by t. h. snyder
I bring my hands to my head and can feel the sweat on my forehead.
My hands fall from my face and I stare at Linc as he begins to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“You, Etty. We aren’t going to a magic show if that’s what you’re thinking. Cursed Magic is my shop; it’s the place that Daulton and I bought a few years back. The guy that owned it named it and we never thought to change the name. It’s kinda grown on us.”
I don’t know what I was expecting, but a huge wave of relief runs through me. I may be stupid and naïve, but the way things were looking on the way in made me a bit afraid of what was going to happen next.
Linc gestures for me to move out of the way so he can shut the door.
“Come on, Etty, let’s go introduce you to the love of my life—my shop.”
“Well shit, and I thought I had issues,” I whisper under my breath.
I follow Linc through the garage and out to the main street of the city. We walk down the block a few stores before we stop.
“Why didn’t we park out front?” I ask, pointing to the street parking.
“Ehh, today I felt like parking in the garage. Plus, there are people that live around here that could use the upfront parking more than us.”
“Aww, well aren’t you sweet?”
“I have my moments,” he says with a wink.
I watch as he puts a key into the lock, turns the knob, and opens the door. We walk through the entrance and he heads toward the counter to the far left of the room.
My eyes start to scan the room. I haven’t been in a tattoo parlor in years.
The art along the walls and the framed tattoos bring back happy memories of the one I used to go to when I was younger.
The first tattoos I got were a butterfly on my ankle and a sun on my back. After the first two, it became an addiction. The pain of the needles turned into pleasure for me and once I got a taste of it, I needed more. Now I have both arms covered in full sleeves, my upper legs, my chest, and a large back piece that I was never able to finish.
Tattoos aren’t just color and ink on the skin—they’re a form of expression that the artist designs and only the client knows the hidden truths behind the pieces.
“You ready for the grand tour?” Linc asks, waving his arms in the air.
“Yeah sure, show me what you got,” I reply, walking toward him.
“Well, it’s still a work in progress. When Dault and I took over it was pretty run down. We’ve done a few renovations here and there, but it’s come a long way. I’m proud of this place. It’s my dream come true, something I never thought would be real to me.”
A smile comes across my face watching as Linc talks about this place. He’s so proud that he’s almost glowing.
I follow him through the hallway as he opens the artists’ rooms. They’re all decorated according to the specialty of the guy that sits in each room.
Linc takes me to the office at the end of the hall. He shows me the scheduling system and the inventory checklist.
The responsibilities I’ll have here are few, and it won’t take me long to pick up on what’s needed of me.
We walk back to the front and he tells me to make myself comfortable while he wraps up some loose ends.
I let myself look around a bit more and find a book of art with Linc’s name on the front cover.
Thumbing through the pages, I see a variety of pieces he’s done on some of his clients. He’s really talented and I’m in awe of his trade.
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to pride myself with something like this. I can only hope that one day I can put my fears behind me and find something like this to share with the world.
I see Linc walking toward me out of the corner of my eye.
“What do you have there?” he asks.
“Oh, umm, I was just looking through some of your work.”
He sits down beside me and takes the book from my lap. He starts to page through the various designs and stops on one. It’s an image of a tiger.
His finger lingers over the animal as he stares down at the page.
“This one right here was my very first tattoo. Cricket, the guy that own Cursed Magic, gave it to me. At the time, I didn’t understand the importance and meaning of a tattoo. This guy right here started my addiction.”
He rolls up his shirt sleeve and shows me the tiger on his forearm.
My hand reaches out to him and I graze my fingers over the tattoo.
“It’s incredible,” I say in a whisper.
“Yeah, the first time I saw it, the eyes of the tiger stood out to me. It’s only a creature in form, but the eyes show no fear.”
I don’t know how to take his response.
Linc has, or maybe had, fears. There’s so much more about him that I want to know. He has me so intrigued that I need to find out what he’s hiding. From the first moment I met him I knew there was something hidden behind his dark eyes.
Maybe one day I’ll have the courage to ask, or he’ll find enough trust in me to tell me.
Regardless of how our relationship unfolds, I can already tell that the two of us will get along just fine.
Chapter 13
Once I finish showing Etty around the shop, I do some last minute organizing in the office and we head back to the house.
During the drive back to my place we sit in silence. I’m not much of a talker; in fact, I’ve really never had anyone around to chat with besides the guys and Jo.
I don’t mind the company, but I’m not too sure what kind of conversation to start with Etty. It’s not really my business to intrude and ask her where she came from, but it’s something that’s going to make me wonder until I find out.
She’s seems a bit off—reserved and maybe a little afraid of something. I just don’t know what it is, but I’m interested to learn more about this random girl that has popped into our lives.
I really am glad she showed up when she did—it’s almost too unreal to be true. I was in need of a replacement and she fell into my lap when I least expected it.
The banter between the two of us is fun and twisted; we click together so well. She’s exactly the distraction I need.
