like a bitch since it goes over my ribs. I’m not going to bitch about it. Gwen has felt more pain in her life than I’m feeling getting this tattoo done. It’s the only thing I think I can do, even though it will never be enough to show her how I truly feel.
Within another hour or so, Avery is setting his tattoo gun on the table next to where my arm rests. Gathering the spray to clean me up, he sprays me down and then uses the paper towel to wipe the excess ink and any blood from my body. Once he’s satisfied with the results, he holds me up a mirror so I can see the work he’s done. I’m stunned speechless. The image came out better than I imagined it would.
“You got exactly what I wanted,” I tell him as he begins to smear it with the ointment before wrapping me up.
“Glad you like it,” he states, sitting down next to me as I pull my wallet from the back of my jeans.
Handing over the wad of cash we agreed on, I put my wallet back and slide my shirt over my head. With it back in place, I get up to grab a few bottles of water so we can have something to drink. I’ve been sitting for hours with nothing and I’m ready for a drink. I know I can’t have alcohol so, for right now, water will work.
Avery begins to clean up his things after thanking me for the water. He remains quiet as usual. He’s not much of a talker; never has been and never will be. Even when we tried to get him to Prospect for the club, he barely said more than a few words. Other than to turn us down. Avery is a nomad at heart and doesn’t want to be tied down. Money means nothing to him other than covering his bills and allowing him to eat. Being a part of a club means even less. He’d rather be alone and free to wander as he pleases than to have to remain in one spot for more than a few weeks at most. Honestly, I’m lucky he was in town when I called to get the ink done.
“Where you headin’ now?” I ask him once his stuff is packed up and he’s ready to head out.
“I don’t know. A few people have been askin’ me to come to them about doin’ some work. I may head out West or I may only go a few towns over. I never know until I get there. You know that,” he responds, picking his box up before heading to the front door.
“Let me know when you land somewhere. You know I worry about you cruisin’ the roads alone,” I demand.
Avery is honestly like a brother to me. We met when we were young and in juvie together. Neither one of us had a good family life. Instead of him getting out when he was supposed to, some guys picked a fight with him and Avery only left juvie to head to prison. He spent a few years there before getting out. From what I’ve gathered, he hasn’t been in trouble another day in his life.
I got out when I was supposed to. The second I did, instead of heading home to my family, I went into the military. That’s where I met a few of the guys in the club. I spent several years out on missions and honing my skills. When I finally had enough of the life, I retired and joined up with the Phantom Bastards. It’s the best two decisions of my life. If I hadn’t joined up, I’m not sure where I’d be now. Probably in prison or buried six feet under somewhere. Who knows for sure?
Standing in the doorway, I watch as Avery loads his case in the trunk of his Charger before tossing me a two-finger salute and getting in his car. I don’t move until his taillights disappear from sight. Now, it’s my turn to leave. I’m going to lay eyes on Gwen for the first time in days. We’re going to sit down and have the conversation we should’ve had a long time ago. That’s on me, not her. Gwen has no clue what I feel for her and where I see us going. Just like I have no clue what she truly wants.