Page 5 of Then You Came Along

“So, like this.” Ethan grabs his sketchbook and, within a few minutes, has put together a new drawing, showing what I envisioned.

“Exactly like that,” I answer, the emotion evident in my voice.

Ethan looks up at me, a huge smile on his face. “I’ll clean up the drawing before we actually tattoo it onto you, but if you like that, then let’s get you scheduled. How soon were you wanting to get it done?”

“Oh, um…. soon-ish, I guess. How far out are you booking?”

“For a tattoo like this, I can get you in almost any day that you’re available. What’s your schedule like?”

“I start my new job on Monday. So, until then, I’m just working on unpacking, and getting my apartment all set up.”

“If you want it tonight, I can do it after my last appointment. So, around 8 or 8:30.”

“Really?!” I shriek.

Laughing at my excitement, Ethan nods his head at me. “Yes. I’ll clean up the drawing between now and when my next client gets here, and then you can approve it before we get started tonight.”

“Oh my God, I can’t believe it’s finally happening. Thank you so much, Ethan!” I exclaim, wrapping my arms around him in a hug. I don’t even realize I’m doing it, until I feel him stiffen slightly, then bring his arms around me, hugging me back, pulling me tighter against his body.

“You’re welcome, Cam. I’m glad I could help you design something you love,” he says quietly against my ear before we release each other.

“How much will it cost? I need to swing by the bank before I come back.”

“I forgot to ask this earlier, but did you want it all in black, or did you want color?”

“Black is fine.”

“For all black, it’ll be $250,” Ethan replies.

“Sounds good. I’ll be back around eight tonight.”

After leaving the shop, I stop by the ATM to grab cash, then return home. I only have a handful of boxes left to unpack, and it’s my goal to finish them today. I want the last couple of days before I start my job to be free and relaxing.

When I arrive at home, I finish those boxes within an hour, leaving me with some downtime before I need to be back at Ethan’s shop. I’m relaxing on the couch, with the TV turned on to a marathon ofSay Yes to the Dress, when my phone chimes with an incoming text.

Holly

Hey, girl, how’s it going? Have you finished unpacking?

Cam

Good! I finished unpacking just a little bit ago. I’m going in around 8 tonight for my tattoo! I went and saw Ethan this afternoon to finalize the design, and absolutely love it!

Holly

What design did you end up picking?

Cam

I actually had him combine the two that I loved. I couldn’t decide, so I asked him to shift things around a little. I’ll text you a picture once it’s finished tonight. ;)

Holly

You better! Do you have plans this weekend? We’re having a get-together and I wanted to see if you’d like to come?

Cam

Nothing really. Now that I’m done unpacking, I don’t have much to keep me busy until work starts next week. I’d love to come! Just tell me when and where to be, and if I can bring anything.

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