Page 16 of Until the Ink Dries

“You can have a seat, Willow. I’ll let him know you’re here. He’s finishing up a session.”

“Thanks.”

I took a seat in the lobby and crossed my legs. While she disappeared in the back, I looked around the shop. It was pretty dope. The walls were decorated in graffiti art, pictures of famous figures and motorcycles. There was a big crest on the wall with what I guessed was his motorcycle club, Black Thorns. Ironically enough, it fit him well.

On the table in front of me was a photo album. Picking it up, I flipped through it. It, too, was filled with more graffiti art and photos of Benjamin with celebrity clients. Most of the album, however, was dedicated to the artists’ work. I had to give it to him, he was talented and so was his team.

Maybe I would get a tattoo while I was here. I was sure Shirah would be down to do a session with me. I got so wrapped up looking through the album that I didn’t even notice Benjamin standing in front of me until he said something.

“What are you doing here?”

I jumped as my hand flew to my heart. “Jesus! You scared me.”

“My mama always said if you scare easily, you ain’t living right.”

I cleared my throat. “I was just captivated by the pictures, that’s all.”

“Mm-hmm.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Again, what are you doing here?”

I placed the photo album back on the table and stood.

“Do you have a moment where we can talk in private?”

“I don’t.”

My eyes widened slightly. “Oh… well okay.”

“I’m about to grab lunch. You can join me.”

“Oh, I already ate.”

“Well, I’m hungry and I have a session in an hour so… Whatchu’ wanna do?”

I shrugged. “I guess I could go with you.”

“Come on.” He turned to the woman that greeted me. “Tam, I’ll be back in a little while.”

“Sure thing.”

I followed him out of the shop. Just when I thought he was going to get in his car, he took a left and headed down the street.

“I guess we’re walking,” I mumbled.

With a heavy sigh, I followed behind him. The walk toScottie’s,a local food truck, only took about ten minutes. It was the longest silence filled walk of my life.Scottie’swas located on a plot of land with an outdoor eating area. While Benjamin went to order his food, I walked over toSweet Sips, the mini bar on the property that was owned by two best friends.

“Hey, beautiful,” said the woman behind the bar. “What can I get for you?”

“An amaretto sour slushie.”

“Coming right up. Hey, Benny!” she hollered across the yard.

Benjamin looked back and waved at her.

“Damn, he’s fine,” she mumbled. Her eyes landed on me. “My bad, girl. Is that you?”

“Me? Oh, no. We’re old classmates. There’s nothing there. He must come here often.”

“So much that Scottie has a special named after him. It’s a wonder that man doesn’t have a big back, as much as he eats lunch here. Although he probably works it off.”

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