Fall into my Heart (The Subzero Series, #1) (16 page)

“Excuse
me?” I asked taken aback.

The
two guys started laughing. “I mean your fresh meat. Never been tattooed
before.” Tattoo explained.

“Oh.....could
you do this?” I asked pointing to a tribal design on the wall.

“Why
that one?” Tattoo asked as he walked over to me.

“Well,
the design.....it sorta reminds me of an angel.” I told him.

“What
if I do that and put a couple of rays about the diamond right there to give it
the illusion of a halo.”

“That
sounds great.” I agreed.

After
deciding to get the tattoo on my back, so it can be easily covered up for work,
Tattoo had me sit backwards in his chair while he gathered his supplies.

“What
are the lollipops for?” I asked.

“Those
are because you look like you might be a jumper.” Tattoo explained.

I
didn’t jump though. I sat perfectly still and it didn’t even hurt that much. I
mean it did a first when he went over my spine but after a few minutes
everything numbed up and it actually felt pretty good – like a massage. A
massage with a needle that left ink everywhere it touched. About two hours
later, I finally walked back into my parent’s house.

“What
happened to skydiving?” Nick asked as he pointed to my shopping bags.

“I
changed my mind. I found something else to do that didn’t involve leaping to my
death.” I said.

“Oh,
let’s see what you got!” Abby exclaimed.

I
bent down to pull out my new boots and Tyler exclaimed “You got inked!”

I
stood up and placed my left hand over my back. How did he? Oh right, I’m sure
the giant bandage on my lower back gave it away. That and Tyler has a couple of
tattoos himself. He knows how this goes.

“Chloe
you got a tattoo? Seriously?” Nick asked.

I
nodded as everyone ran over to see it. I turned around and gently pulled away
the bandage.

“Nice!”
Tyler said, nodding his approval.

“Don’t
let mom see it!” Abby said. Abby got her belly button pierced when she was 18
and mom flipped out. She told us if she ever caught us with body piercings,
aside from the ears, or tattoos, we were out of the will. Somehow Nick has
managed to hide his three tattoos from her for four years now.

“Don’t
let mom see what?” Mom asked, walking into the living room.

Everybody
scattered quickly, returning to the couch.

“Don’t
let mom see how much Chloe paid for these boots.” Abby said giving me a shocked
look. She pointed to the receipt and I shrugged my shoulders.

“Great
boots Chloe,” Mom said, “You probably spent what? Two hundred tops?”

Plus
$425 I thought as I nodded my head. My cell phone rang then and I jumped to
get. My heart said that it was Jack and then it sunk a little bit when I read
the name on the display.

“Hi
Alexis. How are you?” I asked.

“Good,
I wanted to see if you wanted to grab some lunch tomorrow. I wanted to see you
while you’re in town.”

After
my talk with Jonathan, I was sort of expecting this call. “Sure, that sounds
great.”

“Good,
shall we say 12:30 at Napoleon’s?”

“Alright
I’ll see you then.”

––––––––

I
tossed and turned all night trying to figure out what I was going to say to
Alexis. I wasn’t even positive that she was going to ask me to come back. Maybe
she really did want to just meet up while I’m in town. I just find it too much
of a coincidence after that talk I had with Jonathan. Finally, around seven
o’clock, I decided I couldn’t lie in bed any longer so I got up and went
downstairs. As usual, my mom was the only one up.

“Good
morning Chloe.” She said glancing at the clock.

“Yeah
I know what time it is. I can’t sleep.” I told her.

I
sat down at the kitchen table as my mom stood up. She pulled a mug out of the
kitchen cabinet and poured some coffee into it. I grabbed the carton of French
vanilla creamer and the sugar bowl as she set the mug down in front of me.

“Do
you want to talk about it?” My mom asked.

I
took a sip of coffee before I began.

“Well
Alexis wants to meet today and before I came home, Jonathan said there were
some rumors going around that she was going to try to persuade me to come back.
I don’t know what to do.”

“I’m
surprised you’re considering it. I thought you loved it in London.”

“I
do and I honestly wasn’t considering it. I even told Jonathan he had nothing to
worry about,” I paused to take another sip of coffee, “But now everything is so
messed up with Jack and I’m probably going to have to move out of my condo. I
just don’t see how we can continue being neighbors. It’s bad enough I am
probably going to lose him as a client. Plus now that I’m here, I realized how
much I miss New York.”

My
mom placed her hands on top of mine.

“Chloe
you know you can come visit anytime you want, but do you really think that you
are going to be any happier if you move back home?”

“No
not really.” I admitted.

