Run-In

I hate seeing those sad eyes and knowing I’m the one that made them that way. We’ve talked about my limited options and knocked around ideas. She’s sparked something this morning.

I’m feeling a bit optimistic after our talk. One of my biggest draws to being a barber was the art. On the inside, I got into tattooing a little bit, after some of the guys saw some of my artwork.

With a new idea in my head, I decided to come see an old friend to ask some questions. After all, I’m not as ashamed to come around these parts. I’ve put on plenty of weight while staying with Allison.

I started getting in little workouts for strength and to curb the calories I’ve been intaking while she feeds me constantly. I don’t know if it’s from her being a doctor or what, but Allison has this nurturing quality about her. I’m trying not to get so used to it.

She makes it her business to care for me. Like today, she insisted on giving me a ride here. I told her I could manage, but she wanted to drop me off and said she’d pick me up in an hour.

“What’s on your mind, bro?” Drex asks.

Drex owns a tattoo parlor in Queens, right on the edge of Long Island. We met a long time ago when I was young and hardheaded. There are a lot of people in my past that I’ve chosen to leave there.

Looking around this place, I wonder if I should reconsider that and call in a few favors. I shake that thought off. That’s not what I came here for. Besides, it’s been way too long. I know nothing of that world anymore.

“I was thinking about getting into the ink business. It’s not like the barbershop. I can get the license with my record. I don’t know…I thought I’d come run the idea by you and get some feedback,” I reply.

“Dude, I’ve told you for years I think you would be an amazing artist,” he says.

“Yeah, but I never thought about putting down my clippers back then. Never had a reason to.”

“Yeah, that shit was fucked up. Carter should have manned up.”

“I did some work while doing my time. I think I’m ready to pursue this,” I say rolling right over his words.

He nods as his eyes narrow in on me. I don’t give a fuck about Carter and I don’t want to talk about him. I want to get my life back in order. I want to be able to repay Allison for all she’s done.

“Actually, getting licensed in NYC versus out on the Island is a big difference,” Drex says thoughtfully and sits back. “If you plan to tat in the city you can get licensed online for around a buck thirty.

“Now, if you’re looking to do it in LI, you’re going to need an apprenticeship. You need a thousand hours under an approved artist. It costs around a buck to apply for the license in LI. Either way, I’ve got you if you want this.”

My shoulders sag. I didn’t think about where I want to do this. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. My wheels start to turn.

I have so much to figure out. I’ll need the money for the license either way. That’s something else I need to consider. If I wash dishes somewhere for a bit, I can get that money up.

“Bro, if the money is an issue, I’ll put it up for you. Listen, I’m expanding again. Czar wants to invest in a new shop in your old stomping grounds. I could use a guy like you to manage the place. We’ll get you those hours,” Drex offers.

Czar.

Yeah, Drex is still deep into that world. I don’t know if I should go knocking on those doors again. I pull a hand down my beard.

“I see that look. You’re wrong, bro. Everything has changed,” Drex says to my silence.

“Can I think about that? I might take you up on the offer to mentor me though,” I reply.

“Sure, I’ll give you the site to get more information, but I hope you do think about it. Dude, the big boss likes you. You’re one of few that has always known who he is,” he says.

I narrow my eyes at him, but I don’t pry further. I’m not ready to open that bag. Carter’s dad introduced me to a shadowed world that blew my mind when I was younger.

“Like I said. Things changed.”

“I hear you. Look, I’m going to head out. My ride should be back,” I say.

“You have a number I can reach you at?”

“Nah, not yet. You can give me yours,” I say.

He nods and stands to jot his number down for me on a piece of paper. My mind is racing with a million thoughts. I have so much to figure out.

“I’ll walk you out,” he says, as he hands me the paper. “I need a smoke anyway.”

We head out front, joking around about old times. I don’t see Allison’s car as I scan the street. I lean back and settle in to wait.

“Aw, fuck,” Drex groans at my side.

I turn to him in confusion. When I follow his glare, my face morphs into a scowl of rage. Carter is sauntering his ass across the street with a smile.

“Bro,” he croons as if nothing ever happened.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” I mutter.

“Ro, come on, man. Why do you look like you don’t want to see me?” He says and tilts his head to the side.

I’m vibrating with so much fury, I can’t speak. I want to break his neck. My jaw works as my mouth waters with the taste of the ass whipping Carter is begging me for.

“Walk away, Carter,” Drex says.

“Oh, come on. I’m hurt you weren’t the one to call me and tell me that my big bro was out here paying you a visit,” Carter says.

