Page 26 of My Shining Stepbrother

“Maybe even before.” He says teasingly.

“You don't have to come by if you are busy today. I am hoping I will be busy with customers today.” I swear I can hear him roll his eyes as he laughs at my statement.

“Are you trying to keep me away, my sweet Rose?” His voice turns dark and sexy.

“I just don't want you to have to go out of your way for me.” I say, embarrassed. Somebody is treating me the way I deserve for the first time in my life. Why am I embarrassed by it, though?

“You are never out of my way. I will go to the end of the world and back just for you, baby. Haven't you realized that yet?” Reese states, causing my palms to sweat.

“I'm starting to.” We both go silent for a moment as I finish my coffee. “I have to start getting ready for work now. I miss you, and I will see you tonight.” Oh my God, did I just tell him that I miss him?!

“I miss you too, baby. I will see you later.” He says as he hangs up the phone. My heart skips a beat, and I grab onto the table, bracing myself.

After cleaning up the coffee machine and my mug, I walk to the room where my clothes are and get ready for today.

I go to the shop, and as I walk through the doors, I feel my inner peace coming to the surface. There is something special about a person trusting you with their time and money to turn their dreams into reality.

As soon as I get to the front desk, Ricky stops me. “You have some appointments for today.” He says calmly.

“Really?!” I jump with excitement. “How many and when?!”

“Two consultations and one small piece.” Ricky hands me my book with a smile.

“I will go get my booth set up and ready!” I turn away quickly and head toward my booth. I start setting out all the supplies I may need for the day and a couple extra to be on the safe side.

An hour goes by, and as I finish my booth, I check the time. My first appointment should be here by now. I go to leave my booth, but a figure stands in the doorway.

“Hector? What are you doing here?” I ask, shocked and confused.

“I need some new work done, and Reese showed me what you did for him.” Hector says with a smile.

“I didn't realize you two knew each other so well.” I say with a raised eyebrow.

“I have known Reese for quite some time now. I must say I didn’t know you two knew each other so well. How long have you two been talking?” He asks curiously.

“Well, we met at the club eight months ago when I started, and we never really talked. We didn’t start talking until recently when we found out our parents started dating, though.” I tell Hector as he takes a seat.

“So, was the tattoo preplanned?” He questions

“No, he actually made the appointment and wanted me to freehand Whatever came to my mind.” The memory of it makes me blush.

“You did great for freehanded. I want something a little more planned out, though. Does that work for you?” He leans back in the seat, crossing his arms.

“Absolutely!” I say with excitement as I take my seat. “Tell me what you have in mind.

I grab my sketchbook, and as he tells me what he wants, I begin to draw some rough draft sketches. We finally settled on one he is in love with, and I am pleased. We scheduled his appointment for next week. He leaves the shop, and I begin working on the final work for his tattoo.

Two hours later, my next appointment was due. I put my drawing things away and wait by the front desk. I am organizing some of the things when the door opens. I look up, and my jaw hits the floor.

“Mom?!” I shout with shock. “What are you doing here?”

“I want to learn more about your life, and this is a part of you.” My mom’s voice shakes with a nervous tone. “Please, Rose. Let me do this.”

“I’ve always wanted this, mom.” I put my hand on her arm carefully. “What changed your mind now, though?”

She takes a deep breath before relaxing her body. “Damian called me after you left his house and made me see what everyone else sees. You don't deserve to be blamed for all the bad things in my life. I want to be more accepting of you and your life. I also want to be more involved in your life, Rose.”

If I could explain this feeling right now, I would. I have wanted her to see these things all my life, but she was too blinded by anger. “I am so happy for you, mom. Are you going to do the therapy?”

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