I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla

Chapter Twenty

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of alcohol and drugs. Mention of past abuse. Nothing graphic just going to a bar. 

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Work is slow for the night due to a cancellation. I am busy restocking the mini fridge with drinks. There is a knock on the door. I turned to see Nat slowly opening it seeing if I was busy. "Hey, there is someone for you." I turn to the clock confused. I get up and follow her out to the front surprised to see who came to see me.

"Mom?" I ask baffled. "What are you doing here," I smile. 

"I was hoping you could give me a tattoo. I know it's getting late and you're off in a little while." 

"No, it's no problem. Come on back." I turn to Nat. "I'll close up; there's no need to wait for me, okay?" She gives me a thumbs-up, and I lead Mom to my room. She looks around at the art before sitting on the chair. "What did you want to get?" I take out my sketchbook. 

"A dove." She smiles.

"Any kind of style?" She ponders for a minute. 

"I haven't really thought about that. I have references if you need them." I nod and she hands me the phone. "I'm hoping to get it on my calf. I heard that hurts less." She fiddled with her hands nervously. It was something we both had in common. I make a simplistic yet elegant design. It took a few minutes. As I sketch out a few ideas she continues. "It's to show peace. A new beginning." 

"I like that." I smile turning the sketchbook over. "Whichever one you like. I can resize it if need be. How big do you think?" She turns and shows me the spot. I set her up and start working she flinches at first. "Try to be still" I comment.

"Sorry just wasn't expecting it." 

"It's fine. What made you get this? I can guess but are there any other reasons." 

"I've always wanted one. I never could because Steve would've had a cow and before that, I was so focused on a career I didn't want to chance anything by having them. I also wanted you to be the one to do it. It feels more special."

"Well, I'm glad you came to me." I smile.

"I'm just glad you were able to get me in." 

"Anything for you mom. We actually were about to close but I thought it being just us would be nice. What are you doing after this?" 

"Home." She  "I would've gotten this sooner in the evening or during the day but you said you had clients booked up." 

"I did but I had a cancelation tonight. I managed to get them rescheduled thankfully. And don't bother paying okay? It's free of charge." 

"You don't have to do that Rory." 

"I want to. It's not like it's going to be a big bill anyway. If Otis has any problems he can take it out of my check but he is a pretty chill boss." I wipe away some residue and continue. "I'm almost done."

"I've been thinking a lot lately. About everything that's happened and what the next steps are." I nod telling her I was listening. "The funeral just plays in my head. I really feel like shit about how it went down. I have been looking around for a different place but I just need your opinion."

"About what exactly."

"If I sell this house and buy a new one will you move in with me? If not I understand but I want to at least try and make up for lost time between us. I just don't want to be in that house anymore."