“Maybe that’s because I don’t fuck with you,” Drex spits back.

“Aw, come on,” Carter grins.

“This is all just a game to you,” I seethe.

It’s not a question. It’s the truth. I’m just seeing it once and for all for what it is.

“Look, I feel bad for how things went down. I didn’t think they’d give you time for it, bro. You were squeaky clean. You know all of dad’s connects. I thought you’d call for help,” Carter says.

“You’re an idiot. You don’t just call for favors from your father’s friends, you dumb fuck. Where’s my money? How the fuck did you lose my house?” I snarl.

“A couple of jobs went bad and I needed the money. That shit is gone.” He shrugs as if it’s no big deal.

It’s enough to make me snap. I charge him, raining blows down on him. I punch him in the face so hard his head rocks back. I’m not satisfied with the connection, as Carter stumbles dazed from the attack.

I break his body down before tossing an uppercut to his chin. He hits the floor like the piece of shit he is. I glare down at him with a sneer.

“You took my life away with your carelessness. You knew that shit was in the car and you said nothing. You let me take the fall and bled my fucking life dry,” I bellow, as my chest heaves.

“I thought I could fix it. It all just got out of control,” he gasps back. “I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not. You’re a spoiled asshole. Stay away from me. I swear you better stay away from me.”

“So you’re going to abandon me now?” He tosses at me.

I look at his battered face in disgust. Not able to process his words. I grab him by his collar and drag him to his feet. We’re face to face, nose to nose as I look him in his eyes. I want to make myself clear.

“You abandoned me. You left me for dead. Yet, here you stand, accusing me of abandoning you. Carter, you always seem to slip your way out of trouble. I won’t be there to take the fall for you next time.

“Keep away from me. I’ve already lost everything. I don’t think I’ll hold back from killing you next time. I’m barely there now,” I say through my teeth.

“Roark?” Allison’s voice grabs ahold of me.

My eyes close as I continue to vibrate with anger. I shove Carter away from me. Opening my eyes to glare at him.

His eyes are focused behind me. That arrogant smile comes to his lips. I’m ready to knock it off even before he speaks.

“So you finally went after her,” he snorts. “Doesn’t she know you’re broke as fuck?”

I don’t think about it. Allison screams my name, as I haul back and rock his ass to sleep. I turn, grabbing her arm to lead her back to her car.

He’s dead to me.

When I pulled up, the tatted white guy with the dreads—that Roark hugged when I dropped him off—was standing there with his arms folded, watching while shaking his head. He didn’t move to stop what was going on. I jumped out of the car not knowing what to do.

“That was my step-brother,” Roark says, pulling my attention from my thoughts. “I spent five years in jail because of him. I didn’t think assault would be such a big deal, a slap on the wrist. Any good lawyer would get me out of it,” he scoffs.

His eyes lift to search mine. I remain quiet to listen to his words. His gaze fills with pain and falls away again.

“Boy, was I wrong. He had drugs and a gun in the car. I was lucky to only get five years. I was thirty-one. Had my shit in order and I threw that all away to help him stay out of trouble.

“When I got out. Everything was gone. My house, my cars, my money. He cleaned me out. I was doing time for him and he was on the outside doing the same shit that got me locked up while he ruined what was left of my life,” he says, with a bitter face.

His words continue to flow with so much hurt. I want to wrap my arms around him and hold him.

“You asked one time, what happened to me? That’s what happened to me. I treated him like my little brother. I always had his back. When our parents split, I still checked on him and made sure he knew he still had a big brother.

“His dad was never the…coddling type. He gave tough love. I understood that but Carter was different. He needed to know someone cared. Turns out I cared too much,” he says, his eyes fixed on his hands.

“I think what you tried to do for him was noble. It was a big lesson for you but your heart was in the right place,” I say.

“I should have been franchising out my shops by now, in a big house with a wife and kids. Not homeless and hopeless,” he says, lifting his eyes to mine.

“We can say where we think we should be. Then life challenges that dream. You can still have all of that. It’s just going to be on a different timeline than you thought,” I say softly.

“Do you honestly believe that?”

“Yes, Roark, I do. You can make this happen. That’s a hell of a lot to go through. And look, you’re still standing,” I reply.

His blue eyes stare into mine for so long I hold my breath. I want to deny the chemistry I feel between us. Roark has so much going on. He doesn’t need to add me to all of that.

“Thanks, Allison. Thanks for all of this,” he says and tugs me into a hug.

His big arms engulf me, leaving me breathless. His embrace is warm and strong. He holds on like I might run away if he lets go.

Damn. I’m jealous of that wife.