Page 14 of Jimmy

“As long as you know he has baggage. He’s forty, as well. He’s not young.”

“We all have baggage, and what does his age have to do with things?” Jesus. Sarah wanted to cause a fight.

“Just wanted you to know,” Sarah said. “What time do you work tonight?”

“I’m a one to nine-thirty. I’m not closing, but we don’t have enough people, so I’ll be held over.” She hated closing, but she had little choice. If there wasn’t anyone there, then she had to step in. The other workers had classes or homework. Her jealousy increased. They could finish their degrees while she was stuck. Damn.

“I’ll see you later. I need to replenish my book reserves.”

Sarah could be so smart, then make no sense. On one hand, she liked to make light of Karey being bookish, but on the other, Sarah loved to read. “Then I’ll see you later.”

“You will. Bye.”

“Bye.” She hung up and tossed the phone onto the bed. She loved Sarah, but she swore the whole spell-and-scroll thing was a lark. Magic might be nice, but it wasn’t real.

She left the bed and headed into the bathroom. She showered, brushed her teeth and braided her hair to keep it off her face at work. She dressed in a comfortable sweater and jeans, then packed her lunch. She should eat before going to work, but she’d rather see Jimmy.

She put on a little makeup, then checked her appearance in the mirror. She wouldn’t win any beauty contests, but she did okay.

She packed her bag with her lunch, phone, keys, cords, and wallet, then put on her shoes and socks. She grabbed her jacket from the hook before locking up and heading out.

Karey kept her pace brisk as she left the apartment complex. One of these days, she’d move out of this place and have somewhere nice to live. One of these days…

“Hey, sexy mama.” One of the dealers waved to her. “Give me love.”

She ignored him and kept walking. Times like this made her wish she had her car. Damn Ron for wrecking her car and not paying for the damages. She should’ve known Ron would be bad news.

Karey hurried up the block to the shopping district and blended into the midday crowd. The more she blended, the better her chance to hide from the dealers. She’d never done drugs and never engaged with the dealers, but that didn’t stop them from approaching her.

She marched up to Tattoo You and opened the door. The other guy, a man she’d met once named Kurt, stood at the counter. “Hi.” She closed the door. “You must be Kurt.”

“I must be Kurt.” He half-smiled. “You’re the girl who watches Jimmy. We met once. I don’t know if you remember. It was with friends. I know Sarah.”

“Ah. I sort of remember.”

“You didn’t talk much.” He grinned. “Are you here to get inked? Or to see Jimmy?”

“To see him. I’m not ready to get a tattoo,” she said. “Is he in yet?”

“He’s with a client, but he’ll be right out.” Kurt’s smile widened. “Did you go out with him last night?”

“I did.”

“Damn. I knew he had a thing for you. I’m glad he made a move.”

“He had a thing for me?” She tried to mask her shock. She’d assumed Jimmy had gone out with her initially to placate her, but there had been a connection. “I stared at him, and I was awkward.”

“Maybe, but you’re different and approachable,” Kurt said. “I’m glad. He needed something good in his life. He’s been grumpy lately, which allows him to do great art, but makes him a bear to live with.”

“I see.” She splayed her hands on the counter. “Do you live with him?”

“No, but working together for all these years feels like it,” Kurt said and laughed. “Want to see some of his art?”

“Yes.” She’d love to.

“Here.” He stood, then opened the swinging doors leading back to the counter. “I’ve always wanted a set of saloon doors and when I saw these, I had to have them. Jimmy thinks it’s silly, but he let me do it.”

“It’s whimsical.” She hesitated, then joined him at the counter.

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