Page 9 of Heart Sick Hate

But he did. And not only that, he accepts me for who I am, what I do, and how I act. He doesn’t frown at my yin and yang hair or my choice of profession. He loves me as is.

When I got the idea from Crew to start an apprenticeship at Twisted Roses, I expected Dad to put up more of a fight. It was no secret that he wanted me to take his place in his church, or at the very least, become more involved. But that was his path, not mine.

Which is why, when I had the chance to pay him back, I did.

I always will.

No matter the price.

The needle glides across skin, and I’m at peace with my decision. I owe him.

Two knocks come at the door to my room at the shop, and I look up to see Jude standing in the doorway.

“Aren’t you supposed to be on a honeymoon or some shit?”

“Something like that.” Jude brushes his shaggy hair off his forehead. “But I had to get some things in order before we take off to Seattle.”

I’m still not sure how Seattle is an exciting place for a honeymoon, but who am I to judge? I’ve never left California. Even when I started making money from my quarter ownership in the tattoo shop, every spare pennyhas gone to medical debt or been stashed awayjust in case.

It’s easy to separate people who have come from money versus those who have always lived without.

Just in case.

A perpetual state of existence where it doesn’t take more than a bad day to fuck up every plan you’ve made. I don’t trust money any more than I trust people. Neither are promised to actually stay.

“Well get shit done then.” I draw the final bubble of red to finish the rose on the half sleeve. “Then get the fuck out of here. We’ve got this.”

Jude’s always been the most responsible of the guys at the shop, even if he’s just as unhinged as the rest of them. When it comes to keeping things in order around this place, he never fails. Which is why, he’s standing in my doorway instead of disappearing with his new wife like he should be.

“Promise, I’ve got this under control.”

“I knowyoudo.”

“Then trust me to keep Sage and Crew in line. It’s a week, we’ll be fine.”

I set the needle down and squirt green soap on a rag before cleaning off my client’s tattoo.

“Nice work.” Jude admires the bright, fresh tattoo.

Every artist has their own unique style, and mine involves lots of color. Big bright pieces bursting with energy and life.

Claudia stands up and smiles as she examines her fresh tattoo in the mirror. I’ve been inking herfor a few years now. We finished one arm about six months ago, and she’s finally ready to tackle the other.

Her eyes brighten as she looks it over. “Thanks, Echo. It’s perfect.”

I nod, snapping off my gloves. “We’ll start the forearm next time.”

“Sounds good.” She does a little twist of her arm, taking in every defined crack in the skull.

The shading around the eye sockets came out perfect, thanks to some advice from Sage. He might annoy me with his constant antics and how he flirts with every girl who walks in, but his talent when it comes to tattooing can’t be matched.

Claudia sits back down so I can wrap her tattoo up, and she watches Jude as I do, her cheeks reddening. Too bad for her, he’s only got eyes for his new bride.

“Is there something else?” I ask Jude when he hasn’t moved.

“Oh, yeah.” He stands up tall, snapping out of whatever thought had him pulled under. “Rhett’s here.”

I almost burst out laughing.

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