Page 101 of Playing For Keeps
“Yeah. The colors work well together. The shading reallygives it depth.” She inches closer. “Nice extension from the old tat to the new one. They look like they were meant to merge.”
“That was the goal.” The guy working on my back continues dragging his needle in long strokes as he creates his art.
I’ve been here going on six hours, and I’m about at my threshold.
The tattoo artist must read my thoughts. “We’re about finished.”
“Perfect.”
About fifteen minutes later, he has me check out his design in a mirror. It’s exactly how I envisioned it.
“It’s amazing. You do great work.”
“Tell your friends.” He rubs some ointment on my back and puts a clear bandage over the top of it.
We go over how to care for it as I work back into my T-shirt. While I’m paying, I go through my messages.
Dori: I just checked in. The flight was great. Call me when you get a chance.
Me: Give me five minutes. I miss you already.
I stroll to my car as I make a mental note of the list of things I need to get done before Dori gets home. She’s been feeling neglected by me, and that stops now.
Once I get in my car, I call Dori. The call connects to the speakers, and the ring blares throughout. I turn it down right as she answers.
“Hi, stud. How has your afternoon been?”
“A little painful, but good.” I pull out into the street and start driving home.
“Are you still having problems with your wound?”
“No. I feel fine. I’m just missing you. It sounds like you’re settled.”
“Yeah. I’m in for the night, but you’ll never guess who I ran into.”
My thoughts run through a list of people. I can’t think of anyone. “I’m stumped. Who’d you run into?”
“Gia Armstrong from high school. Isn’t that wild?”
“Yeah. Where did you see her?”
“At the airport. She was here visiting her mom and was going back to California.”
“Hmm. That reminds me. I ran into her at the airport once.” I glance out the side window to make sure I can safely switch lanes. “Did you get to spend much time with her?”
“We talked for about fifteen minutes. She’s filming another movie in Miami, so we made plans to meet up when she gets there.”
“Nice. It will be good to see her again.” I veer into another lane. “So what’s your plan?”
Dori sighs heavily. “I’m going to rest and get up early to go to Aiden’s.”
“Did you tell him you’re in town?”
“I decided against it. I’m going to surprise him. He won’t have time to come up with a way to flip our issues back on me.”
My nerves fire. “Just stand your ground if he does.”
“I hope I can.”
