Page 73 of Ink Me Three Times
"I can’t believe this," I whisper, more to myself than to him. "I didn’t know any of this was happening behind my back. I thought… I thought I was the one who was confused."
I was confused.
I still am.
What the hell happens now?
Thank God Olivia is coming soon. I need my best friend now more than ever. I mean, who else can I talk about this with? I only know my brother and he would kill me… all of us.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Freddie
Another shift down,and I’m drained.
The shop’s dead quiet, the hum of the tattoo machines and the clink of metal tools the only sounds breaking the silence.
Mitchell’s not speaking to me, and Timothy’s got that distant look in his eyes, like he’s thinking about anything but what’s happening between us.
The tension’s thicker than the smoke in the air, and I’ve had enough of it.
It’s been a long fucking week of this shit.
I don’t know how we’re ever going to pull out of it.
I toss a rag into the bin, wiping the last of the ink off my hands, feeling like I’m washing off more than just the work of the day. I don’t know what the hell to do anymore. I’m stuck. And the last thing I want to do is go home.
I just need some time before I can be the father Penny needs me to be.
I pull out my phone, staring at it for a moment, the weight of everything pressing down on me. The last thing I need is to be alone tonight. The thought of it makes my stomach twist.
I type out a text to Ivy, just a quick one. She’ll probably say no, but it’s worth a shot.
Freddie: Hey, can you stay late with Penny tonight? I have some stuff I need to do.
I press send before I can overthink it.
The seconds drag on as I wait, tapping my foot against the floor, my mind racing.
I don’t know what I expect from this. Maybe a little peace, maybe the distraction of seeing someone else besides the guys. I just need some air.
Finally, my phone buzzes.
Ivy: Of course. I’ll stay with her. You okay?
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. At least that’s one thing off my mind.
Freddie:Yeah, I won’t be too late.
I pocket my phone, exhaling slowly. It’s like a weight’s lifted just knowing Ivy’s got it covered with Penny. I don’t have to pretend everything’s fine when it’s clearly anything but.
I grab my jacket and head for the door, the cold air outside biting at my skin. The walk to The Hollow isn’t far, but the weight of my steps feels heavier than usual. The walk is supposed to clear my head, but it just gives me more time to stew over everything.
The guys. Ivy. The shitshow I’m dragging myself through without a clear way out.
I need a drink.
The Hollow is busy as always, a mix of town regulars and a few new faces who come for the weekend. Arlo’s behind the bar, already pouring a whiskey for someone, his poker face as solid as ever.
