“I can’t believe how beautiful they are. I love them. You took marks that stripped me of my individuality, my humanity, and redesigned them, turning them into something beautiful. I just can’t thank you enough. When I get a job, I swear I’ll pay you for your work.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Goldie said as he peeled off his gloves.
“Good job, dude. Thanks.” Paco bumped fists with Goldie, then helped Chelsea out of the chair and wrapped his arm around her.
“Here you go. Follow the instructions, and if you have a problem, Paco can help you out with it. Be sure to cover the back of your neck real well when you shampoo your hair. Liberty will give you a kit.”
“Paco’s going out of town,” she said softly.
“That’s right. Well, if you have a problem, give the shop a call. Tattoo Mike will be here, and so will Jimmy.”
“Thanks again,” she said as Paco guided her out the door.
The rest of the evening was spent laughing and talking over a platter of ribs, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. As Paco drank his beer, warmth spread through him. Chelsea had been dancing on air since they’d left Get Inked. She was telling him a corny joke she’d heard from one of her cousins a long time ago. The more animated she became, the more turned on he got. At that moment, with her eyes sparkling, her hands flying every which way, and the peachy glow of her cheeks, he wished that he’d met her before her ordeal… and before Cassie. He probably would’ve fallen head over heels in love with her, and they could’ve been happy—maybe even have had a few kids.
If only our lives had intersected earlier.
He focused his attention back on her, ignoring the ache that throbbed deep in his heart.