Page 3 of Love in Design

I go to my office to cool off for a minute. I made a rule not to get involved with a parent in case it ended badly. I glance through Victoria’s paperwork to sign the forms needed and notice there’s no mother listed on anything. Her father took her to class before stopping to thank Lily, who offered babysitting services when she wasn’t working at school, and leaving.

“You can come out now, Laura.” There is a hint of enthusiasm in Lily’s voice. Rolling my eyes, I walk out of the office with a smile. “You’re looking a little flush. Does hot dad get your motor revving?”

“Miss Lily!”

“The PTA is going to be a lot of fun now. I’m so glad that we go.” Lily laughs, walking away to answer the phone.

How am I going to handle seeing him?

Chapter Three

NATE

Nate

January 3rd -Opening Day of Cupid’s Arrow

“This town is grand.” Bethani walks around the newly renovated studio. “I could get the kids some presents from the shops here in town. I’m so glad that Jakey found this place. Victoria seems to thrive at school.”

“The teachers love her. Lily, her babysitter, also works there, so it is easy for me. When I can’t get her from school, Lily brings her to me.” I’m hooking up the new POS or point of sale system that came in yesterday, but I was too tired to come down to work on it. The POS system needs to connect to the internet.

“Is a town like this going to want to get tattoos?” Ryan is getting skeptical. He wasn’t here when Jacob and I did the walkthrough.

“Now you question, as I finally have a routine for my daughter?” I stare at him over the iMac desktop screen. “We are close to cities, and this town is a great tourist destination, too. We’ll be busy once we get the advertising up. Word of mouth is a terrific way for people to know about us as well. The mayor is coming today to cut the ribbon.”

“Aren’t you impressive?”

I roll my eyes.

“Is there a problem, Ryan? Ever since you got here, you’re being a downer. We’ve always done openings together, but if you want to go home, then go. I know with the kids not here, it must be hard.” Ryan opens his mouth, but Bethani stops him. “What is going on?” I demand.

“Bethani was pregnant but had a miscarriage a couple of days ago. We didn’t want to come.” Ryan’s tone is somber as Bethani looks away.

“I’m sorry. Why didn’t you just tell me, and I could’ve done this by myself?”

“Ryan and I talked. I wanted to be here. He didn’t, so he’s being a grouch,” Bethani states. “He wanted to be with the kids. I needed to be away from the kids right now. I love them with all my heart, but losing one makes me need a break from regular life.” I walk over to her, squeezing her. Me being a guy, I can never understand what she’s feeling. “Thank you. Now let’s finish up. I need to hang up these shirts and put some on the shelf. Ryan, can you carry the boxes for me?” He nods noncommittally.

We spend a couple of hours putting the final additions on the inside. I notice that Mayor Bishop is outside with a man holding a camera taking pictures. Ryan, Bethani, and I are all wearing our Cupid’s Arrow t-shirts that we sell for those who want one. I have hired no staff yet as I don’t know what it will be like here at first. I have interviews with a few art students interested in tattooing while going to school.

The door swings open, and Mayor Bishop comes in. “Nate.” He smiles at me.

“Mayor Bishop.” We shake hands.

“Nate, it’s Jim, not Mayor, unless there is a crowd of people.”

“Jim, let me introduce you to some special people. My business partner and best friend Ryan and his better half, Bethani. They came up from North Carolina to help celebrate this week.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Nate here is the talk of all the ladies, and Victoria has won the hearts of every older woman in town. They all want to be her aunt or grandmother.”

“This town spoils us.” A blush creeps up my cheeks. The women have noticed me, but I need to focus on Victoria. She’s my number one.

“The paper is here to do a story on the two of you. Well, three, I’m assuming Bethani, you’re a part-owner too?”

“Oh no. I own a nursery back in North Carolina. I help with the design on the shirts and marketing, but it’s all of them.”

“She is the beautybehindthe operations, but I’m the public beauty of it,” I smile. “Ryan’s the brawn.”

“Even though you have bigger muscles than me.” Ryan huffs, smiling.

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