I know now is not the best time to be looking for someone to take Jo’s place, but without her here I know I’m going to fall apart.
I need someone to keep my mind occupied so that my thoughts don’t go back to what happened last night. It also helps to have someone to keep my mind off of what happens when I’m alone and in a deep sleep.
Going to bed tonight is already plaguing my thoughts. For far too long, Jo was able to help erase the nightmares and terrors that filled my sleep.
Before her, I would bring random girls home just for the comfort and easy lay. I’m not that guy anymore; I don’t want to be a man-whore like Daulton. Not saying I want to settle down, far from it, but the revolving door to our house got old quick.
I wish there was a way to call Jo, to hear her voice. Missing her isn’t something I ever thought I’d have to worry about. Having her around was just something I took for granted and now she’s really gone.
Letting out a heavy sigh, I try to clear my mind of Jo and the sleepless nights that will haunt me.
Glancing over to the passenger’s seat, I see Etty staring out the window.
This chick has been brought into my life for a reason, I know that. I just need to get my shit in order so that I don’t bring her down with me. I don’t want to cause anyone pain, and I sure as hell don’t want to break another girl’s heart.
Etty is a cute little thing, but I don’t think that I have to worry about any type of physical attraction between us. I just hope the feeling is mutual. I’m not in the right place to fill Jo’s shoes in that area of my mind or body. At least not yet—not until I figure out what the hell I want with my life.
I pull the car along the curb in front of Etty’s townhouse.
Shutting the engine off and pulling the keys out of t
he ignition, we both sit in silence.
She’s fidgeting her with hands in her lap and looking straight through the window, deep in thought.
I’d like to know what’s going on in that pretty little head of hers, but I don’t want to invade her privacy just yet.
Clearing my throat, I draw her attention to me. Her bright eyes meet mine and she gives me a small grin.
“I know you’re new to town and you just moved in, but is there anything you need for the house? I can run you to the store if you want.”
“Nah, I’m okay for now. I might venture out a little later. I’m kind of tired and might just lie down for a nap.”
“Yeah, a nap sounds good. Sundays are usually my lazy day anyway. I think I’ll turn on a movie and chill on the couch ‘til later tonight.”
“Why? What’s tonight?” she asks with a frown.
“It’s kind of stupid, actually. Daulton and I usually order some pizza and wings, and then the guys from the shop come over to play cards. We’re closed on Mondays so we make it our party night.”
“Ohh, sounds like fun,” she says, perking up in her seat.
“Don’t get yourself too excited. It’s not really like a party, just a bunch of tatted assholes getting together to steal one another’s money. You can pop over if you want. It’ll give you a chance to get to know the guys before Tuesday.”
“Great, thanks. I’ll come over after I run some errands later. Do you need me to grab anything for you guys?”
“Aww, Etty, you’re too kind. I think you’ll do just fine living next door to us. Thanks, though, I think we’ve got everything we need.”
“Okay. Well then, I’ll see you later.”
She opens her door and steps out onto the curb. I walk around the car and meet her as we walk up the steps and to the doors.
“Oh hey, Linc,” she says, turning toward me.
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“Thank you for everything. I mean, letting me rent the house and for giving me a job. I really do appreciate it. I promise I won’t let you down.”
“I’m not worried about it. It’s good you dropped into our lives like you did. I think we’ll all get along just fine.”
A big smile crosses her lips. She really is a cute little thing. There’s a sparkle in her eyes that I didn’t see before. I don’t know if it’s happiness, security, or whatever the hell it may be, but it suits her just fine.
I dig into my pocket and hand her the key.
“It’s all yours now. Take good care of it and let us know if you need anything. Do you have a cell? I’ll give you our numbers just in case.”
She steps back and starts to fidget again. Man this girl’s nerves are worse off than mine.
“Actually, no I don’t have one,” she replies looking up at me as though she’s embarrassed.
“No biggie, but you really should get one. You know, just for emergencies and stuff.”
She nods her head and puts the key in the lock.
“I’ll grab one when I go out later.”
“Good girl, don’t forget to swap digits with us later.”
“Thanks, Linc,” she says, walking through the door and into her side of the house.
Making my way into my house, I toss the keys down on the table. I kick my Chucks off and plop down onto the couch.
A good nap sounds really good about now.
I reach for the remote and turn on the television. Not sure what will be on, I flip through the channels until I come across Airborne, a ‘classic’. Well, to me it’s an oldie but goodie; I don’t know if Dault or the guys would agree.
I surf to see what’s coming on afterward and it looks like there’s one hell of a lineup for this afternoon. TNT is playing Airborne, RAD, and then Top Gun. This is just what I need to chill and relax until I can fall asleep.
Propping a pillow behind me, I extend my arm and rest it behind my head. Before too long, I can feel my eyes start to get heavy and I drift off into a deep sleep.
My body started to shake. The paramedics checked me out a couple of times and I kept telling them I was fine, but they still wouldn’t let me leave until my mom and dad got there.
