Page 26 of London Inked Boys: The Complete Trilogy
“Yeah, he’s downstairs with a client. He’ll be done in an hour or so.”
“Can you send him out the back for something when he’s done? I’ll be waiting for him.”
Rocco nods. “Sure, Tess. I’ll see what I can do.”
I see him out, and then sneak down to sit at the bottom of the stairs, in exactly the same spot where Art and I screwed. That feels like a lifetime ago now.
I wait patiently. The minutes pass and finally the door opens and Art steps through. My heart lurches at the sight of him. Now I know the reasons for him to act the way he has, I discover my feelings for him have magnified. He has a past, too, just like me.
Art stops short at the sight of me. “What do you want, Tess? I’m busy.”
“Sorry. I just want to talk to you.”
He shakes his head, and my heart sinks. “I can’t do this. I’m sorry. I knew getting involved was gonna be a mistake.”
His words are like a knife. “Gee, thanks!”
“Give me a few days, and I’ll find somewhere, okay? I have a friend who has a room.”
“Come up and stay with me.” I blurt the offer before I even think about it.
“Don’t be stupid, Tess.” Every word he says stings. “We barely know each other. I’m not going to just move in.”
“Not move in. Just stay with me until you get sorted.”
“I don’t want your charity or your pity.”
My emotions for him quickly morph to anger and frustration. “Jesus. It’s not pity. I thought we were doing okay. I thought we were friends—more than friends.”
“You’re my landlady, remember?”
I stare at him. “Why do you have to be such an ass?”
“You think I’m being the ass? Just try to see this from my point of view for once? I’ve got a lot on my plate and you being around isn’t helping anything.”
“You know what I think, Art?”
“No.” He scowls. “But I’m sure you’re gonna tell me anyway.”
“I think you act like you don’t give a shit what anyone thinks of you, but in actual fact, you’re constantly aware of the possibility people might be judging you. But you know who’s judging you more than anyone else?”
His arms fold across his chest. “I’m sure you’re gonna tell me.”
“You judge you. And I’m not sure you ever come up good enough in your own eyes. Well, that’s fine, ’cause I can’t be doing with any more of your shit. I waited here to speak to you because I thought there was another side to you, and that you’d be worth my time. Seems I was wrong.”
And with that, I turn and storm back up the stairs, wishing I never come down in the first place.
Wishing I’d stayed in America.
14
ART
Iwish I had somewhere to escape to, but, for the moment, all I have is the tattoo studio. Tess hadn’t expressly told me I’m no longer allowed to sleep here, and, despite our turbulent relationship, I don’t think she wants to see me out on the streets.
Fuck.Relationship.That’s the one thing I’ve been trying to avoid all this time and I failed. This would all be so much easier if I could convince myself to not give a shit. I’m trying to keep Tess at a distance, but she just keeps breaking through to me, tugging on my heart strings, when I’m trying to persuade myself I don’t have a heart.
Both Rocco and Kane offered for me to go and stay on their respective couches, but I declined. I hate to admit it, but I’m embarrassed at not having anywhere to live, and I don’t need my employees feeling sorry for me. That Tess told them makes me furious—it wasn’t her place—but I know she only talked to them because she gives a shit.
