Page 32 of Meant for You

She grinned back at me. “Hey, Eves.”

Trix had started working there about six months ago. She was sweet and outgoing and had a whole lot of attitude.

We’d met through Cassy during one of our girls’ nights and quickly became friends. She currently lived with Jimmy in a big old RV she’d inherited from her grandfather. It was parked in Quinn’s driveway since no one was there and Quinn had offered her a free place to park.

She was good people, fun, bubbly, with a wicked sense of humor, and drove Cal nuts on a regular basis, but she was a talented artist and he was lucky to have her, and they both knew it.

“So how was it?” I asked. She’d missed coming out with Lila and me to The Mule the other night because she had a hot date.

She pursed her lips. “It was pretty horrific, thanks for asking.”

I winced. “Really? That bad?”

“The guy talked about his ex the whole night…and his mother.”

“Oh, wow.”

She leaned on the counter. “Yeah.”

“Better luck next time?”

“I’m done for a while. These country boys don’t know what to make of me. They see the ink and the hair and the piercings and either think I’m a freak or a plaything. I don’t have the patience to wade through the duds. Whatever, it’s not like I’m looking for anything serious.”

“Me and Cassy are planning another girls’ night next week. Will you come? I’m going to ask Lila, and Quinn was going to try and make it. Should be fun.”

Her eyes brightened and her lips curled up. “You know I’m in.”

“Excellent.”

“So what brings you in? Finally gonna let me pop your tattoo cherry?”

I laughed. She’d been trying to get me in her chair since we met. “That would be a big fat no. I mean, it’s tempting, since I love needles so much, but I’m actually here to see Dane if he’s around?”

Trix knew some of my and Dane’s history. I’d had no choice but to share, since I was at the shop when I found out he was coming home. My reaction to the news had been…strong.

She shook her head. “Lemme ask Cal.” She turned her head. “Yo, Cal!” she yelled over the music. “Cal!”

A few seconds later, a frowning Cal poked his head out from the curtained-off room where he did his tattoos. “Trix, I’m cool if you use your legs, you know, to come and ask me shit instead of blowing out my fucking eardrums.”

Trix smirked.

Cal shook his head and his dark, almost black gaze slid to me. “What’s up, Eves?”

“I’m looking for Dane.”

He scratched his chin. “Angus’s on Bartlet.” Then he ducked back in and was gone.

“Was he speaking another language?” I muttered.

Trix chuckled. “Angus’s is a gym and it’s on Bartlet Street. Two blocks thataway then first on your right.”

“Thanks for translating.” I headed for the door. “I’ll give you a call tomorrow when I know what night we’re getting together.”

She gave me a thumbs-up, and I headed out and back to my truck. I could head home since he was obviously busy, but I wasn’t sure when I’d see him next. I really did have a busy week ahead and I didn’t know what his schedule was like now that he was back. I’d gone a long time without him, and I wasn’t in a hurry to repeat it.

I was sure he wouldn’t mind a small interruption.

I found the place easily, despite its small faded sign, mainly because Dane and Grifter’s bikes were parked out front. I parked beside them and headed inside.