Vehn (Exotic Ink Book 1)

by LS Anders

  “Cool.” Callie nodded, looking out her window.

  The cabby finally gave the ogling a rest, put his eyes on the road and his foot on the gas, beginning the journey to their destination. The girls fell into a companionable silence, each lost in her own thoughts.

  The residential area of the Williamsburg neighborhood soon gave way to the more commercial end of the Brooklyn borough. After a couple of turns, the bridge came into view and the Manhattan skyline beyond that.

  Sheesh! Callie hated crossing over bridges. They always gave her the creeps. She couldn’t put her finger on what exactly it was she didn’t like about them. It wasn’t like she had anything bad happen to her on one; they just made her skin feel like it was shrinking around her. Maybe it was just the overwhelming vastness of the thing or the inevitable drop that would occur if it gave out beneath her.

  She resisted the urge to shudder as they began to cross.

  She tried focusing on the Manhattan skyline to take her mind off the bridge. She really missed living in the city. She did love living in Greenwich—what New Yorkers referred to as “The Village”. Maybe one day she would make it back there.

  As they hit the traffic on the Manhattan city streets, Callie was drawn back into the past when she had first started at Exotic Ink four years before and the very first time she had stepped foot into the studio.

  Kyle had been leaning on the reception desk with both elbows, flipping through a tattoo magazine. Both his muscular arms were fully sleeved in black and grey tattoos. He was, for a lack of a better description, a big scary biker-looking dude.

  He was renowned as being one of the best tattoo artists in the country, so she was already intimidated by his reputation alone. She had read a ton of articles about him and had seen photos of him and his work in various magazines. To say she was stoked to be working for him was a freaking understatement.

  At the time, she had been still living in Chicago and had sent a copy of her portfolio and resume to the studio when she had found the ad for the job. She never thought in a ka-trillion years she would receive a call from Evana and be interviewed over the phone, much less offered the job. And to think he had been interested in hiring her after simply looking at her work!

  Kyle glanced up from his magazine when she’d walked through the door, his gaze freezing her to the spot. She knew her work had undergone that same intense blue-eyed scrutiny, but it was a whole different ballgame when it was focused on her, like he could see right through her. Then the most amazing thing happened… he smiled and his entire demeanor changed.

  “Are you Callie?”

  She could only manage a nod.

  “Well, come on in here, little girl. I’m not gonna’ bite ya’.” He extended a hand waving her over.

  She returned his smile walking towards him, her step faltering as he stood to his full height. She had never had a man refer to her as “little” before, but after this goliath just unfolded himself to stand at 6’6 and then some, she supposed that would be his perception of her. Luckily, that huge smile of his softened his face making him less scary and more handsome in a rough around the edges, older guy sort of way, lessening the overwhelming intimidation she was feeling.

  Sheesh! The shoulders on this man were the broadest she had ever seen on anyone in her life. Her eyes dropped lower of their own accord, and she couldn’t help but stare, more like gawk, at his six p… make that an eight pack, his snug-fitting Henley doing absolutely nothing to hide his ripped torso.

  Wow, he had looked like a big guy in the magazines, but he was ginormous in person, and the man definitely had a gym membership. For the first time in her life, she actually felt small. She even giggled like a little girl while peering up at him through her lashes as she shook his beefy hand.

  She had only been fortunate enough to work with him for about a year before he died. In that time, she had discovered that he was a total sweetheart, all marshmallow filling beneath a gruff exterior. She always thought he was the nicest man she had ever met.

  He and his exotic looking Evana had made a gorgeous couple, too. She was drop-dead gorgeous to his tall, dark, and rugged. You could just feel the sickeningly sweet love oozing out of them when they were together.

  She grinned a little thinking back on that memory. Then an image of Evana hysterically weeping over his casket immediately brought the hot sting of tears to her eyes. She blinked hard to keep them from falling.

  It had taken both her and Rayna to talk Evana into leaving his body and help her out of the funeral home. Rayna had been afraid for Evana’s state of mind and had been the one to suggest the sleepover that night.

