Page 20 of Midnight Ink

Jamie nods, putting his shirt back down. “Noah’s looking for any excuse to rub me down with lotion.”

“As if he needs an excuse.”

“When are you guys getting married?” Julian asks.

A couple of months ago my friend proposed to Noah. He texted me after he said yes, and I’m really happy for them.

“We’re thinking October next year. Noah loves fall and I could marry him tomorrow in our sweatpants, so it’s all up to him. I want to give him the day he deserves. You’re both obviously invited. Anna too. Once we get everything started, I’ll send invitations.”

“That’s amazing.” Julian smiles, and his warm eyes flick to me then back to Jamie.

“I think that’s it for today.” Jamie looks at the outline on the wall. “I’ll be by before the tattoo appointment to get started. Probably next week. My back’s just⁠—”

“No, hey. No rush. I appreciate this.” I smile. “It’s going to be amazing. Whenever Noah gets time.”

Jamie’s quiet for a moment. “I’ve started driving again.” He swallows a little. “It’s weird. I feel like I’m learning all over again.”

My eyes widen. “Wow, that’s huge.”

Since the accident, Jamie hasn’t been able to drive. For years he couldn’t even get into a car without having a panic attack. He’s done so much work on himself. I’m so proud of him.

“I mean, I can’t drive this distance by myself, but with Noah now I try a little of the way.” A soft smile hits his lips.

“I love this for you.” I pat his arm. “He’d be proud.”

Jamie swallows thickly looking up at the outline. “Painting him is going to feel weird.” I watch Jamie’s throat work as he looks at the sketch of Maddox on the wall. Angel wings are drawn at his sides in so much detail. It’s only an outline but it already looks amazing. Jamie’s always had an eye for detail. “You probably want to get home anyway.”

“Oh, I have some sketches I have to do and a tattoo this afternoon.”

“Tattoos? When are your days off?”

“He doesn’t have any.” Julian coughs subtly. I glare at him.

“Are you serious?” Jamie asks. “You’re going to burn yourself out.” He looks to Julian. “Tell him to take a day off.”

“I try, man.” Julian throws his hands up. “You already know my suggestion.”

Jamie turns to me. “What is he talking about?”

I glare at them both.

“I think we need to hire more artists,” Julian answers for me. “Our waitlist is insane and we’re already open seven days a week. I’m here six days a week.” Julian shakes his head.

“You don’t have to be, I told you.”

“And what, Ian?” The annoyance catches me off guard. “Make our waitlist bigger? Make you work that much harder? No. You know this isn’t sustainable.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine!” I’m taken aback by the anger in his tone. “You’re scaring me lately, actually.”

“Jules—”

“No, I watch you day in and day out. You’re burning yourself out. It’s like a wall fire Ian. It’s happening, burning, and you don’t even know it.”

“What is he talking about?” Jamie asks.

“He makes mistakes, he doesn’t realize it. He falls asleep in his chair between clients⁠—”