Catching the sight of someone’s gaze out of his peripheral vision, Ryker turned to address them. “Hey, will you do me a favor and just take a big step to your right?” His eyes squinted tightly closed. “I lost my sunglasses and the sun is just bright enough to hurt my poor retinas. I also lost a bet to a twelve-year-old on who could look at the sun the longest so if you could refrain from kicking a man while he’s down, that’d be just super.”
“Dude, you never challenge a kid to something like that. They think they’re invincible, you were screwed from the get go,” she laughed all while taking the step to her right, shielding him from the glare of the sun.
“Listen, will you just grab those boxes?” He nodded towards the three laying on the floor. The rest of his apartment had been emptied out besides the boxes he’d recently brought down to his car and the current few scattered on the floor. “Then we can lock this place up and leave.”
“Note to self, if Jonny ever asks you to hang, do not agree. I repeat, do not agree,” she spoke as begrudgingly drug herself over to the boxes. “You know, this kind of labor should be against the law. You should just buy all new things for your apartment. Out with the old, in with the new,” she grinned before stacking up the boxes to carry them out.
“I shouldn’t be surprised to hear that,” he laughed, still very much enjoying the playful banter with her. It was rare that he still got that – a lot of his interactions were nothing but serious thanks to his job, which was why he loved getting to let loose and have fun when he was off work. “The less fortunate? Really? Damn, you just keep hurting me, hitting all my soft spots.” Not that it actually mattered. Jake had grown up with pretty much nothing, sharing one room with three siblings, and going to bed hungry more nights than he could count. What he had now was more than he ever thought he’d have, and that was why he could easily joke about it. Watching her with an amused look on his face as she practically danced on her bar stool, waiting for their shots to get refilled, he then shook his head with a smirk on his lips. “Oh, they’re rather dirty. I can’t share them here, where anyone could hear.” His voice sounded innocent in contrast to what he was insinuating, winking at her. “On the verge of death, really? Well, I’m happy you didn’t die, life would be dull without you.”
“I’m a little offended, it’s like you don’t even know me,” she quipped, pressing a hand to her chest as if she truly were offended. The feigned moment didn’t last long, her hand dropping back to the bar counter as the smirk returned to her lips. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to make up for all my rude remarks,” she chimed without hesitation, not having realized how her words may have been perceived. Like him, she hadn’t grown up with all that much, and had even less since returning from New York. Everything she did make went right to her apartment or to materials for her art ( with the added nights of drinking ). That particular extra came in the form of day drinking, which also happened to be a favorite of hers. She’d already had enough to feel the warmth in her stomach, the airiness that came with being on the verge of being tipsy. But that also meant that she hadn’t quite had nearly enough. “No, no; we certainly wouldn’t want others to overhear how truly dirty you can be. We’ll have to save those for later,” she smirked before picking up one of the shots, holding it up to cheers. “Jakey Fairchild, you’re making me feel all warm and fuzzy.”
“Or a cheesy ass tribal tattoo.” Riley is quick to correct with a shrug and a chuckle. As much as she loves her job, every once in awhile a cliche walks through her door that she begrudgingly accommodates. “Your Ri Ri is still here, but I’m also a woman who like wine and the Bachelor. Some would call that being cultured.” The smile on her face somewhat drops at the mention of dressing up. Well…until Parker clarified what her idea of fancy entailed. “Unless we’re going full 80′s prom with big hair, glitter and sequins, then I want no part of this.”
“It is not!” She exclaimed before easily erupting into a fit of laughter, falling back in the chair she sat on. “When’s the appointment? I have to see the guy that gets that tattooed,” she grinned widely as she started to wonder which Hollister he walked out of. “Cultured,” she feigned a look of distaste, shaking her head to dispel it. “I think I’m going to have to re-evaluate this friendship.” Then again, Parker wasn’t any better with the shows that she liked to watch. “Is there any other way to go full out prom? I’ll even get you a big ass corsage for the night.”
“How hungover are you, Parker?” Scarlett teased her fellow bartender as she wiped down the dirty bar top with a slight tilt of her head. “If you’re really hungover, i’m upset you didn’t invite me to the party. I’m usually the life of the party, so with me not there, I bet it was fucking boring.”
“I think the most hungover I’ve ever been in my entire life,” which was likely an exaggeration, but it sounded right in the moment. Fingers trailed through her hair, before her hands were falling back onto the table. “Why do you think I was drinking so much? It might as well have been a church outing without you there.”
“I’m sorry to hear you’re not feeling the greatest.” Logan commented before taking a sip of his beer. “Are you sure you want to say bye to this world with your head exploding? I don’t feel like thats the best way to go. It could be better.” He said, trying to best to joke around.
“There’s a better way to die than with a head explosion?” She questioned with an easy laugh, though it ended with a small groan. “I don’t think my head sees it that way, but you may be right. I’ll have to give it more thought once the pounding goes away.”
“Uh huh…I just find that extremely hard to believe.” He had forgotten about the coffee he had with him. It was probably cold by now. And, when he went to bring the cup to his mouth, he was met with exactly that. Cold coffee. “Yeah, I’d like a fair warning, but I guarantee that wouldn’t be the worst thing I’ve seen happen. I’m actually kinda curious to see how this plays out. When do you expect this to happen?”