  Holy shit, his death had been such a shock to everyone. Callie remembered walking around in a daze for a solid week afterwards. She felt so bad for Evana, still did, and this funeral had just brought it all back. She had had enough of death—first her mom, then Kyle, and now Brent.

  Callie glanced quickly over at Evana, who had assumed a similar pose, looking out her window, lost in her own thoughts. Probably reliving that hellish day of Kyle’s funeral all over again, much the same as Callie had been doing earlier with her mom’s.

  She couldn’t imagine the despair Evana had had to go through with losing the love of her life. Maybe she was better off not falling in love if all you were left with in the end was a body to bury and a soul full of heartache.

  Was love really worth all the pain in the end?

  “I think it is.”

  Callie's head whipped around, locking eyes with Evana. “Oh my God, E! Did I say that out loud? I was just thinking… I’m so sorry! Oh, shit…”

  “Don’t apologize. You’re fine. I don’t blame you for having thoughts like that. I’ve often thought about that very same thing. I mean, I’m still young, and I don’t think I want to be alone forever. I just… I’ve never met anyone else that even came close to Kyle.”

  “What about Sebastian at Tribeca Grill? He seems really nice, and he does always get you a table.”

  Evana laughed. “He’s already asked me out, but he and Kyle were friends, and I just don’t feel right about it. Besides, that zing just isn’t there for me.”

  “Zing?”

  “You know. That spark that makes your knees weak and your heart beat faster?”

  “Yes, I know that feeling. Unfortunately, it’s for a two-dimensional photograph. Never heard it called that before, though.”

  “Well, whatever you call it.” Evana shrugged.

  “I never really had that with Ryder. At first, I thought it was that zing thingy, but I think it was just a simple case of lust. I just somehow got so caught up in him. I guess because he was my first serious boyfriend and I was determined to make it work. But, then he turned into a monster… and you know the rest of the story.”

  Evana just nodded, probably not wanting to reopen old wounds. She had always said it was better to leave the past where it was.

  “So, how do you think Rayna is holding up?” Evana asked.

  “I don’t know. It’s hard for me to read her. You know how she is; she hardly ever complains if something’s bothering her. You would know better than me anyway. She doesn’t really talk to me very much about her personal life,” Callie answered. “Did she mention to you that she’s thinking about leaving the city for a while? Like a little vacation or something.”

  “Yes, she did. Her sister, Lexi, who lives in California, couldn’t make it in time for the funeral, but she’ll be here tomorrow. They’re going to take a trip together. I hope they can find a place on such short notice. It beats her sitting around alone in her apartment, and I’m really glad she agreed to the sleepover tonight.”

  Callie continued to regard the woman she considered more of a friend than a boss. Sheesh, the woman needed support right now, and so did Rayna. A new wave of guilt washed over her settling in the vicinity of her heart for wanting to be selfish and stay at home instead of going to the slumber party. Alright! Time to shake off this depression. She needed to o
nly focus on the positive.

  Positive thought #1. She was going to lunch at her favorite place with some of her favorite people.

  Positive thought #2. The sun was out and the temperature was holding at around seventy degrees, so it was perfect weather for rocking her new hip-length black leather jacket. She looked damned good in it too, if she did say so herself.

  Positive thought #3. She was going to get to watch her new favorite couple, Cale and Avie, interact with each other. Those two always made her smile, because just knowing that love existed for them meant there still remained hope for her.

  She was going to be there for her friends.

  Armed with a new resolve, Callie held out her hand, and the other girl took it. “I didn’t thank you yet for inviting my crazy ass to the slumber party.”

  “Of course. It wouldn’t be the same without you. I adore your outrageous sense of humor. I’m looking forward to laughing until I vomit,” Evana beamed her admittance.

  The cab pulled up in front of the restaurant, and it was no surprise to find Sebastian waiting for them on the sidewalk. Nor was it a surprise when he took care of the cab before either one of them could and held the door open for them to exit. He was one hundred and ten percent a gentleman.

