Beneath the Ink (COMPLETE)

Apology

FYI, Rhodes curses a lot in his head. Lots of f-bombs lmao

Rhodes Beverley

Her poor, innocent soul. I watched her worry the entire night while working, as much as she meant to me, the man should've had it worse.

Not only did I not believe any man or woman should grope anyone, Cecelia was mine, a man touching her before I got the chance made my blood boil.

But even after I get it, she's mine.

Sometimes I was grateful I couldn't speak right, I'd be confessing all sorts of things that would scare her.

I was sitting at the bar, drinking my soda.

She came in front of me.

"I'm glad you stayed. Here. I'm glad I didn't tell them anything more. I'm glad the man agreed not to because he knew he did wrong. But there was no reason for that. He was drunk." She frowned.

I felt my tongue glide over my teeth, irritated.

I looked at her.

"Can we talk later then? After I'm off? Or tomorrow? Or anytime your willing to be lectured about behavior?" She asked.

"I get off in an hour." She answered my mental question.

I nodded.

"Thank you. Refill?" She asked.

I passed her my cup.

I watched her, curious about how she does her hair.

I wanted to learn to do her hair after and before showers.

Learn how to manage her curls.

She handed me the soda back.

"You should probably drink water after this, it's a lot of sugar." She said.

I nodded, sipping the Pepsi.

She moved to people around me, getting them drinks and situated.

I felt eyes boring into the side of my face.

And not by her.

I kept my head forward, if I didn't acknowledge it, it would go away.

This is why I wear fucking hoodies with hoods.

I began bouncing my knee.

Don't come up, don't come up.

I held my breath when the seat beside me was taken.

"You look familiar." A woman spoke and I exhaled, my stomach tying in knots.

I fucking hate people.

I watched Cecelia.

"Hello? I'm talking to you." She said and I looked at her.

"Your the tattoo artist at the piercing place I go to! Duh, I remember guys like you." She smiled.

'Guys like me', Hm.

"Hey sweetheart what can I get you?" Cecelia smiled at the woman.

"Mmm, a rum and coke, you handsome?" She asked me.

Cecelia froze.

"He doesn't drink. He's with me. But a rum and Coke coming up." She nodded, less, smiley.

I appreciated it.

"You couldn't have said that yourself?" She looked at me, scoffing.

"You sure he's actually with you? Us girls gotta stick together you know?" She looked at Cecelia.