“Honestly, I’m probably the least exaggerating person that you’ll ever meet,” which was probably an exaggeration of its own, but Parker hardly paid any mind. Tilting her head, she considered his words, “I’m very tempted to ask what the worst thing you’ve ever seen is, but I’m also incredibly terrified of what that would be.” She paused for a moment, only waiting a brief moment before she switched gears, “Should we come up with some kind of safe word for you? Something short and sweet to give you enough warning. Cause I’m pretty sure ‘hey, my head is about to explode’ might be a little long. Well, given the amount of alcohol, the lack of water and sleep, I’d say anywhere between thirteen to twenty-four minutes.”
“I swear on Inked that I would never lie to you. How about that?” It probably would’ve been better to swear on a friendship to make it actually feel like one, but he, of course, didn’t want to do that. “That literally makes my skin crawl. Kind words? Your heart has been touched? Just get me in the jugular, why don’t you? That’d be less painful.” A snort came from him at her explanation. “Big Friendly Giant? Really? Friendly? Please come up with something that doesn’t involve my size. That would be great.”
“Hm...fine, I suppose that’ll work,” she gave a thoughtful look before bursting into a wide grin. Despite the emphasis Parker put on it all, she’d never actually hold it against him. The laugh that bubbled from her was genuine, released all too soon after she’d heard his words. “The kindest words I’ve ever heard. Who knew you could be so sweet. I think I’ll remember them for the rest of my life,” she beamed up at him, intending to never let him forget this moment. “The friendliest, actually. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone friendlier than you. You got it! I’ll take this back to the lab, and whip up something special just for you.”
“No…I am not lying about lying right now. Because I wouldn’t lie to you. Stop putting me on the spot like this.” He shook his head as she leaned forward. Oh, he should’ve known this was where this was going to go. He should’ve never said what he said. She would hold it over his head, he knew she would. “If I was trying to say that, I am no longer saying it at all.” He leaned forward slightly, eyebrow raised. “What exactly does BFG stand for? I swear you’re always coming up with something new to call me regarding my size.”
“Wouldn’t lie to me? Ever, swear on our friendship?” It was so easy to tease him, almost making a game out of it whenever she saw him. But it was all in good fun, as most everything was when it came to Parker. “Oh, no. No, no, no; you can’t take it back now. It’s out in the open, my heart has already been touched by your kind words.” She released a light laugh, lifting her brows as he did his, “Big Friendly Giant, of course. Aw, do you want a nickname not involving your size?”
Thankfully Riley wasn’t working on a client when Parker comes bursting through the shop with her usual upbeat demeanor. Looking up from the sketch she’d been working on, she can’t help but take a cautious gaze as if she expects her co-workers to chime in and berate them for being anything but broody. “Well, considering you found me at the tattoo shop…” Riley teasingly replies with a light laugh, sliding the half finished black and white sketch in the brunette’s directions. “I planned on catching up on the latest season of the bachelor and curling up with my dogs, but your offer sounds a lot more enticing. Guess I’m all yours then. Now it’s my turn to rattle off some questions. What time and do I need to dress up all fancy schmancy?”
Snagging a chair from a nearby desk, she fell onto it before sliding up closer to peer once again on what Riley was working on. “Then you must be working on a replica of the Mona Lisa,” she announced, nodding her head as if she were expecting the likeness it had to the original. Shifting her gaze from the sketch to the other woman, she wrinkled her nose, “The Bachelor? Who are you and what have you done with Riley? It sure does,” she spoke before leaning back on the stool, brows lifted as she listened to the questions. “Doors open at eight, and we’ve got a specific attire for the night. We’re going to dress up like we’re back in high school and tonight is prom night.”
( sent to mama bear ): if the rugrats seem a little more hyper than usual, don’t blame me( sent to mama bear ): i definitely didn’t take them out to get ice cream( sent to mama bear ): they’re liars!! don’t believe whatever lies they tell you( sent to mama bear ): ok fine, twist my arm. i took them out for ice cream, but it was only one scoop each!!( sent to mama bear ): ok that was a lie too but they’re very persuasive!!
What was my muses 5 last unsent texts to yours?
( unsent to mama bear ): i don’t know what’s going on with you and kace, but i’m here if you need to talk( unsent to mama bear ): how do i even start this? i’m sorry for whatever is happening?( unsent to mama bear ): should i just keep quiet, wait for whatever it is to come to light?( unsent to mama bear ): i may be his cousin, but we’re family too( unsent to mama bear ): i wish i knew what was going on :(
What was my muses last snapchat to yours?
( snapchat sent )
What my muse saved your number as?
Mama bear
What contact photo my muse has set for yours?
( contact photo )
How many times my muse has called your this week?
Five times.
How many calls has my muse missed from yours?
Two times.
Perseus
What was my muse’s 5 last sent texts to yours?
( sent to BFG ): are you going to the par-tay tonight??( sent to BFG ): please say you’re coming!!( sent to BFG ): i promise that if i start drinking tequila, i won’t make you hold my shoes. or hold my hair back( sent to BFG ): correction, i can only promise that one of those won’t be happening( sent to BFG ): but i won’t be telling you which one :))
What was my muses 5 last unsent texts to yours?
( unsent to BFG ): so i really don’t want to bother you, but i could really use your help( unsent to BFG ): i know it’s 3 in the morning( unsent to BFG ): if i call you right now, will you be mad?( unsent to BFG ): can you come get me??( unsent to BFG ): i’m gonna call a cab
What was my muses last snapchat to yours?
( snapchat sent )
What my muse saved your number as?
BFG ( changes often )
What contact photo my muse has set for yours?
( contact photo )
What ringtone my muse has set for yours?
( ringtone )
How many times my muse has called yours this week?
