Page 38 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

When they pulled apart, the crowd clapped at his design as Paul showed it off to the onlookers. When I spotted Lee in the crowd, his gaze narrowed, and I knew he was up to something. So, it was no surprise when the LiveIt official came around and stated that since Slade had started early, he was disqualified from the overall scoring for this competition but could still win one of the local categories that were voted on by the crowd. Slade didn’t even care, shrugging his shoulder. He’d done it for his dad, not the competition.

“Lee said something,” I grumbled to Zane, looking up at him as Mia and Simon returned full of smiles. “He’s going to be a problem. We need to do something.”

Zane nodded before we hugged Simon and Mia. As a group, we walked over to the stage area as they began to announce the awards. It took them a while to get through the hair and makeup, and I was starting to lose hope when Simon hadn’t been announced yet. He shuffled his feet as well, trying to hide his disappointment.

“For overall makeup and hair, the award goes to Simon Fisher.”

Jumping up and down, I grabbed his hands as he stood speechless. “Go, Simon!” Pushing him toward the stage, he stumbled up there as his volunteer modeled her hair and makeup. I realized she looked like a mermaid, and I loved the look.

He came back with a broad smile, and I saw how people started looking at him differently. Holding his hand, I was ready to go when they started announcing the tattoo awards.

“We don’t have to stay. We can find out later,” I said after half had been called.

“No, we’re staying,” Slade said, giving me a look.

“In first place, we have Lennox from Tattooed Hearts.”

I stared, confident I’d dreamed them saying my name. This time it was Simon who nudged me, smiling as I stumbled my way up to the podium. The picture of my dream catcher was on the screen. Taking the paper, I waved as I returned, my cheeks heating at the attention.

“Next, we have an honorable mention due to some time limits being out of the norm, but a crowd favorite,” the announcer said, casting their eyes. “Otherwise, this tattoo would’ve won overall.” They cleared their throat before announcing Slade’s name.

He rolled his eyes but walked up there, taking the award from them. I watched Lee the whole time, happy when he seemed mad that Slade had still won something.

It was no surprise when Inkjection was then awarded overall. No one applauded for them, though, and I wondered if everyone had heard what he’d done. It gave me some satisfaction if they did.

“Do you have to leave?” Slade asked his dad and Mia.

Mia looked at Paul, then back at the group. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m famished. What if we grabbed something to eat? I know a place.”

With a round of nods, we followed them out, and we had another family dinner. But this one was filled with laughs, and I knew that Slade’s relationship with his father had mended through the power of a tattoo.

ChapterEighteen

LENNOX

“Please fillin all the space up to the rope,” the woman leading the tour said, directing people. I stopped, staring at the room we were currently viewing at Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. It had been a unanimous vote to visit.

“This room was the sitting room where Elvis would greet a lot of his guests.”

It was decked out in mostly white with blue accents, the blue velvet curtains being a huge eye-catcher. It had white carpet and a massive white couch that apparently sat fifteen people. But what stood out to me were the stained glass windows that adorned a door. A brilliant peacock design was displayed, creating a kaleidoscope of color across the room. Just beyond the windows sat a piano, and I could imagine Elvis sitting there, playing.

“Wow,” Zane breathed as we both looked around. We kept walking, entering the dining room next.

“Interesting fact,” the lady said, “Elvis owned fourteen TVs, which for the ‘50s was very extravagant.” She pointed to the old tube TVs I’d seen in my grandparents’ house on display. It sat in the corner near the table where the family could watch while they ate.

“Fourteen TVs is still extravagant,” Slade whispered, causing me to laugh. We kept walking, taking in everything as we followed the crowd.

“This is the Jungle Room which is unique in that it has carpet on the ceiling and floor, providing excellent acoustics. Elvis recorded parts of two albums here, making it historical as well.”

“Jungle is definitely a good word for this room,” Simon said, taking in the green carpet, wood-paneled walls, and plant decor.

The tour guide smiled, continuing her speech. “It was designed with a Polynesian feel to remind Elvis of Hawaii, a place he loved.”

Simon’s face reddened, and he ducked his head as we continued. Slade nudged him, giving him a look, and I had to contain a giggle that wanted to slip through. As the tour guide walked us through Elvis' final day, we made it through the house and moved on to some of the outer buildings. It was sad to think of such a legend dying the way he did.

“This room holds all of the awards and gold records he’s received since his death…”

“Whoa,” I said, turning in a circle as I looked at the covered walls. There were even a few of the jumpsuits he wore on display. Simon shut my jaw as I stared at it all, making me laugh.

---