Page 31 of Mark Us Little Bear
“I’m…” a frustrated, tiny sigh pushes past my lips, “Still exploring my options.” I redirect the conversation away from our current topic, “You’re still happy with your hair color?”
Untangling her strands with her fingers, she parts her red lips, “I love it so much, now I want the colors to pop again.”
“It’s been three months since our last appointment let’s go to the shop today if you have time.” I didn’t make plans anyway and a good distraction is always welcomed.
“Really? That would be amazing, I can leave for a few hours before I go to a friend’s baby shower.”
“Sounds good, let’s get you ready.” I shake my hands from side to side, dance in my seat, and giggle when Dylan mirrors me.
“I’m sorry to interrupt you but you’re the owner right?”
We stop abruptly when a woman stands beside our table, focusing on Dylan.
“Yes, how can I help you?” Dylan grins at her.
Fidgeting her leg, “I’m looking for a job,” she chews on her bottom lip and rubs her knuckles. “I used to be a bartender if that helps.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Dylan’s hazel eyes look torn, “I don’t have jobs to offer at the moment but give me your number in case I hear anything.” Her compassionate voice is like a warm hug and the woman immediately agrees.
After she leaves I say, “Finding a job and an apartment in this city ishard. Some days it’s impossible.”
“Yeah, I was lucky to find a small square to live in for a while but now I’m glad I moved in with Luka, I have more room to breathe.”
“Plus, all of the advantages of living together.” I tease, and flashbacks of my shirtless roommates cross my mind.Bulging muscles, veiny arms covered in tattoos, deep-v’s that lead to their… stop!
I beg the inner voices to leave me in peace as I shift in my seat uncomfortably, crossing one leg over the other.
I need to buy a new toy to play with that’s all.
“Exactly,” she wiggles her eyebrows and nods. “I love every minute of it.”
Nope, it doesn’t work, I can still see their abs.
I push to stand, “Let’s chat some more on the way to the salon.”
Bradley
“Hey, Mom. How’s it going?” I answer my phone, pull the door of the tattoo shop, and stride inside.
“It’s… goingwith your crazy siblings.” She shouts at someone in the background. “When are you coming to visit us?”
I give it a moment of thought, nodding to myself. “Soon… I might bring some friends too.”
“The more the merrier. I miss you, you are the sane one.” Her contagious laughter transfers to me.
“How is that possible?” My voice drips with sarcasm as I let each word escape my lips.
We laugh some more, already knowing the answer.
“Well, I’ll let you go, honey. But please come soon and bring someone pretty for me to look at.”
“You got it.” I end the call and pocket my phone.
I’ll bring two pretties.
“Coffee mate?” Luka is already up and running, slipping his fingers through his dark hair as he organizes our sketching table.
I move to the fridge in the corner of the room and extract a water bottle. “I’m good.” The first thing I noticed coming here is how spacious the shop is. But what captures everyone’s attention is the graffiti on the black wall behind the tattoo chairs about an angel and a devil.
