Let's Make a Deal

Chapter 19

Ash's POV

I was putting my tools away for the night when my dad came up to me.

"So what was the deal with that girl you had in here?" He asked behind me while filing some papers.

I tried not to freeze up and answered confidently. "She's just some girl. I don't know what you're talking about."

He nodded. "I better not see her around here again. You know what'll happen if I do." He walked out and I was left alone.

Once I heard him leave the shop, I sat down and thought about everything. Luxe, my dad, the scares he gave me, and my mom, wherever she is.

People always say that it'll get easier. That my dad only hurts me when he's angry. But that seems to happen more often than it did when mom was around. I haven't been allowed to have many friends over the shop, or even my house because my dad doesn't want them to find out about what's going on. How he gets drunk everyday and beats me when I come home at night. Honestly, I didn't want them to know either. Telling someone would only make it worse.

But tonight, I see something else. I don't see some little boy who is terrified of his father. I see a man who has finally found someone to connect with. Luxe is someone who won't hurt me the ways I've been hurt.

I remember kissing her gently like I might just break her. She seemed so fragile, but I know she's not. I just hope that she'll stick around when I reveal my life to her.

And that she doesn't run away like every other friend I've tried to lean on.

Luxe's POV

Nova and I walk home, giggling while I tell her about my tattoo experience.

"... it hurt so badly but he really helped my through it. He was singing in my ear, keeping me calm." I blushed a deep red but it was too dark to see it outside.

Nova scoffed, tucking her reddish blonde hair behind her ear. "I could have been that person. But no, I was told to stay in the lobby."

"Really? You could have kissed me too?" I asked.

Nova gasped and practically jumped onto me.

"HE DID WHAT?!"

I laughed. "After he finished the tattoo, he cleaned it, and kissed me from my collarbone and up my neck. Then we actually kissed for a while until we heard someone coming down the hall. Turns out it was his dad. That would have been awkward."

Nova nodded. "Funny. My first kiss is cliche and adorable while yours is hot and steamy. But both were interrupted."

"Who interrupted yours? My parents were inside." I led Nova up the drive way to my house.

"You! How could you forget?" Nova shouted and we both laughed.

"Oh, please. You two would have been out there for hours and I needed some peace. I could hear you from my bedroom. So your welcome." I opened the front door and made sure my sweatshirt was covering everything.

When we walked inside, the first one to approach us was Adam.

"Where have you guys been? The library closed an hour ago." Adam said, mostly directing it at Nova. Not surprised.

"We walked, remember? It takes time." I rolled my eyes and took my shoes off. I had to make sure I answered before Nova because she sucks at lying. Little innocent child.

"I would have picked you guys up. And don't be so defensive with me, young lady. I was just looking out for my beautiful girlfriend. Is there anything wrong with that?" Adam said as he wrapped his arms around Nova from behind and she giggled.

"Yes, there is something wrong with that. What's wrong is that you're dating my best friend and you guys are five years apart. You never seem to care where I am unless I'm with her. And don't call me 'young lady'." I pulled Nova from Adam's grasp and took her upstairs to my room. "It's my turn with you. He has his date with you tomorrow. I need your help applying the soothing tattoo medication."

Nova just nodded and came over. I handed her the bottle and she applied it carefully.

I almost didn't want her to touch it after Ash kissed me there.

"When you go on your date with Adam tomorrow, please be careful and don't tell him about the tattoo. He'll be going back to school on Sunday night, so you just have to make it through tomorrow. Okay?" I instructed as Nova closed the bottle and put it away.

"I won't. I'll be right back, I'm going to say goodnight to Adam." She smiled and headed out.

"I better not find you sleeping together!" I whispered and Nova laughed. My parents still have no idea about their relationship. It's surprising because they are always sticking their noses in my brother's business.

I laid in my bed and thought about Ash, wondering what he was doing. What will Monday be like between us?