Beautiful Apparation (Tony Perry FF)

twenty-two

Today I have to face Corey for the first time since that disaster at the bar. I hope he doesn't think I flaked on him. The only reason I left is because I didn't want to get him involved with Tony, period.

I walk into the shop where Lynn and Jeff stand. They stop mid-conversation and remain quiet. I'm immediately aware they know what happened the other night.

"Where's everyone else?" I ask trying to break the awkward silence.

"Hannah should be here soon with her ex-boyfriend, by that I mean boyfriend again," Jeff chuckles.

"Supposedly, he wants a new tattoo although there isn't a spot on his skin that isn't inked," Lynn scoffs. Her attitude amuses me.

I laugh, "You really hate him, don't ya Lynn?"

"Hate who?" Hannah's voice chirps.

I turn around to see her hand in hand with this Oliver I've heard so much about. I'm not gonna lie, I checked out his band's music and it's pretty fucking amazing. I'm sorta mesmerized that the Oliver Sykes is standing before me.

"The cashier downstairs for Starbucks," Jeff lies. "He spelt her name L-I-N."

Lynn rolls her eyes before landing them on Hannah.

"So are you going to introduce us to your friend?"

Hannah's face goes red.

"Guys this is Oliver."

"Lynn, Jeff, and Audrey." He smiles pointing as he said our names. His accent is strong, stronger than Hannah's. You can barely hear it when he screams/sings, so I'm taken by surprise. "I've heard a lot about you guys. Where's the Corey fellow?"

Yea, where is that 'fellow?'

Lynn answers.

"He's sick."

I call bullshit.

"A shame," Hannah quickly sighs. "So Oli, take a seat."

"I'm gonna go get the music going in here." Jeff walks off.

"Please none of that Blood on the Dance Floor bullshit!" Lynn follows after him.

That left me doing nothing. I really hope Corey would just pop up randomly. I want to talk to him, more like need.

Suddenly, the shop's phone begins to ring. It's rare when we get calls so I really don't know what I'm supposed to say. I pick it up, ready to wing it.

"You reached Inked, what can I do for you?" Not that horrible.

"I knew you'd pick up the phone."

I don't recognize the voice.

"Corey?" I guess.

"You wish," The voice snarls.

"Who is it then?" I become annoyed.

"Someone who cares about you. You need to go home, pack your shit, and leave."

I don't bother arguing with whoever the hell it is so I hang up the phone. Not even a minute later, it rings again.

"Are you going to get that?" Lynn asks.

I pick it up hoping it wasn't the same person before, "Hello?"

"Hi, I need to cancel an appointment with Hannah Snowdon."

Thank God.

>>>

I get home and feed Daryl the last of his food. I need to go grocery shopping soon. One of the fun tasks of life, yipee! Sarcasm.

"Are you here Tony?" I call out.