Page 78 of Destiny

Must be some bizarre coincidence.

Yet I don’t think it’s a coincidence at all.

I place the loupe back on the counter. “Thank you, Lucy.”

“Sure, Ava. Anytime. I sure miss your croissants in the morning.”

“We’ll be back open soon.” I leave without saying goodbye and walk across the street to the tattoo shop.

“Hi, Kiki. Does Cy have any open appointments today?”

“He’s free right now.”

“Good. Book me.”

Cyrus comes out front. “Ava? I thought I heard your voice.”

“Kiki says you’re available.”

“I am.”

“Remember that design you created for me? Ink me. Now.”

“Are you sure, Ava? Last Friday you seemed to really want to think about it.”

“I have. I want the tattoo, Cyrus.”

“All right. You decided on the triquetra in black with the yellow lightning bolt cutting through it, right?”

“That’s the one.”

“All right, Ava. Come on back.”

I follow Cyrus back to his studio, where a seat resembling a dental chair beckons.

He flattens it out. “You said you wanted it on your hip, right?”

“Yes.”

“Right hip or left hip?”

“I don’t care. Pick one.”

He shakes his head. “That isn’t how this works, Ava. You need to know where you want the image, and yes, right or left matters.”

“It doesn’t matter to me.”

“It matters to me.” He cocks his head, twisting his lips. “I don’t think it’s the best idea for you to get the tattoo today.”

“I’ll pay you double.”

This time he laughs, shaking his head. “Who are you, and what have you done with Ava Steel?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I might expect to hear those words from Donny. Or Brock. Maybe even your sister. But from you?” Cyrus shakes his head. “You have never been one to throw Steel money around.”

“It’s not Steel money. I have my own damned money, Cy.”

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