Author's Note: To the guest that left a review thank you. I can see Spinelli being a great tattoo artist. It's also an environment where I feel she could thrive and be herself. Hope you and everyone reading this are still enjoying the story.
"What is your address?" he asked. I give him my address watching him key it in his google maps. "You live really close to your shop."
"Yeah, it helps me to save money. Everything I need is within walking distance. No need for a car."
"Do you know how to drive?"
"Of course I do, Jesus. I just prefer to not have to pay for a car right now on top of insurance and god knows what else." TJ focuses on the road and I can tell the wheels in his head are spinning. I cross my legs trying to calm down.
"Thanks for letting me take you home. So um" he laughs. "I don't know what to say. This is really weird."
"Tell me about it" I agreed. "You don't have force conversation."
"I know but I have been thinking about this for a while."
"What's a while?" I ask freaked out by this.
"Only the past year. It helped that you and Gretchen are still close and she is dating Chad. If not for that I don't think I would have been able to get you to agree to see me outside of your job." He is very right about that. I want to change the subject.
"Tell me a bit about your job. I never pictured you to work with kids." TJ starts grinning.
"Actually I created a play center for kids and a lounge for teens. Can't have the teens mixing in with the younger kids. I want kids and teens to have somewhere to go when they want to have fun or go an adventure. If we had such a center when we were kids I would probably be there every day." I am impressed with what he said.
"How did you even get this business started?"
"I didn't start it. I was working for the center and brought my ideas to the table. They wouldn't listen to me at first but decided they had nothing to lose. They needed fresh ideas to bring in new clients."
"I can see that. You sound like you love with you do."
"I do! I even play with the kids sometimes. It's the best job in the world. Plus, it keeps me fit." TJ winked at me. I laugh on the inside. God he can be so corny. "So how is the love life?"
"That is none of your damn business" I snapped. "How is your tattoo healing up?" TJ glanced at me for a quick moment. I could see he was taken by surprise like I care right now.
"Um it's doing great. When can I come in for my next appointment?"
"Depends on how healed you are" I replied crossing my arms. "I can take a look at it if you want."
"Yeah, can you? When you get a chance I mean."
"Sure we can do that when we get to my place." I have dated but nothing serious. No I am not a virgin either. I lost my v card to Conrad Mundy my 11th grade year. We were dating for at least a year. Needless to say once we did it things went downhill after that. Then during my small stint at college I hooked up with some guy name Tyler. I was trying out these so called hooked ups people talked about. I was not feeling the whole thing. TJ pulls up in front of my building.
"Where should I park?"
"What do you mean where should you park?"
"You said you were going to check out my tattoo. I doubt you can look at it out here since it is dark." He is not fooling anyone one bit.
"The parking garage is on the backside but I don't have a pass since I do not have a car. You may want to find a parking space along the street." He wanted me to view this tattoo as an excuse to be around me more, that is all good and fine. I am going to make him work for it though. TJ started hunting for a parking space while I spaced out thinking if my apartment was clean or not.
TJ finally finds a parking space a block from my apartment building. We get out and start walking. I am kind of nervous. I barely let people in my apartment. The only person who has been in there besides my parents is Gretchen. Yes my list of friends is pretty much nonexistence and it doesn't bother me one bit. Finding loyal friends now days is rare. God forbid I get a friend with a secret hidden agenda.
"You're so quite" stated TJ.
"Yeah, I don't have much to say right now." TJ nodded. I got to my building. I lead TJ up the stairs to my apartment. I open the door flicking on the lights. I can see him looking around. I sit down my borrowed purse and turn to him. "Pull up your pants leg." He follows my instructions. His tattoo is healing well. "Once it is done pealing you can come see me. I estimate about 2 weeks."
"Tender" said TJ. I chuckled. I can't believe he still says that. "Don't be afraid to use my number Spinelli."
"I am not afraid of a damn thing" I snap. "I will text you when I feel like it."
"Alright, no need to be all hostel."
"You know this is not me being hostel but if you keep pushing me I will get there." TJ shook his head.
"You have not changed at all."
"Whatever, get out so I can go to bed."
"It's too early for bed. Is this what you do on Saturday nights?"
"I do whatever I feel like doing."
"You got any liquor?"
"I do" I replied. "What are you getting at?"
"I want to drink some more but I have a drinking game in mind" he grins. TJ is known for coming up with the best games. Rather on the playground or drinking. He went to a lot of parties in high school. I went to a few but stopped once I didn't want to be around him witness him play the field. I am letting curiosity get the best of me.
"What do you have in mind?" I ask.
