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She glances toward the huge version of the cover behind the stage, then back at me. “It does look pretty good blown up that big.”
“Pretty good?”
“I’m trying to stay humble.”
“You’re terrible at it.”
“So are you.”
I laugh and pull her closer.
Around us, the room is still loud. My family is still here, the band is still celebrating, and somebody near the bar has decided the album needs to be played over the speakers even though we just performed most of it live.
In a few days, I leave, but tonight, I’m exactly where I want to be.
Ruby slips her hand into mine. “Want to get out of here?”
I look at the crowd, the merch, the band, then back at her.
“Absolutely.”
I grab her hand, and we sneak out the back door before anyone notices.
Chapter twenty-nine
RUBY
By the time I finish my last appointment, Zander has less than twenty-four hours before he leaves for tour.
I know that because his schedule is currently open on my phone between tomorrow’s client list and an email about Black Fern’s new supply account.
This is what my life looks like now.
I finish wiping down my station, check the inventory order one more time, then head toward the front where Nell is counting the register. Since signing the partnership papers, nothing about my actual work has changed much. I still tattoo clients, clean my own station, answer messages, and spend too much time trying to convince people that the tiny reference photo on their phone will not magically become a detailed six-inch tattoo.
The difference is that now when I notice something that needs fixing, I’m one of the people responsible for fixing it, and I like that more than I expected.
“Leaving?” Nell asks.
“In a minute.”
She glances toward the clock. “Thought your rock star leaves tomorrow.”
“He does.”
“And you’re still here.”
“I’m heading out right now.” I slide my jacket on and grab my bag from beneath the counter.
Outside, the evening is cool and damp, the kind of coastal weather that settles into everything without ever becoming real rain. I’m halfway to my car when my phone buzzes.
Zander: You done?
Me: Just walked out the door.
His answer comes almost immediately.
Zander: Come over when you get home?
