A Story Of Us (INK ME Series) Book One *under editing*

Chapter 8

Ember

The following few weeks everything seemed to go back to normal. Jax and I have been texting back and forth almost every other day. I seem to be semi comfortable around him now, even though we really haven't seen each other after I stayed at his house. He would come into the shop to check on us girls, as he would call it, a couple days a week but it wasn't long. I sometimes feel he's avoiding me, but who am I to make a fuss over someone I just met. I promised myself I wouldn't fall and be stupid.

It's Friday night and after a long ass day at work me and Rose decided to have an alcoholic movie night because why not. We one hundred percent deserve it. After getting into some comfy pajama shorts and a tank top with long knee-high socks I walk downstairs to find Rose setting out snacks, beer and of course wine on the small coffee table in front of the couch. She always hated the way beer smelled let alone taste. "Hey babe I know it was supposed to be a girl's night but Alec is coming over and bringing his boo thang with him." I do a weird little happy dance and run to the kitchen to pop some popcorn for everyone and SOOO patiently wait for them to arrive.

The front door swings open and I turn my head towards Rose telling her to hurry up with the drinks. "Oh, my goodness Em it's not like you didn't see him a week ago!" She's laughing at me as I run to the door yelling. "A WHOLE WEEK ROSE."

Running up to Alec and hugging him he grunts from the force. "Jesus Em it hasn't been that long." I shake my head and mumble, "Hug me back dammit." He laughs while returning the hug and I hear someone clear their throat. Looking up I almost forgot he brought Brett over with him. Oppsiee. He looks at me as he speaks, "I'm sorry that may have been my fault with keeping him away, I seem to not be able to keep my hands to myself half the time." giggling to myself but stop when I notice Alec tense up. "I'm sorry I didn't even see you standing there. It's Ok just tell him to message me more I mean jezz I am his only sister that is the least he could do." Alec groans shaking his head down at me. "You know I'm standing right here Ember." I look at him and smirk, "I know, now come on let's go inside we're watching dead-pool and getting shit faced!" They laugh at me and follow inside.

Throughout the movie I can't help but notice how tense Alec is, you'd think they would be loving the closeness the movie is creating for them. Something seems off with them and I just hope it will work it's self out.

After the movie is over Rose and I are pretty buzzed, nothing too crazy, I like to stay in control of my body fully. Alec stands up and stretches as he puts his hand out for Brett to stand. "Guys I think we're gonna head out it's getting late and I have a date planned for Brett tomorrow." I smile up at him and hug him. "Have fun on your date and remember to text me more mister." He bends down to kiss my forehead and I watch something cross over Brett's face. "Yes ma'am." They left and Rose looks at me, "well that went well, I like this Brett guy for Alec don't you think?" Something in me wants to say no but I can't judge him after only seeing him twice. "Yea he seems nice; I just hope Alec doesn't scare him off." She throws her head back as she laughs, knowing I'm right. "Well, I'm gonna head to bed Em, love you babe." I throw a soft love you too her way.

Walking up to my room I brush my teeth and lay on the bed while playing on my phone a bit. Scrolling through random socials seeing every one's drama they love to post. I honestly don't understand why people use it. I don't remember the last time I even made an actual post. I just love to see the stupid drama without being in it. Deciding it was getting late enough I start to set my phone when it starts ringing. That's odd no one really calls this late. Looking down I realize It's Jax's number and now I'm worried. "Hello?" I wait for a beat before trying again. "Hello. Jax?" The hell maybe his signal is bad. "Can you hea-" What I heard next seems to make time freeze and my heart shatter.

I feel heavy from last night. I shouldn't think too much of it but that seems easier said than done. After slipping into some comfy joggers and my beloved avenge seven-fold cropped thank top, I head down stairs and pour some coffee Rose left on for me into a to-go cup. I can say this is the first time in my career I don't want to walk into that building. My luck I'll have to face him and I don't want to deal with it today. He can go fuck himself at this point. I'm just glad I didn't get in too deep before it came crashing down. Then again, I could be overthinking. Shaking that thought away I head out.

I didn't even realize I've been in my head this whole ride until here I am pulling into the parking lot of what use to be my escape. Dramatic? Probably. Walking in I see Dean leaning over the counter talking to Rose. "Hey Em." Rose is smiling at me I can see Dean has some pull too her. She has become comfortable with him and that makes me happy for her. She has been through so much; she deserves so much in this world.

you do too.

That stupid voice in my head is always trying to get my hopes up. As usual I ignore my thoughts. "Morning Rose, Ima head on back and get an early start setting this up for the day." I can tell by the look in her eyes she wants to ask but I ignore it and head back. I know we will talk later, for now she has Dean's ear she can talk off.

The day goes by as smooth as it can with teenagers walking in here like they can get a quick tattoo without their parents' signature. I did finish my two regulars' pieces today; they seem to be pleased with my work like before and that makes me smile inside. Rose kept her distance besides the normal shop talk throughout the day. She always understands my moods, considering we are more alike than people actually realize. Wrapping up for the night I hear Rose call my name before she walks into the back room. Standing in the door-way she leans her body against it and I wait for her to ask.
"So, Em I know you know I noticed today, do you want to talk about it now or later?" Thinking to myself, would it sound stupid if I tell her what I heard over the phone with Jax? Should I even bring it up, or just forget it all together. Looking at her I take a deep breath and shake my head. "Honestly I think I'm just being stupid Rose." She stares at me for a few beats, she's probably thinking I'm talking about our past, then She finally speaks up. "Try me Em." Taking a deep breath, I let it all out in the open, I mean the last person who would judge me is her. "After everyone went to bed last night, I got a call from Jax." She smiles at me in confusion. "Ok Em, you're going to have to tell me why that would be a bad thing and to have you in a bad mood all day. What did he do?" I grimace "It's not really what he did it's what I heard I guess; I'm probably over thinking everything. I mean we aren't even official I don't think at least."

She seems to think it over, her fingers dancing on her arm. "Ok but you guys have been talking a lot more and getting too know each other so I'm sure it's at least a close relationship for now. That doesn't answer my question though." My shoulders slump as I huff out in frustration. "I think he butt dialed me last night because I um heard someone with him, like with him with him." I see the smile wipe off her face as she stares at me an emotion I can't quite comprehend. Rage, disappointment, maybe sadness?

"Ember did he ever give you the impression that he wanted more than friendship or flirting all that good jazz?" Thinking to myself, I can still feel lingered touches throughout the day. His eyes always finding mine is a game of who will look away first. "A few times yes but I didn't think much of it at first I figured he was being nice, friendly I guess."

"Ok well you know what, we are going out tonight to get a few drinks, not wasted don't worry." Is she crazy after what happened last time? "Rose I don't think that is a good idea, remember last time we went out?" Smiling at me she throws her head back and laughs.

"No Em I'm not letting you out of my sight nor are we going to talk to anyone. It's going to be a chill drinking night we won't even dance."

"Ok why not at least I'll be able to drink the noises away from that god awful bimbo." She smiles at that and laughs again. "That's my girl, now let's go get ready."