The Mentor

Chapter 32

Kyle and I sat next to each other on the plane, but Scott was in first class of course. We got back to Flint and immediately went to my apartment. We spent the night drinking, listening to music, and having sex. He stayed with me for a few days afterwards until he figured out a living arrangement with his brother, Nathan.

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It had been about three months since the competition ended. Kyle and I both had our 25 grand and did whatever with it. I stayed in Flint for a few weeks but eventually packed up my things, and moved to a condo in Troy to be closer to Scott's studio. Kyle was able to secure a unit in the same building after living with his brother for a couple weeks. We agreed not to live together, but spent time together frequently having sleepovers and going to work together.

I took the job at Great Prince Tattoo as a full time artist, and Scott was in the process of finding a spot for Kyle. Kyle wasn't working in a studio at the time, he used his prize money for necessities for a while. Scott spoke to me after the competition closed and agreed to take me no problem, but we'd have to find a spot for Kyle. Scott didn't say no to the idea, though. There was a girl who was moving to another location and we needed her out of her booth first before Kyle could take over.

I was making pretty decent money to pay my rent and buy more material things to keep myself happy, and more equipment to tattoo. I had amassed a collection of about 10 new machines by the middle of June. Dan Kubin, Workhorse Irons, Abusev, every brand I ever wanted to try.

The relationship between Kyle and I didnt change at all, thankfully. We had our friendship and romantic situationship going on and kept up that mentoring energy when I took the job at Great Prince. My life finally seemed to be at peace, until early July.

It seemed to be just an ordinary day. I came home from work and made something to eat. Kyle came over and we shared dinner and watched a movie.

"I need to shower, is that okay?" He asked, getting up off the couch.

"Yeah sure, go ahead."

He got up and headed toward the stairs.

"That's a bright, shiny penny for my thoughts." I giggled, flirtatiously. 

Kyle suddenly stopped and turned around, coming back down the stairs.

"Jamie...can I ask you something?" He muttered.

A bubble of anxiety lodged itself in my throat, this couldn't be good.

"Yeah...sure what's up?" I asked, scooting to the edge of the couch.

Kyle sat down next to me and placed a hand on my knee.

"It's just..." he sighed.

"What is it?" I asked nervously.

"I...I wasnt entirely honest with you during the competition. My...my ex wife isn't really my ex. I mean—she is, but we never divorced. We separated a few years ago but never officially divorced."

I wasn't shocked. Divorce was expensive.

"Okay what does that have to do with me?"

"Well, over these last few months I've been in contact with her since she heard we did very well in the competition. She tuned in to every episode when the show aired. And I — I realized I really did miss her."

Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Jamie, Jamie hear me out okay?" He pleaded.

"You talked so much shit about her when we were in New York. Why all this now?" I asked.