Page 40 of Under My Skin
It isn’t much to look at. A clean design with a fewdetails and accents. It’s a completely different vibe than what we currently have, but combined with her vision, it could be great.
“All you did was write the words.” Simon peers over the napkin.
Lucy narrows her eyes at him. “Were you even listening?” Refocusing on me, her expression softens. She reaches for the small paper. “It was just a thought.”
I reach for the paper too, not wanting her to take it. Our fingertips brush, and it’s so brief. She probably didn’t even notice, but it scares me how badly I wish it would have lasted just a little longer. “No, I like it,” I say, pulling the napkin back. “I’m just thinking about the cost. A total rebrand and an additional renovation isn’t exactly in my budget right now.” I think about the empty apartment that’s been draining me bit by bit. At least it’s almost done. The drywall is finally up. Next week they’ll paint and install the cabinets.
“I don’t think it would cost much,” Troy chimes in, and I had almost forgotten he was here.
Toni nods. “The biggest cost would be the paint and whatever copper you wanted to incorporate.”
“And if you paint it yourself, you don’t have to pay someone,” Lucy adds.
Her eyes are bright now, and after seeing her walk into the shop tonight, hollowed out from the day, all I want to do is keep her looking whole. “How much would you charge for the logo?”
“Nothing,” she answers too quickly.
“Luce, you have to charge me.”
“Fine.” She shrugs. “I charge you one tattoo, if and when I decide to get one.”
I hold her stare, not liking the sound of her proposal. There’s a good chance she’d never cash in.
“It’s asimplelogo,” she emphasizes again. “It will take me all of ten minutes to throw together.”
I don’t believe her. “I’ll price the paint.”
She beams at me. “Really?”
“I’ll price it,” I say, holding up a hand. “I’m not promising you anything.”
“That’s fine,” she says with a grin. “I don’t need your promises.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
LUCY
When I orderedmy second mule, I felt fine. If anything, I was questioning the strength of the drink, but it tasted great, so I ordered another one. I look down at the copper mug on the high-top table in front of me, only half empty at this point. Or half full? I’d like to think it’s half full.
Turns out I may just have a delayed response to liquor. I don’t drink much, but I’m usually not this much of a lightweight. Allison and I used to have our wine nights, but those were typically in the apartment, and they were few and far between. I might have a glass of red with dinner or a beer with takeout, but vodka? Not so much.
I’m not drunk, but I’m buzzed. I’mgiddy,and it’s making me question if I should finish this one. On one hand, it’s doing a great job at making me lighter about the whole parent situation. Bravo, Little Blue Mule That Could. On the other hand, I need to be responsible. I need to stayfocused.
“What do you think, Luce?”
My head snaps up to find Everett’s warm eyes on me. I swear, they’re like molasses. Or honey? Definitely a dark honey. Why does he have to look likethatand havethoseeyes? I don’t stand a chance.
“About what?” I sit up straight and try to put on my best sober face.
His lips lift in amusement, and I know I’m busted. “Do you think Troy should get another chance to lock up on his own?”
“The shop?” I ask, still not sure why this is a topic of conversation.
Everett’s eyes crinkle as he lets out a breath of laughter. “Yeah, the shop.”
I look over at Troy to find him grinning at me like a toddler who wants a piece of candy. “Of course,” I answer easily. Gesturing toward him, I add, “Look at that face.”
Everett groans and drops his head, but when he looks up again, he’s still smiling. “All right,” he says to Troy. “I’ll give you another shot, but if I walk into that shop with anything other than tattoo equipment waiting for me, you’re done.”