  Callie exited the cab first, giving Sebastian a quick hug.

  “Thank you again for the table and the cab. I’ll bet you’d rather get a hug from E, so I’ll just leave you two alone,” Callie said, winking at Evana before sashaying over to the entrance. Evana returned her wink with a glare before she quickly covered it with a smile for Sebastian.

  Callie knew she needed to let it go. Evana had already made it clear she harbored no romantic feelings toward the man, but her heart hurt for Evana, her grief over losing Kyle a tangible thing that had dimmed the vibrancy of her soul. She wanted more than anything for Evana to find happiness again, wanted to see that amethyst sparkle rekindled in her cat-like eyes.

  Taking a seat opposite of Cale, Callie’s eyes never wavered from the pair as they made their way through the restaurant. Always the gentleman, Sebastian had extended his elbow to escort Evana over to the table where everyone was already seated.

  “You should join us, Sebastian,” Callie suggested, her shit-eating grin firmly in place as she poured her and Evana each a glass of Pinot Noir. “Cale just told me that, a year ago today, he and Avie went on their first date, so I’m sure there will be some toasting going on.”

  “Thank you,” Sebastian said, pulling Evana’s chair out for her. “But I’m afraid I can’t this time. We are a little short-staffed today in the kitchen, so I will be needed there. Happy Anniversary, Avie and Cale.”

  “Thanks, Sebastian,” the couple said in unison.

  Evana took her seat next to Callie, waiting for Sebastian to move out of earshot before saying, “You’re an asshole.”

  Callie gasped, wide eyed, holding her hand to her chest, feigning indignity, “What did I do?”

  “Stop encouraging him!” Evana accused.

  “I don’t think he needs any encouragement from me. He seems quite smitten with you all on his own,” Callie remarked, taking a sip of her wine.

  Evana gave her an incredulous look, not holding back the eye rolling.

  Callie giggled into her glass. “Wow! That was a big eye roll. Did you hurt yourself?”

  Evana buried her head in her menu, ignoring her. She knew better than to engage her in any kind of verbal combat; she wouldn’t stand a chance. She was about as anti-drama as they came, and Callie was an expert at verbal warfare.

  Callie patted the table, gaining everyone’s attention. “May I propose a toast? To one of my favorite couples of all time,” Callie began, holding her wine glass aloft. “I hope the years that follow are just as wonderful as the first.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” Evana chimed in. “Congratulations, guys.”

  Avie and Cale smiled at each other and said their thanks before Cale raised an eyebrow at Callie, giving her a disbelieving look while taking a sip of his drink.

  “You can just drop that brow, Cale,” Callie said. “I really mean it. You guys are so cute together. You should get married and procreate. I mean, how cute would little Calvies be running around the studio!”

  “Calvies?!” Avie said, laughing.

  “There is something seriously wrong with you, Callie,” Cale remarked. “I think I like you better when you’re being an asshole, because I’m not sure what to do with this sensitive side. You really need to stop it because you’re freaking me the hell out. It’s like I’ve fallen into another dimension and you’re the nice version of yourself.”

  Evana made an audible sound of relief when the waiter appeared, before Callie could counter with a remark of her own, and took their orders.

  “It’s a shame Rayna couldn’t join us for lunch. I hope Brent’s parents can help her get the rest of his affairs taken care of so she can rest some before her trip. Did you all read the mass text from her yet? She found a beach house to rent on Cape San Blas,” Avie informed the table.

  “Where in the hell is that?” Callie asked.

  “That’s in Florida, right?” Evana interjected.

  “Yep. On the Gulf side. It’s called the Forgotten Coast. The water is supposed to be really beautiful there. The beaches are super secluded,” Avie answered. “She said she and her sister are staying for a week.”

  “Forgotten Coast for damn sure. I’ve never even heard of that place,” Callie said, looking perplexed.

  “That’s why it’s called forgotten, dumbass,” Cale needled.

