Life is but a Fiction...

10 - I'm not big enough for you?

Emily came in my room very fucking early. She woke me up.

" Leave me please" I groaned.

"No... I want to know how that date went. Did you guys kiss?"

"Seriously, Em? " I sighed. " We didn't."

"I was sure you would. Damn" She said, disappointed.

"Will you let me sleep now?" I closed my eyes.

"You can, but I think Zacky's awake."

"Is he? Already?" I checked my phone. It was eight. "Fine, I'll go shower".

I got ready, we ate breakfast and then we left after breakfast. We got Zacky's stuff at the motel and we were on our way back to LA. Nothing happened between us, we simply said we would see each other again.

Two weeks passed. I hadn't seen Zacky outside of our classes. I worked most nights and weekends. I got a call yesterday from Kim, the manager from the tattoo shop. She said she had a job opening for me, mostly doing paperwork, cleaning, and helping the artists. This was not an apprentice spot, but it was good enough to get started. I was starting tonight, so I gave my notice at the supermarket.

I was on my break, I was drawing for a few minutes, then I looked at my phone to notice I got four unread texts from Zacky.

"Want to do something with me and my friends tonight?"

"I've got a ticket for Metallica next saturday, wanna come with me and two of my friends?"

"Hey darling, I'm not big enough for you?"

I bursted into laughter when I read that one.

"Sorry, my dumb friend snatched my phone to see if you would react."

I answered.

"Sorry, I'm at work until ten. Won't be able to make it tonight. I accept the invitation for Metallica, thank you for thinking about me. And as for the size, I'm in no position right now to evaluate. Have a good night, Z. "

The next morning, having no class, I was at the gym on campus. I had my headphones on and I jumped as I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. I turned to face Zacky.

"Hey, you're here. You scared me, I wasn't expecting you." I said.

"Hi... I'm sorry about that... and about that text yesterday." He laughed.

"What are you sorry for? It was hilarious." I smiled at him.

"So what are you up to? I haven't seen you in a while."

"I got a new job in a tattoo shop. I'm basically doing everything except the thing I really wanna be doing. BUT, I am in the place. So, that's the first step. I'm planning on leaving my portfolio on the manager's and colleague's desks hoping for someone to take me under their wing." I was excited talking about it. It made Zacky laugh.

"Let's hope that works out for you".

His phone rang. He picked it up.

"Yes. Hey... Right now? I'm at the gym... No, I am not alone" He looked at me, giving me an alluring smile " Shut up, Syn... Yes, okay, I'll come over. Bye." He hung up. " I gotta go. I'll pick you up at six Saturday, is that okay?"

"That's perfect. Can't wait"

He left. I went to work. Kim introduced me to two artists, one of them being Nick, a tall, dark haired, tattooed guy. I could already tell by this first encounter he was a nice person. At our break, we went for a coffee and got to know each other. He told me he had a two years old daughter, and we talked about my career. Nick looked at my portfolio that I had in my bag with me.

"You definitely have a future in tattooing. I just don't know if you'll find what you are looking for here. Kim doesn't really do apprentices, at least for now anyway." He said, flicking through the drawings.

"Then I'll find somewhere else. I'm not one to give up."

"I'll keep my eye open for you in case I hear something. I'll still show you my techniques if you're interested when we'll have the chance, even if you can't perform them after. You'll still learn some stuff, you know."

"Thank you, that means a lot. I've looked at your work this morning. How soon can I make an appointment for myself ? " Nick was doing amazing neo-traditional, colorful pieces. His techniques were impeccable.

He laughed.

"Pretty soon, I guess. We'll talk about that later."

"Good, let's get back to work."

Maybe I wasn't going to be tattooing as soon as I wanted to, but I still had a good feeling about this place.