The Bad Boy Is A Loser

9. || wish we could turn back time

     The walk to the tattoo parlor was short, filled with awkward conversations and squeaking of the wheels on Nathaniel's grocery cart.

     The raw, bloody scrape on Carter's cheek burned cherry red. His clammy palms burned as well, like blazing carpet burns.

     "Your face is bleeding," Nathaniel noted from the silence. "You should get it cleaned up when we get there."

     "I will."

     The shop was seconds away. Hot wind blew the black, fabricated sign vigorously as they approached the door.

     Breathing in deeply and bracing himself for the negative reactions, Carter reached for the metal handle.

     Unexpectedly, the loud bell above it jingled and the glass door came slamming into his nose.

     A groan of pain erupted from his throat as he staggered back and his face scrunched in frustration.

    "Carter!" A gasp from a familiar voice boomed against his ears. "God, I'm so sorry!"

    Opening his eyes, Carter's sight landed on Troy's ink stained hands, pulling at his arms.

     "Are you okay, man?" His friend asked in concern. "I didn't see you there."

     "I could be a lot better!" Carter groaned, trying his best to ignore the pulsing sensation that beat against bridge of his nose.

     He pulled away from Troy's grasp and revealed his battered face, causing another gasp to escape the opposing man's mouth.

     "Holy shit, what happened to you?!"

     A frustrated huff – which sounded more like a growl – came from Carter.

     "I maced a guy who had a gun and he beat the shit out of me! Don't ask anymore questions. I was trying to help Jerome's little sister get out of a tight situation."

     "Jerome's little sister?" Troy repeated, "What are you doing with his sister?"

     "I said no more questions!" Carter barked. "Can we please come inside?!"

     Troy glanced over to Nathaniel briefly, skepticism flashing across his ivory face.

     "Who's this?" He asked in an uninviting tone of voice.

      "I'm Rick's friend," Nathaniel introduced himself with a small wave. "If I park my cart here, you promise it won't get stolen?"

Troy furrowed his brows as he observed the rusty cart.

Carter knew he and Troy were thinking the same thing.

Who would want to steal that shit?

"Yeah, man, don't worry about it," Troy shook his hand dismissively and backed into the entry door. He held it open and motioned his hand inside for the two to enter.

     Carter trudged in and Nathaniel followed. The golden bell above the door jingled one last time when Troy entered, shutting the door behind them.