Page 47 of Stevie
“I can’t help what Bean wants! Besides, you will gladly get me hot sauce. I don’t see you over here forming a human ear.” Fox sighs before wheeling his chair over to Janie and kissing her stomach.
“Give your mommy heartburn tonight, okay?” Janie smacks him away.
“Don’t tell them that! What if they listen?” Fox shrugs before going back to packing up supplies for the convention this weekend.
“Then I guess you were successful in your ear-forming capabilities.”
“Well, I’m ecstatic,” Atlas beams. “Our kiddos need a new playmate.” He smiles, gesturing to Ash. “Plus, we are going to look hot as fuck with these babies.”
“You are all married,” Indy states, and Atlas huffs.
“Yeah! Hot to our wives. Just because you are still trying to woo your man doesn’t mean I’ve stopped with Ren! She expects to blush daily.” I look from Atlas to Janie and notice her giving methe look. We all know the “Mama J” look. She knows something is on my mind, and she’s about to–
“Out with it, Stevie.”
“O-out with what?” I ask, playing dumb, hoping she is done with this. The redhead scowls while crossing her arms over her chest. Sighing, I look at everyone, my closest friends, the people who helped me along my journey to heal. I feel the stinging in my eyes as I look at Janie. Her annoyed face softens, and I know she knows.
“I’m sorry,” I croak out, and Janie walks over, wrapping me in a hug.
“Babe, all I want is for you to be happy. You will always have a place here, even if it’s limited.”
“What’s up?” Fox asks, and I take a breath and look at my people.
“I love you all so much, and I will treasure the time I’ve spent here, but I think I’m ready for the next phase in my life. So, I want to take a more part-time role as the piercer here and mentor Sadie.”
Atlas looks from me to Sadie, who is nearly vibrating. “You sneaky bastard,” he whispers. “You actually got one of us to mentor you.”
Sadie shrugs, “There was no hope. One of you was gonna give. I was just worried it would be Nix.”
“Oi!” the silver-haired man calls from the drawing station. “Ya know, I sit here and act a proper gent and still get fucked.”
“I’m not talking to you, Crumpet!” Atlas yells across the shop.
“Yeah? Well, maybe we should. After all, you didn’t invite me to the birthday party.” My face falls, and I look at Atlas.
“You said he was sick.” I hiss under my breath.
“He is,” Atlas taps his temple. “In the head.”
“At,” Fox groans, and Atlas waves him off.
“Anyway, I, for one, can’t wait to see what adventures you get into, Stevie.” he wraps me in a hug, and I can’t help but smile in his embrace. Atlas gives some of the best hugs you’ll ever receive. “I do still expect my standing order from Nika, though.” He whispers into my hair.
I will miss this group, but I know it’s not goodbye, and I know that this new path I’m taking is the right one for me.
* * *
“Listen,” Brooks’ voice purrs in my ear, and I can’t help the grin forming on my face. “Meet me in room 1412 in ten minutes.” I turn around and smack his arm.
“Stop it, we are at a convention!” I push at his chest, but he leans against it and whines.
“I know, but you in those tight jeans and that halter top are doing things to me.”
“Well, you’re going to have to do things to yourself. I gotta work the table.” I laugh at his pout as I finish setting up the displays. I know Brooks is acting extra flirty because I’m nervous, and he knows it. Hell, I’ve had to pee for two hours and have been holding it because I’m too afraid to go to the bathroom. The convention is busy, and the guys are all busy with clients and vloggers.
Meanwhile, the piercing side has been a little less than popular, and I’m not sure if that’s due to my videos or the giant scowling man who snarls at anyone who gets near the booth. I won’t tell him to leave, though. I can’t. His massive stature and angry expression are the only things keeping me together.
“I love you,” I whisper, reaching up on my toes and kissing his tense jaw. Instantly, he softens and looks at me, his beautiful eyes holding so much warmth and sincerity.
