lure you away from Nix with my manly charms.” With a wiggle of his eyebrows and a gleam in his eyes, my mood instantly shifts from teary-eyed to laughing out loud. Arrow is always good for a laugh and inappropriate comments.

We sit talking this and that for a little while longer in the lobby until Arrow's next appointment shows up, and he has to say goodbye with another hug and peck on the cheek. He’s really lucky Nix isn’t here right now to see him.

Driving back home, I feel lighter and happier than I have in over a week. The stress and guilt shedding from my body and leaving me new and fresh. More optimistic for tomorrow.

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