Page 26 of Forever Love-Reimagined

“All right. What do you say we get out of here?” I wasn’t really asking as I was already setting the alarm to leave.

“Okay. I can finish all this in the morning.” Haley wasn’t happy with the lackluster clean-up, but she didn’t argue.

After we left the studio, we went in opposite directions. As I walked to Double Shift, I texted Shanny.

Me: On my way!

Shannon: Sounds good, but change of plans.

Me: Still meeting at the bar?

Shannon: Yep. I’m already here! She gave me a winky face emoji.

As I walked into Double Shift, I saw Shannon alone at the bar. I grabbed the seat next to her and sat down.

“Hey, what’s the change of plans?” I waved to the bartender to get a drink.

“The girl I was supposed to meet canceled. So, I guess I’ll look around here.” She shrugged as she took a drink from her straw until she slurped the bottom of the glass.

“Are you okay?” Something seemed off.

“Do you ever wonder if there’s something more to life?” She was getting existential. It might have been the alcohol talking, but I understood the sentiment.

“Like more than hooking up?” The bartender brought me a drink, and I took a sip.

“Yeah. What are we doing? It’s like I’m going through the motions, but I’m not living.”

“All right, we need to get out of our heads and do something exciting?”

“That sounds good to me. What did you have in mind?” She perked up, and I loved seeing her smile.

“What if we get tattoos? You always wanted one. So…”

“Umm… that seems like something Young Shannon would’ve done. Adult Shannon thinks that might hurt, and it’s permanent.”

I gave her a playful nudge to the ribs. “Adult Shannon, huh? Is that the same Shannon who, two weeks ago, almost burned her eyebrows off by trying to take a flaming shot?”

“To be fair, that wasn’t my fault. I didn’t know you were supposed to blow it out first. Not to mention, I was super drunk at the time.” We both laughed at her antics.

“Right. But I have to say, drinking fire seems like it would hurt way more than a little needle. Come on. Even if you don’t get one, at least come with me?”

“All right, all right. I’m saying no to the tattoo but yes to the going with you part. What's got you so excited about this right now, anyway?”

I shrugged, not really wanting to get into the reason. “This idea popped into my head today, and it’s begging to get out. I can be like a dog with a bone sometimes.”

“I hate to tell you this, but you’re like that all the time. Let me settle up my tab, and we can walk over. Do you have to have an appointment?”

“Usually I do, but I figured I’d see if Toni had any openings, and if she did, I’d take it as a sign that it was meant to be. If not, sleep on it.”

“You and your signs. If I didn't love you so much, I’d probably say you’re nuttier than a fruitcake. Well… I do say that, but I still love you.” She laughed and blew me a kiss as we each paid the bartender so we could leave.

The tattoo shop was only a few blocks away from the bar. We opened the door to Altered Skin, and I spotted Toni right off. Her half-shaved head and purple hair were conspicuous, but she pulled it off. It complemented her eyebrow, nose, and lip rings. She was badass and also the best tattooist around. When she looked up, I waved, and she motioned me to her station.

“Girl, what brings you in tonight? And who’s this fresh meat?” She gave Shannon an appraising look, and I’d say Shanny was digging it. My eyes darted back and forth between the two of them, and they didn’t even seem to notice I was still there.

I cleared my throat, and Shannon was blushing as she turned her head toward me. I gave her a shit-eating grin as I went to answer Toni’s question. It was unusual to see Shanny flustered, especially around someone more age-appropriate.

“I was going to see if you had any openings tonight. I realize it’s last minute, and I can make an appointment for another time if you’re booked. But I had this idea floating around, and I want to bring it into existence.”

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