Page 16 of Echoes of Eternity

I chuckled softly, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. “No, it’s fine. Really. Just... a lot on my mind, I guess.”

Jake had been working in this shop for a few years before I joined. Originally from the South, he left his small-town roots behind after facing judgment for his tattoos, seeking new opportunities in the West. With his bald head and kind heart, he was easy to get along with from the moment I started at Inklusive Studios.

He studied me for a moment, his expression softening. “You know you can talk to me, right? Sometimes it helps to share what’s bothering you.”

I nodded, grateful for his support. “Thanks, Jake. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Yet, as helpful as he was trying to be, I knew there were some things he couldn’t fully understand due to our cultural differences. He was a tough-looking guy, he never had to face the same fears that women often did—especially ones seen as a novelty in some parts. Therewere layers to my experiences that didn’t easily translate, and I hesitated to delve into those complexities, fearing they might be lost on him.

I took a deep breath, sensing the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. To lighten the mood, I flashed him a teasing smile. “So, enough about my problems. What about you? Any exciting developments in your love life, or is it still a dry spell?”

Jake chuckled, running his hand over his scalp, shaking his head. “You know me—just me and my tattoos. No time for dating when I’m busy perfecting my craft.”

I raised an eyebrow playfully. “Come on, there must be someone out there who appreciates your tough exterior and soft heart.”

He shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Maybe, but I haven’t exactly found the time to look. Between work and trying to keep my plants alive, it’s a full schedule.”

“Plants?” I laughed. “Now that’s a surprise! I never pegged you as a plant dad.”

“Hey, they need love too,” he shot back, feigning indignation. “But really, it’s all part of my quest for inner peace… or something like that.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his self-deprecating humor. It felt good to shift the focus, even for a moment, and I appreciated his ability to find lightness in everyday life.

Just as we were laughing, the door chimed, and our other coworker, Chivonn, burst in, her expression a mixof frustration and exasperation. “Ugh, my car is seriously trying to kill me!” she grumbled, tossing her bag onto a nearby chair.

Jake and I exchanged amused glances as Chivonn continued, “I swear, every time I turn the ignition, it sounds like a dying cat. I thought I was going to be stranded on the side of the road!”

“Sounds like a real adventure,” Jake said, suppressing a grin. “Maybe it just wants a break from you.”

Chivonn shot him a playful glare. “Very funny. It’s the car that needs a break! I’m just trying to get to work in one piece.”

I laughed, relieved to have the lighthearted atmosphere restored. “Maybe it’s time for a new ride?”

“Or a mechanic,” Chivonn replied, rolling her eyes. “But you know how it is—who has the time for that?”

“Let me guess,” Jake chimed in, “you’d rather spend your time getting inked?”

“Exactly! Priorities, people!” Chivonn said with a dramatic flair, settling into a chair. “But really, I’ll take a car that runs over a date any day.”

We all chuckled, grateful for the distraction and the camaraderie that filled the shop.

“Priorities, indeed!” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Who needs a working car when you can have a beautiful sleeve tattoo?”

“Right? I mean, what’s more important: getting to work or looking fabulous while you’re late?” Chivonn replied with a mock-serious expression as she shimmied her jeans higher, jiggling her ample assets.

Jake shook his head, grinning before heading toward the employee lounge. “At this rate, you could just ride your bike to work. No car troubles there!”

Chivonn raised an eyebrow. “Oh sure, because nothing screams ‘professional tattoo artist’ like showing up covered in sweat and trying to catch my breath.”

“Hey, you’d definitely leave an impression,” I teased. “People would remember you for sure!”

“Yeah, as the artist who couldn’t even pedal to the shop without a meltdown,” she shot back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Besides, my bike has a mind of its own too. It’s practically a death trap.”

Jake’s laugh echoed from the other room. “Sounds like you have a talent for attracting trouble, Chivonn. Maybe it’s a sign that you need to stick to public transport—or better yet, just call an Uber.”

“Ugh, but that would require me to be on time!” she groaned dramatically. “Next thing you know, I’ll be trading my tattoo machine for a taxi sign!”

I leaned forward, grinning. “Hey, if you start a ride-sharing service for tattoo enthusiasts, I’m in!”

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