Beautiful Apparation (Tony Perry FF)

thirty-three

Inked is pretty busy today. Devin seems to be dealing with it perfectly fine too. He works well with the customers. The way he communicates with them is great.

Lynn, Jeff, and Corey seem to like him too. I'd be lying if I said I hated him. He's a great worker and a cool guy to be around in general. In a week he's not only shown improvement, but also dedication. In a way he reminds me of Hannah. Now a whole lot, but a little.

Jeff approaches me while I'm re-stocking brand new shirts we recently got. I prepare for him to ask me a favor.

"What's up?" I ask folding the last shirt.

"We're all going to get sushi today after work, you in?"

Oh. Guess I was wrong.

"Sure, why not? You picked a good one by the way."

"I know," He says proudly before walking away.

Sometimes, Jeff is too proud.

>>>

"Lion King Roll please," I tell the waitress.

"No problem," She replies, taking the menu away from my hands.

After everyone else orders, conversation begins. By 'conversation' I mean asking Devin about his life story. In a way, I feel bad that he's getting bombarded with questions. It reminded me of when I first got here. They were so interested to learn about boring me.

Anyways, Devin's an only child, Dad left, caring Mom. Tattooing is his dream job. No girlfriend or boyfriend. (He never said if he was straight). Moved from Oregon.

"What brings you here to San Diego?" Corey asks.

"The scenery and people I guess. I've always loved meeting new people and exploring," He finishes. Smooth answer. It seems like this guy has it all planned out.

"No specific reasons?" Lynn speaks up.

"Not really," He says shrugging. "Have you guys lived here your entire lives?" I could tell he feels awkward from the spotlight being on him.

I raise my hand.

"Not me. I'm sorta a newbie."

"She moved here from San Francisco," Corey says for me.

"That's so cool! I love that city."

"You've been?"

"Three times. It gets better everytime I go too."

I just nod my head, not wanting to continue to talk about home. I've been avoiding home for awhile. It makes me feel guilty that I'm not with my mom. I swear when I get the money, I'm going to buy her a place out here.

"So," Corey begins. "Did any of you watch the basketball game last night?"

Another boring topic.

>>>

I get home and find Daryl playing with... Danielle? Once she sees me, she lets go of the rope Daryl is tugging on and gets up.

"Hope you don't mind," She smiles. "Tony let me in."

"Where is he?"

"Behind you," He answers.

I turn and there he stands.

"How was work?" He asks before kissing my forehead.

I shrug. "It was work. How long have you guys been waiting for me?"