  “Cale! Don’t be a di –”

  “Children,” Evana interrupted, whispering harshly through clenched teeth. “Let’s not forget we’re in a nice restaurant that we were fortunate enough to get a table in at the last minute. We want to be allowed back.”

  “We’ll finish this later, punk,” Cale said, giving Callie a playful sneer.

  “Know what, Cale? You’re like the little brother I never wanted.”

  Cale closed one eye holding up his thumb and forefinger, pretending to squeeze Callie’s head. Avie grabbed his hand, holding it in her lap to draw his attention away from Callie.

  Evana smiled over at Avie, who returned her look with an apologetic one of her own. She knew Evana had always depended on Avie to help keep the peace between the two of them. It was one of Callie’s favorite pastimes, to get Cale all riled up, but she decided her boss had been through enough toady and shelfed her bantering with him.

  Avie’s hair was Popsicle red today, reminding Callie of the girl’s youth, but she had a maturity about her that was at odds with her twenty-one years. If she looked a little deeper into those whiskey colored eyes, she would swear there was an ancient soul staring back at her. And every now and then, if the light was shining on her just right, it looked like she had a white aura surrounding her. Whatever! That was preposterous and ridiculous!

  Besides, that white aura didn’t mean Avie was all sweet innocence, being the runner up behind herself in the quick-witted, smart-ass mouth department, and she could definitely show her ass when she wanted.

  Avie took notice of Callie studying her and tilted her head to the side. A knowing smile played across her face, like she was aware of what Callie was thinking, but that was not possible. Although, she somehow always seemed to know what people needed, sometimes even before the person realized it themselves.

  Callie shook her head chasing away her thoughts. Trying to figure out Avie’s peculiarities always gave her a headache.

  “I have a phone interview with an artist who lives in Boston later today,” Evana remarked to the table as she refilled her and Callie’s wine glasses. “His portfolio is crazy good. If his interview goes well, I think I’ll hire him.”

  “Is his work really that good that you’d hire him before meeting him?” Avie asked, impressed.

  “That’s how they hired me,” Callie beamed.

  “Annnnnnnnnd… we can all see how well that
shit turned out,” Cale smirked.

  “Fu –,”

  “Callie!” Evana set the wine bottle down with a thud, gaining the attention of the neighboring table.

  “Sorry,” Evana mouthed her apologies to the other table.

  “Anyyyywaaaaay…” Evana nailed Callie and Cale with a beseeching look. “I’ll show you all the photos he emailed me. He specializes in photo realism. His work is amazing.”

  “I can’t wait to see it. Will you show me tomorrow?” Avie asked.

  “Oh, that’s right. I keep forgetting you won’t be at the slumber party tonight,” Evana said.

  “You won’t change your mind, Avie? I’m certain us girls will be better company than that thing over there,” Callie pouted, indicating Cale.

  Cale smoothed his eyebrow down using his middle finger while Evana looked on, shaking her head at them.

  “If he is as good as I think he is, I’m going to ask him to finish up my tattoo that Kyle wasn’t able to finish,” Evana said.

  “I think that’s a great idea, E,” Callie conceded. She was sure this was a big step for Evana moving toward getting on with her life since Kyle’s passing.

  Cale and Avie nodded their heads in agreement. The subject seemed to make Evana uneasy as she scooted in her chair and fidgeted with the napkin in her lap, abruptly changing the subject. “Have you all picked out costumes for the Halloween party yet?”

  Callie was the first to answer. “Almost. I can’t decide between a sexy pirate and Cat Woman. This is going to be a kick-ass Halloween party! I’m totally stoked we got invited to it. What are you going as, E?”

  Evana opened her mouth to answer, but Cale got there first. “Hey, I know! Callie, you could save yourself some money and go as a Sasquatch, and then you wouldn’t need to buy a costume.”

  Callie felt Evana grab her arm, holding her back from lunging over the table towards Cale.

  “I haven’t really had time to look. I was hoping you could inspire me, since you always have such creative ideas.” Evana breathed a sigh of relief as she successfully engaged Callie in a conversation discussing costume choices, thwarting the beat-down Cale was instigating.