The rest of the week I was slammed with finals and work. I knew Mack wouldn't have minded if I took time off to study and focus on school, but I needed the distraction that work provided. It kept me busy and because of my hectic schedule, I had completely forgotten about having a belated birthday lunch with Mack as I lay curled up watching Girl Fight for the one-hundredth time.
It was my favorite film and Michelle Rodriguez is a badass. I mean, not only is she kick-ass at boxing, but she is strong, independent, and doesn't back down from a challenge. She fights for what she wants and it doesn't hurt that there is a little romance. Who doesn't love a movie like that?
The movie was just getting to my favorite part when my phone rang. I scrambled to pause my movie, then snatched my phone off the table.
Mack was calling.
"Hey, big daddy," I answered.
"You busy?" He asked.
"Nah. You know me, Sunday is my lazy day."
"Good. Get your lazy ass off the couch, turn off Girl Fight, and get your tiny ass ready. I'll be there in an hour to pick you up." The man knew me all too well.
I let out a sigh. "But it's just getting good."
"You already know what's happening. You've watched it more than enough times."
"Why will you be here in an hour?"
"To take you on your belated birthday lunch."
"But it's almost six," I pointed out.
"Lunch, dinner, whatever. I know you're hungry. Get your ass in gear." He ended the call, and I sat there staring at the screen. I knew he would be here to drag me out of the house whether I was ready or not. I gave one longing look at the TV, then scrambled off the couch and down the hall to my bedroom.
Just as I was strapping on a pair of black wedge heels, there was a booming knock at the door. Rolling my eyes, I pushed to my feet.
"It hasn't even been an hour," I noted as I pulled the door open.
Instead of Mack, It surprised me to find Jensen supporting a completely drunk Derek standing in front of me. Freya stood just behind them, hovering like she might stop Derek from crashing to the ground if Jensen lost his hold.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" I said, crossing my arms.
"Just move, pet," Jensen grunted, stumbling forward.
Pushing the door open wide, I stepped out of the way. If Goliath fell on me, he would crush me like a pancake. Jensen hauled Derek to my huge couch and dropped him onto it.
"Care to explain?" I looked to Freya this time.
"I'm not really sure, to be honest. Jensen and I were hanging around the apartment like normal when we received a call from Tyler. He asked if we could come to get Derek from some bar downtown. He's been mumbling about his mom since we picked him up." Poor Freya looked out of sorts as she fussed over Derek. She pulled his boots off so Jensen could heft his feet onto the couch.
Jensen stood, stretching his back before turning to eye me.
"You got a hot date, pet?" Jensen asked, looking me over.
"Hilarious," I snorted. I couldn't remember the last time I had gone on a date. "Mack will be here soon. He's taking me out for a belated birthday dinner. This past week has been crazy, so we're just now getting free time." I wasn't sure why I felt the need to explain.
"You look beautiful," Freya commented, and I shot her a wink.
"Thanks, babe. Let's hope Mack doesn't take me to Jimmy's or I'd have dressed up for nothing." I laughed, but I knew better. My birthday may not be something I ever celebrate, but Mack took me out every year around this time. Until this year he never mentioned my birthday.
Before Freya could say anything there was a knock at the door. Jensen, the closest to the door, pulled it open to reveal Mack on the other side.
"Well hello everyone," Mack greeted us, stepping inside.
"Hey Mack," Freya waved. Jensen nodded in greeting before turning to look back at Derek.
"He'll be fine," I assured him. "I'll leave him everything he'll need on the table. Though someone might have to save him if he pukes on my couch."
"All right, pet," Jensen nodded, stepping towards the door.
"You two have fun," Freya smiled, following her boyfriend out.
When the door shut behind them, Mack nodded towards the passed out giant on my couch.
"What happened to him?"
"From the smell of him, I would say he got in a fight with whiskey and the whiskey won." Gathering a few supplies - water, pain reliever, and a puke bucket for Derek just in case he woke up before I returned. He rarely got this trashed, so I was curious to know what had happened to cause such a reaction. Thank God the shop was closed on Monday's or he would be completely useless tomorrow.
After another minute of fussing, I decided that he would make it until Mack brought me home.
"All right," I sighed, turning towards Mack. "I'm ready."
YOU ARE READING
The Ink That Haunts Us
Romance*Book 2 of the Colorado Ink series* ✅ COMPLETED Try as they might, one can never really hide from their past. One way or another it will catch up to you. Three years ago, Saw took back her life and ran from the horrors of her past. For three years...
