Page 23 of Pierced Pages

Or misinterpreted.

“Yes, we can forget about it?”

“No,” Danielle said with a soft laugh as she stood from the piercing chair. “I’d like to go with you. If the offer still stands.”

A mixture of relief and gratitude and a million other emotions rushed through Morgan with a warmth that flowed through her entire body. But she had to make sure this was real.

“Are you sure?” Morgan backed into the doorway so they could both make their way to the front. “Did you hear the part about my nosy relatives and pissing off my mother?”

Danielle smiled and walked toward Morgan in the piercing room doorway. “Yes, I heard that part, and I’m fine with it. It’s not my family, so it won’t bother me. And if I can distract you from some of that, I’m happy to help.”

Gratitude swirled to the top of Morgan’s emotional stew. She couldn’t believe someone would be this kind. Sure, Jen was kind. The kindest person Morgan knew.

Until Danielle.

They walked up front together while Morgan thought of what to say next. Nothing she could think of matched what she felt.

What she shouldn’t feel.

“Thank you,” she said, deciding to go the simple route.

They reached the front counter, where Danielle turned to face her again. She tucked her blonde hair behind her ears and set her bag on the counter. “What do I owe you? I know you said just the jewelry, but I want to pay you for your time, too.”

“Oh, no.” Morgan put her palms up and shook her hands. “Absolutely not. It’s all on me. Thanks for agreeing to the whacked-out invitation.”

Danielle laughed. “Seriously, it’s not that big of a deal. And, like you said, I’ll get free food out of it.”

“This is still my token of thanks.”

Danielle put her wallet back into her purse. “If you’re sure. Thank you.”

“I’m sure,” Morgan said with a nod. “I’ll text you the date and time, and I probably have to be there early for pictures or whatever, but I’ll let you know after I talk to my sister tomorrow.”

The words came out in a flurry that Morgan couldn’t contain even if she tried.

“Sounds good,” Danielle said. “I’m usually free or at least flexible on weekend nights, so it will probably be fine.”

Morgan tried to ignore the word “flexible” in there.

“Great.”

One of the tattoo guys walked over to lock the front door, assuring no new customers would come in.

Danielle nodded toward the door. “I think that’s my cue.”

“I’ll let you out.” She walked with Danielle and unlocked the door. “Hang on, I’ll walk you to your car.”

“Oh, no. It’s fine.” Danielle pointed to a blue sedan parked right up front. “That’s me.”

Morgan’s brain vacillated between wanting to find a reason for this woman to stick around longer and wanting to call off the whole wedding invitation. She knew which one she should do.Since this would go no further than a friendly acquaintanceship, there was no point in extending their interactions.

So she decided on neither.

“Thanks again,” she said. “Have a good night.”

Chapter 10

Danielle