That’s why I was shaking; I was scared for them to come get me. I knew they’d to be really mad at me.
That night was a big event for Dad and they had to leave the party to deal with me.
I never thought something like that would’ve happened. How could I have known?
There were so many people walking around and asking questions. I just wanted to pull the blanket over my head and pretend like it was all just a really bad dream.
The police took Daulton in the cop car and I started feeling all alone. The look on his face before he said goodbye was of fear. I didn’t know what was going to happen to us.
My eyes darted out onto the street where lights were flashing. I heard a car door slam and my body jumped. My mom came running toward the porch in her long black dress and red coat. Dad walked over to a police officer and looked at me while shaking his head.
“Lincoln Minzotto, what have you gotten yourself into? How could you leave the house, tonight of all nights? What’s gotten into you?”
She asked a million questions at one time and my head started to spin.
Tears began to fall from my eyes and she grabbed my arm to pull me up off of the chair.
“I’m sorry, Mom, I didn’t know,” I replied in between sobs.
“This was a very bad decision on your part, Lincoln. We raised you better than to make choices like this. We’ll discuss your punishment when you get home.”
My punishment?
I didn’t want to think about the real trouble I was going to be in when I got home. All I wanted was my mom to hold me and take away the memories of what had just occurred, but I knew that would never happen.
Why couldn’t I have a mom that loved me and wanted to protect me?
She walked me over to my dad with my arm still in her hand. The grip of her fingers got tighter and caused the tears to flow down my cheeks.
Dad’s eyes darted to mine and an angry scowl came across this face.
“Lincoln, get in the car with your mother. Because of your childish acts tonight we have a lot to discuss. Until we get home, you must obey everything I say to you. Once we get down to the police station, you are not to speak a word unless I direct you to. Do you understand me?”
I wiped my eyes with my free hand and nodded my head in his direction.
“I didn’t hear a response, Lincoln,” he said with anger in his voice.
My chest felt like there was a hundred pounds sitting on top of me and my head hurt from crying. I looked to the ground and then back to my father’s eyes filled with hatred and anger.
“Yes, sir,” I replied.
“Now get in the car until I finish speaking with the detective.”
Mom pulled me away and positioned me in front of the car door.
My hands were shaking as I tried to open my door. The blanket wrapped around my body began to fall and I could feel it being pulled off of me.
“Give me this,” Mom said. “You don’t need it; let me give it back to the officers for someone that really could use it.”
I let go of the blanket and slid into the backseat of Dad’s car. Buckling my seat belt, I rested my head back onto the seat.
The images of what I had seen flashed through my mind along with the loud banging sounds.
The car door slammed shut and my body jumped as my eyes fly open.
I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to erase those sounds and sights from my mind. It really was too much for me and I was so scared of what was going to happen once I got home.
Chapter 14
Sarasota, Florida
I’ve finally made it to my parents’ house and I’m dead tired. I texted Daulton a few minutes ago to let him know I was close and that I’d be in touch in a few days.
I’m not sure if he’ll communicate my message to Linc, but
a small part of me hopes he does.
As much as I want to move on and forget, there will always be a small part of me that wants to go back and convince him to love me in return.
Reality is a bitch and one that I want to kick in the box with a pointy hooker boot.
I fall back onto the bed in my parents’ guest room and stare up at the ceiling. Sarasota isn’t the most exciting part of Florida, but I’m hoping that a few days in the sun at the beach will keep my mind busy.
I’ve never been out of work for more than a sick day, so the time off should do me good.
Over a mid-afternoon snack, Mom went on and on about all the places she wants to take me. It’ll be good to spend some quality one on one time with her, but I can guarantee I’ll want to play hooky after a week.
Resting my head back onto the pillow, I close my eyes in hopes of falling asleep. I asked my parents to let me nap for a few hours before hauling me off to the club for dinner.
With my eyelids closed, my memory plays a trick on me and flashes his smile. I quickly open my eyes to erase the image and then close them again.
Damn it to hell, I need to rid my mind of Linc. I’ll never be able to let him go if I see him everywhere I go.
I shut my eyes tighter, hoping to focus on the black space behind my closed lids. Instead, it’s him that I see. Rather than fight my own mind, I scan the image of the one and only man I’ve ever loved.
He’s wearing a fitted baseball cap backward on his head. Short, random pieces of his dark hair poke through and I laugh at how obsessive he is about his hat hair.
His dark eyes are staring back at me as a smile spreads across his face. Two subtle dimples appear and my heart starts to flutter.
My vision continues to scan down his muscular body, starting with his strong shoulders. He’s wearing a red t-shirt that hugs his body perfectly. The old faded jeans that I love so much are hanging loosely on his hips as he slides a hand into his pocket.
He’s perfection—there’s just no other word to describe him.
The tattoos on his body are so rare, so unique, that they speak for him, his life, and his past.