Page 106 of Broken

“My advice can only go so far, Lucky. I will not regurgitate it. If you’re going to say it, then you have to believe it. Or you’re going to drive yourself crazy. Him too. And I don’t have the patience for that shit.”

“There is no one like you, G,” she pushes away from the wall and grabs the inks. “Offering out advice, then kicking me when I’m down.”

“You’re not down, kiddo. Nothing can take you down.”

“I’m not so sure, Garrett,” she whispers. She blows out a breath and smiles. “But I’ll get there. And I promise, you have nothing to worry about. I can however call him out for being a dick.”

“Always have to get the last word.”

“You know it,” she winks.

This isn’t resolved, not by a long shot but I’m sure she will not start a fight. Maybe she needs girl talk or some shit. I could ask Calli.

God, I swipe a hand down my face. That is a thought I never want to have again.

By the time I get back out, Lucky is laughing with Katja and has turned up the music. Shane is chatting with a customer and the other two are getting ready for their next clients.

Lucky has been in my cabinet because there are now eight bottles of the same colored ink lined up on top of it. I don’t give her the satisfaction of looking in her direction.

I spend the afternoon working my way through two clients and making some calls to suppliers and my accountant. It’s not all about the tattooing.

We finish up eating a late dinner I ordered to try to lighten the mood. It didn’t work. The atmosphere in the shop has been offall day. Shane is clearing up and I’m uncharacteristically about to offer help when my phone buzzes.

Calli:

Whoever said it was a good idea to drink your weight in tequila is an asshole

Giving her my number last night was as much a shock to me as it was her. It’s a big step. It’s to keep a better eye on her. That’s all.

This is the first time we’ve text. I’m not sure how I feel about it. What does she mean about tequila? I’m not gonna go asking questions, like a boyfriend would. Her life, her choices.

Fuck, that’s so not true. I’ll play it off casual.

Garrett:

Feeling rough?

Calli:

That is the understatement of the century

Calli:

My boss can’t say a word about it, she is worse off than me and considering it’s a struggle to smell caffeine without puking, that says a lot

Garrett:

Told you, caffeine is bad for you

Calli:

Nobody likes a smart ass

Garrett:

Unless they’re right

She sends back the laughing emoji, and I can’t help but grin. When nothing else comes through, I pocket the phone. Sumner is the only one watching me and he arches a brow, to which I flip him off. There is no getting away from the bastard when he comes over and pulls up a chair.

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