Page 59

Chapter 59

Tobias

" C offee's up," I announce, shouldering through the door of Lola's.

"Thanks, handsome," Lola murmurs without looking up, her hand deftly sketching on a sheet of paper. She grabs the cup I place on the counter and takes a sip, but her eyesremain focusedon her work.

"Lo, you got anyone in this morning?" I ask, leaning against the counter.

"Not for another couple of hours," she replies, finally lifting her gaze. "Why?"

"I thought maybe you could fit me in."

"You're running out of skin," she says with a smirk."But for you, I've always got time."

I pull off my shirt, tossing it onto the back of a chair as I settle into the familiar seat. The cool leather presses against my back, and the smell of antiseptic and ink fills the air.

I explain what I want, the idea that's been sitting in the back of my mind for weeks, and she nods, already grabbing her sketchpad to bring it to life.

"You seem stressed," she says after a moment, her voice low as she preps her machine.

"Got a lot on my mind, Lo."

"Want to share? You know I double as a therapist when you're in this chair,"she teases, giving me a sidelong look.

"Better charge him extra then," Levi calls out from the desk, still scrolling through his phone like the smartass he is.

"Shut up, Levi," I snap, throwing him the finger. His laugh bounces off the walls, and I focus back on Lola. "Can I take a little time off?"

"When?"

"Amelia's tour is heading to Pennsylvania in a few days, and I want to be there," I say, the words spilling out in a rush. "I need to be there."

Understanding floods her features as she pauses, head tilting. "Your parents?"

"I won't let her face that shit by herself."

"It's fine. How long do you need?" she asks, already thinking it through.

"A week, maybe two tops."

"Take the two weeks," she says decisively. "I'll rearrange your clients."

"Still can't believe you're banging your sister," Levi pipes up, grinning like the asshole he is.

"I swear to god, Levi, I'm going to kick your ass when I'm out of this chair." His laugh echoes across the room, but I ignore him, settling back.

The tattoo machinefires up, and I close my eyes when the first scratch of the needle hits my skin. I let the pain ground me, allowing it to seep into my skin along with the ink.

Because this one's for her.