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“Perfect. I can see why my nephew can’t take his eyes off you.”
I’m a professional.
I’m a professional.
I’m a professional.
When I look up, her eyes lock with mine, her cheeks already flushed.
“He can’t, huh?”
“All day.”
“Interesting.” She bites away the smile curling on her lips.
“Didn’t I tell you to shut the fuck up, Skip? Leave the girl alone. Bethany Rose, get over here and sit your ass down.”
“Gotta go, Skip. The boss is getting grumpy.” She winks at him and takes a seat.
“I raised that boy. He was born frowning, darlin’.”
“Stop moving,” I warn him. “You good?” I ask, glancing up at her.
She nods, not taking her eyes off the half-finished tattoo on Skip’s back. “I’m good.”
The hours blend until the sun is beginning to set outside the shop. Everyone is still as rowdy as ever and the donations keep coming long after we finish.
There’s pride in Archer’s eyes when he looks around and sees the same heart tattoo on everyone. My baby brother did good.
Bethany Rose got up and mingled a couple of times, using that smile to coax people into some photos. By the end of the day, I’ve seen some of the angriest men smile for her. She checked in every so often, taking her seat by my side to watch.
“I’m impressed,” Archer tells her when she takes a seat again and swivels in the chair. “You remained on two feet.”
“It was fun. This is amazing, Archer. Your little girl is going to be so proud of her dad.”
The smile he flashes is genuine, but the fear remains behind his eyes. The fear that our very special girl might not always be here. It guts me. I can’t imagine what it does to him and Molly.
But we won’t go there.
Not today.
“Is she here today? I didn’t see her or Molly.”
“Molly only came for the night to make sure everything was set up, but she went home to Evie this morning. It’s not good for her to be around so many people. Too much risk of infection.”
“I get it.”
I wink at Archer when she’s not looking and nod towards the bed. “You’re turn, pretty girl.”
Now I think she’s going to pass out.
She looks to Archer for help, but he only shrugs.
“I’m so sorry. I… I really can’t,” she stutters, her face turning a worrying shade of white.
She looks petrified.
Archer squeezes her shoulder, finally putting her out of her misery. “He’s fucking with you.”
