Let Love In

4

Saturdays are usually the busiest days at the tattoo parlor. It's walk-in day, and even though most clients just want quotes or tiny tattoos with a special meaning, nothing too complicated or original, it's a chance for him to get new clients.

And Frank is so focused on his job, that he doesn't realize what time it is, until Bob asks him if he wants to go out to eat. 'Huh?' Frank spits, checking his phone, and seeing all the missed calls from Mikey, plus all the texts he sent. Are you coming? B's asking for you. Well actually she asked about Lois.

'What happened?'

Frank grabs his stuff and Lois' leash. 'Shit.' Before leaving, though, he turns back to Bob. 'What can I get for an eight year old girl?'

'What are you talking about, Iero?' The blond man is more confused than ever, and almost lets go of the metal tray he's carrying. 'Are you fucking a man with kids?'

'What? No!' But he feels his cheeks flush. 'My sponsor – he invited me to his niece's birthday party.'

'Oh.' Bob gives him a look, eyebrow raised and all. 'I didn't know –'

'No! Forget it – can you at least give me a ride to the store? I'll do whatever you want.'

'Whatever?'

'Fuck you, Bryar.'

Without another word, they drive to the department store, and walk around the toy section until Frank finds something she might like. A pink light saber, and a princess crown to go with it. 'It looks like this kid is really important to you,' his friend says.

'We're besties.'

'But I thought I was your best friend.'

'Was, past tense.' The short man giggles at his own joke as they head to the register to pay. 'No, I know it's weird cause I hung out with her the other day, and we got along. And Lois seems to like her too.'

'You? Getting along with kids? That's something I can't see. No way.'

Frank frowns. 'Hard to believe, I know.' He pauses. 'Actually, before things ended with my ex, we talked about – you know. Starting a family.'

'And what happened?'

'She cheated on me.'

'Ouch.'

After Frank buys him lunch, Bob takes him to the address that Mikey texted him. 'I think this is it,' Frank says as they park outside a small house in Belleville, not too far from his own childhood home. It's a simple, one-story house, but like his friend said, it's only Gerard and B. And he can't help remembering his childhood, growing up with a single mom, and how close they always were. Maybe that's why he gets along with B so well.

'Call me if you need me,' Bob reminds him before leaving, and Frank heads to the door.

'C'mon, Lois.' He doesn't know why he's so nervous, but he rings the doorbell, hoping that Gerard wasn't mad that he's there. Now he's wondering whether it was a good idea to come without asking him, but it's too late.

The door opens, and suddenly Gerard is there. He's wearing a black dress shirt, and there's no beanie, and –

'Frank?' he asks, bringing him back to the moment. 'What are you doing here? I didn't know you –'

But before he finishes his sentence, B is running at full speed, straight at her guest and hugging him. 'Frank! You came!' the girl screams in excitement. And Frank can't help smiling. 'I thought you forgot!'

'No – of course I didn't.' He turns to Gerard, who's just watching the scene, surprised. 'I just had to work. But I'm here now.'

'B – I didn't know you invited him,' her dad tells her.