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Mia had lost her parents in a car accident when she was only five, so her grandmother Beatrice raised her. They’d been super close until she died two years ago. Mia tended to work long hours, and Bea always used to remind her to slow down, tostop and smell the flowers once in a while. Mia even had the saying engraved on her grandmother’s headstone. So the tattoo of a bee smelling a flower was perfect for her.
“It’s really amazing, Billie,” I said. “It makes me want to get one.”
“When you’re ready, I’d be honored.”
Billie gave Mia a bunch of after-care instructions, then rubbed some ointment onto her wrist and wrapped it with clear cellophane. The shop had come alive as she was finishing up. Justine, the receptionist, was now at the front desk, and Deek, one of the tattoo artists who worked here and also lived in the building upstairs, was busy setting up his station. Pretty soon, Billie’s first appointment showed up, too.
“Thank you so much for coming in early to do this for me,” Mia said. “It’s everything I’d hoped for and more.”
“No problem. I’m glad you like it.”
“Maybe the three of us can go out for a drink while I’m in town?”
Billie nodded. “I’d like that. I’ll invite Lala too, if you don’t mind. We’ve been trying to get each other out once in a while, so we aren’t talking baby talk twenty-four-seven.”
“That would be great,” Mia said. “I’d love to meet her.”
We all hugged goodbye. Out in the reception area, Mia approached the counter. Justine stood in front of the register.
“What do I owe you?”
“The boss said this one’s on the house.”
“What?” Mia shook her head. “I can’t do that. She just drew a work of art on my body. Whatever her fee is, I’m sure it’s not enough. But I need to pay her.”
“Billie said Devyn is family, so that makes you extended family. She has afamily doesn’t paypolicy. Trust me, I’ve worked here for years. There’s no point in arguing with the woman when she’s made up her mind.”
“Gosh, that’s so incredibly generous.” Mia looked at me. “That drink is going to have to be at least a dinner now, with dessert and expensive wine, too.”
I smiled. “That sounds like a good plan to me.”
Two more customers walked in, so we thanked Justine and moved out of the way. Mia was busy shoving her credit card back into her wallet as we walked to the door, so she didn’t see a third person coming in until she smashed right into them. Mia wobbled, almost losing her footing, but the guy gripped her elbows, steadying her.
“Whoa. Mi dispiace tantissimo!” he said. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry, signorina!”
Mia’s jaw dropped open. “Oh my God.”
I seconded that sentiment, only I didn’t say it out loud.Damn.This guy was gorgeous. Olive skin, bright green eyes, and the bone structure of a Greek god—or actually, an Italian god. He had longish hair, which wasn’t usually my thing, but totally worked for him. Not to mention, the dreamy Italian accent elevated him from an easy ten to at least a twenty.
“Sei ferita?” he said. “You are hurt?”
Mia just kept staring.
The man’s face grew concerned when she didn’t answer. “Miss?”
I nudged my friend. “Mia, answer. Use your words.”
She closed her mouth and shook her head, blinking. “Oh…yes. I’m fine.”
He smiled. “Yes, you are.Very fine, signorina.”
Billie must’ve heard the commotion. She walked out from the back room. “What happened? Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine,” I said. “Mia just bumped into this man on our way out.”
“Are you okay, Mia?” Billie asked.
But Mia’s eyes were still glued to the guy. “He thinks I’m fine.”
