Page 98 of Arris, Jayme & Dyani
Lainey pouted and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Arris lets me have ice cream!” she snapped.
“Ay, nah, lil mama. You have to do what your people say, alright?” I held my hand out to high five her. “It was cool hanging out with you though. Don’t run off again.” I gave her a little smile. “I’m sorry you were worried,” I told her guardian. “I was looking around to return her but I didn’t see anybody.”
“You’re good. Thank you for keeping an eye on her.”
“Yeah. No doubt.” I nodded. “Come on, Blake.” I held my hand out to my son who rushed over to grab it.
“Damn,” the woman said quietly and I looked back at her. “Sorry. I just meant, I, uhm, I like your tattoo.”
“Oh word?” I looked at my arm just out of reflex. “Thank you. I actually tattoo full time so a lot of this shit is just doodles and practice.”
“Wait. You did these yourself?”
“Most of them.” I pointed to the ones I’d done and noted how interested she was in each detail.
“Do you work out of a shop?” she asked.
“Most of the time. We’re a little bit under construction right now but we’re hoping to be back in there soon.”
“Well, do you have a card or something? I really want some new back art.”
“Yeah. Hold on.” I dug into my pocket for my wallet and a business card then handed it over.
“Thank you. I’ll definitely be in touch.” She tucked the card into her pocket. “Come on, Lainey.” She held her hand out to her and I plucked Blake’s up.
We each went our own way.
I found Dyani and Jayme together near the DJ booth, both laughing and line dancing.
Blake dropped my hand as soon as he saw them and raced over. The women slid him between them and did their best to lead him while they stayed on beat, laughing and talking with each other.
I just watched them with the goofiest and stupidest fucking grin on my face.
Chapter 22
Jayme
I crossedmy arms over my chest and watched as Arris flipped Blake’s mattress onto his boxspring and stepped back.
“Alright. Take a seat for me.” He gestured toward it.
I snickered but walked over to Blake’s bed and collapsed. I leaned one way then the other before climbing in completely and nodding.
“Seems sturdy to me.”
“Good.” Arris hopped up.
I smiled as I watched him putting his tools in the tool box. He slammed it shut and looked over at me. One of his eyebrows lifted.
He rubbed his hands on his sweatpants and walked over to lean over me, putting his face right in front of mine.
“What?” His eyes searched mine. “Why are you looking at me like that, Jay?”
“Just thinking about the last time I had you put this bed up for Blake.” I blinked up at him. “I feel like so much has changed since then.”
“It has.” He kissed me and stood back up. “It’s changed for the better though.”
