Page 34

11

ZARINA

I only hadto drive past the tattoo studio to know it was his. Everything about it was his vibe to a tee. I could just feel it. Even as I parked my car, I got that weird feeling in my stomach that told me I was at the right place.

The sun was setting quickly, and the skyscrapers were backlit and outlined in the yellow glow of what was left of the day. I wrapped my jacket tight around my torso against the cool breeze that whipped around me.

I took a moment to admire the artwork that was displayed on the front windows of Graze Ink, and I wondered if they were his. The designs differed so much, but a distinct, individual style seemed to touch each of them, which made me think they had all been done by the same person.

The glass doors had ornate golden handles in the shape of curling snakes, and I ran my fingers over the detailed scales that were carved into each one before pulling the door open.

A very tattooed woman sat behind the front desk, frowning down at her computer and chewing on a piece of gum. She looked up only when a bell chimed as the door squealed shut, and she offered me a wide smile. Her dead straight, slick black hair fell out of her ponytail and framed her face.

She wasgorgeous.

Something uncomfortable twisted in my stomach.

Was it jealousy? It definitely felt similar.

I was a girl’s girl through and through. But sometimes I still heard my mother’s voice in the back of my mind.

“Look how pretty she is, Zarina. Be careful of that one.”

“The beautiful ones are always threatened by other beautiful ones.”

“They don’t see you as anything more than competition.”

I quickly shook it off.

“Can I help you, babe?” she asked.

“Uh,” I chuckled, because I didn’t know how to answer. I looked around, and there didn’t seem to be anyone else. Honestly, I felt a little silly already.

“Sorry,” I stuttered, backing towards the door. “Are you closing?”

“Not for a little while,” she smiled. “But I can help if you wanna book an appointment?”

A door at the back of the shop opened and I looked up to see Ashe throwing a cigarette butt into an ashtray before stepping back inside. He ran his hands through his hair, pushing it out of his face before he looked up, stopping in his tracks as he laid eyes on me.

I watched his throat bob as he swallowed. The girl was still smacking at her chewing gum, now smirking slightly as she looked between Ashe and I, obviously sensing the tension between us.

“Soo,” she dragged out. “An appointment?”

“Uh, yes,” I stuttered. “Yes please.”

She looked down at the appointment book in front of her and Ashe wandered over, nudging her out of the stool she was perched on.

“Go home, Jess.”

“Oh,” she straightened, pressing her lips together to avoid smiling. “Righto.”

Jess looked between us both once more before flinging her black backpack that was covered in different band patches over her shoulder and heading out. Ashe and I watched each other as the door slammed shut behind her, and then it was painfully silent.

I broke our eye contact and took a chance to look around the studio, at all the equipment and artwork. The dark wood panelled floors and black walls were all contrasted by all the gold accents.

There were even a few plants strewn about.

“Much better decorated than your house,” I mentioned.