“I’m
not going to tell you what to do; you need to figure this one out on your own.
I will say this though, you went to London for a reason and if you come home
before that reason is fulfilled I am worried that you are going to regret it.”

I
knew she was right but it still didn’t make my decision any easier. I finished
my coffee and stood up.

“Thanks
mom.” I gave her a quick squeeze and went upstairs to start getting ready.

Dressed
in jeans and a cream off the shoulder sweater, it was finally time for me to go
meet Alexis. I felt nervous as I walked into Napoleon’s. I spotted Alexis right
away. She was sitting in a booth sipping on a dirty martini.

“It’s
good to see you!” Alexis exclaimed as I sat down.

“Can
I get you a drink miss?” A waiter appeared at our table.

“A
glass of Riesling please.” I said. I didn’t have any intention on drinking so
early in the day, but I needed something to calm my nerves.

“So
how are things? Give me the big scoop.” Alexis said.

“Things
are really great.” I lied.

“Hmmmmm.....Listen
Chloe, I’m gonna get right to the point. I know things are in the can. I heard
you and some boy broke up and I just got rid of that dopey girl Breanne, thank
goodness. I am prepared to offer you more than what you make now if you come
back to New York.”

The
waiter sat down my wine and was about to walk away when I grabbed his arm.

“I’m
gonna need another.” I said.

He
gave me an odd look and nodded before walking off. I’m sure he was mentally
telling himself to cut me off after this next drink.  

I
quickly drank my glass of wine trying to think of what to say, when it finally
hit me that I already knew what I wanted to do. I knew all along what my answer
was going to be I just needed more confidence that everything was going to work
itself out. Just as I was about to respond, Alexis jotted an amount down on a
piece of paper and slid it across the table. I glanced down at the paper and my
eyes nearly popped out of my head. That number was more than double what I was
currently making.

“Alexis,
I really appreciate your offer but I’m gonna have to turn you down.”

“You
want more money?”

“No
it’s not the money at all. It’s just I haven’t given myself enough of a chance
yet in London and I’m honestly not ready to give up and move back. I know you
must think I am crazy for turning you down, but I would be crazy if I didn’t.”

“So
nothing I could say would change your mind?”

I
shook my head. “No, sorry.....it was really great to see you Alexis, but I have
to go.” I stood up to leave.

“You’re
absolutely sure about not wanting to come back? I won’t offer this to you
again.”

“I’m
positive. It’s an amazing offer but I can’t.”

~*~

When
I walked into my parent’s house, Abby, Tyler, Nick, my mom and my dad were
sitting in the living room staring at me curiously. It was obvious they knew
about my meeting with Alexis and were anxiously waiting for me to come back
home.

“I’m
gonna take a wild guess and assume you told everyone.”  I said studying each
face. My guess would be that my parents were worrying about being stuck with
their adult children in their house for the rest of their lives. Abby and Tyler
were probably worrying about their relationship and trying to figure out what
they would do if I moved back. Nick was the only one that probably honestly
could have cared less.

“Everyone
was just concerned.” My mom replied.

“Well.....what
happened kitten?” My dad asked.

I
sat down Indian style on the black leather ottoman and pushed my hair back
behind my ears. I took a deep breath in and slowly let it out.

“Well
Jonathan was right. Alexis offered me the same position I have now and more
money to come back to New York.”

“So
you’re moving back?” Nick asked.

Out
of the corner of my eye, I noticed Abby and Tyler were sitting stiffly like
statues holding their breath. I bit my lower lip and shook my head.

“You
turned her down?” Tyler almost sounded shocked. What did he think I was money
hungry or something? I looked at him and nodded.

“But
it’s more money.” Nick said. I wasn’t surprised that he was reacting that way.
Some things about my brother may have changed but other things have definitely
stayed the same.

“I
don’t care about that. I make good money now,” I said starting to feel annoyed.
“Look I’m really tired guys. I’m gonna go take a nap.” I went upstairs and fell
into my bed. Satisfied with the decision that I made, I felt as though a huge
weight had been lifted off of my shoulders, well partially anyway. But it was
enough of a relief that I was able to fall asleep quickly without worry.

I
woke up two hours later, feeling both extremely refreshed and unbelievably
starving. I was walking past the guest room when I realized I could hear Tyler
talking to someone. This is going to sound terrible, but I tiptoed over to the
cracked guest room door and paused to listen.

“Really?
Really? Dude that’s awesome! Uh huh okay. So when do you land?” I heard him
say, “Oh that’s perfect.....No we’ll take care of it. Alright mate.”

All
of the sudden the guest room door popped open and I was standing face to face
with Tyler. Tyler glanced down at his phone and then looked back up at me. I
flashed him my best
we both know you just caught me eavesdropping but let’s
not make this anymore awkward than it needs to be
smile.

