Page 44 of Sugar & Ink

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The club parties were good. They had beer, music, pool tables, and bonfires. Nobody gave a shit if you danced or sat in the corner all night.

I liked the guys, and I normally liked the women.

But now Josie…

I stared at the phone, then immediately shook my head. Bad idea.

Way too soon.

I typed anyway. Can I bring someone?

Three dots appeared instantly. Then disappeared. Then appeared again. What the fuck?

I smirked. That a yes?

Who are you and what have you done with Rome? You never bring people.

Fair enough.I normally didn’t.

I leaned against the counter and looked at the stained-glass window by the staircase, which threw patches of blue and red across the hardwood floor.

I looked at the phone again.

I typed. Can I or not?

The reply came. Yeah. Then another. I know her?

I barked out a laugh. Mind your business.

Holy shit. Chick must be legit. Another text. I’m telling everyone.

Do that and I’ll tattoo a dick on your forehead while you sleep.

Worth it. He replied.

I shook my head and tossed the phone onto the table.

Idiots, every last one of them.

Josie at the clubhouse. I pictured it and I had to admit I liked it. The guys would like her instantly because everyone liked Josie.

I stared at my phone. This was ridiculous.

I was twenty-nine and somehow asking a woman to a party felt more intimidating than opening a tattoo shop at twenty-one.

Pathetic.

I picked up the phone, opened my messages, and scrolled to Josie.

Stared.

Typed.

Deleted.

Typed again.

Want to go to a club party Saturday?

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