“Uhhh......That
was my cousin. He’s coming to London for a bit of a holiday next week.” Tyler
said.

“Oh.....well
that’s nice.” I wasn’t really sure if I believed him but what was I going to
do? Search his phone like a psycho? Badger him until he tells me the truth? I
had already been acting like one of those whiney girls that I hated lately,
pining for some guy. I certainly didn’t want to go any farther and completely
turn into someone else or even worse make everyone think I have turned in to a
complete lunatic.

“So
are you doing anything right now?” Tyler asked.

“I’m
going to make something to eat before I completely starve to death.” I said
placing my hands on my stomach.

“Well
listen, I was actually about to come and find you. I was wondering if maybe you
would want to go out.”

“I’m
really flattered, but I just got out of a relationship and you’re dating my
sister.” I joked.

Tyler
smiled. “No, I don’t mean on a date. I uh.....I didn’t bring anything really nice
to wear. I know I wasn’t exactly what your parents were expecting, so I thought
maybe I would get something a little bit dressier to wear to their party. We
can get some pizza or something first.”

I
was about to ask him why he didn’t have Abby pick something out for him but the
look on his face told me he didn’t just need my help, he needed a friend. Since
all of his friends were back in London, and would probably tease him
mercilessly, I was really all he had. Plus he mentioned pizza. Even if he
didn’t need me I would have accepted his invitation just for the pizza.

“Sure
Tyler. Let me just get my purse.”

An
hour later, we were sitting in the food court of the mall. Tyler carried over a
tray containing four slices of cheese pizza and two sodas to the table I found
and saved for us. My stomach started growling like crazy as I picked up a slice
of pizza. I had left Alexis before I had a chance to eat anything earlier,
which I was starting to regret. To say that I was so hungry I scarfed down my
pizza is an understatement. I think annihilated or ferociously devoured would
be more appropriate. Tyler sat across from me looking completely disgusted,
which almost made me want to laugh.

“When
is the last time you ate?” He asked.

“Dinner
last night.” I pulled a mirror out of my purse to make sure I didn’t have sauce
all over myself.  “So I was thinking we could go to this store called
Fiorello’s. My cousin is the manager there.”

Tyler
nodded as he finished up his pizza. We stood up, threw our trash in the bin and
made our way to the store.

“I
just have one request,” Tyler said as we walked into the store, “No jumpers –
uh sweaters. I hate them. They’re all scratchy and I feel like I’m in a
straitjacket when I wear them.”

I
nodded in agreement. “Not a problem. You don’t seem to be the sweater wearing
kind of guy anyway.”

I
walked up to the salesgirl, who was texting on her cell phone at the cash
register. She didn’t look up as we approached but she turned a little to the
side so I was pretty sure she knew we were there. I cocked my head to the side,
my eyes staring in to the side of her head. Tyler cleared his throat and I
swear I saw her role her eyes. I wanted to smack her but getting arrested for
assault really wasn’t on my list of things to do for the day. I started
drumming my fingertips on the glass counter top and the salesgirl sighed as she
realized we weren’t going to give up and walk away.

“Can
I help you?” She asked in a bored monotone voice.

“Is
Jenna Carver in?” I asked.

The
salesgirl gave me an annoyed look and sighed again. I’m guessing she just
wanted me to ask where the jeans were so she could just point and now I was
making her get up.

“I’ll
get her.” She said disappearing behind a door marked employees only. She
reappeared seconds later with Jenna in tow.

“Chloe!
How are you? What are you doing here?” Jenna was eyeing Tyler from head to toe.

“I’m
good Jenna, This is Abby’s boyfriend, Tyler. He needs something to wear to my
parents New Year’s Eve party.”

“Okay,
well I’m sure we can find something for you. What were you thinking of?” Jenna
asked Tyler.

Tyler
stood there with a confused look on his face. “Well I’m assuming trousers and a
shirt.”

I
shook my head. Men have no clue when it comes to shopping or fashion. It was
pretty obvious that Tyler definitely needed my help. “Well I definitely think a
black pant.”

“Definitely.”
Jenna nodded in agreement.

“What
do you think about a black shirt? Do you think that would be too much?” I
asked.

“No
I don’t think so. I mean a blue shirt would obviously be too much, what with
his hair an all, and if we put him in a white shirt then people will think he’s
serving food. I say black pant, black shirt and a tie with some color to it.”

Tyler
was looking back and forth between me and Jenna as if he were watching a ping
pong game. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he didn’t. Deep down
I’m pretty sure he knew that we knew what we were talking about.

“What
color tie though?” Jenna asked as she looked around the store.

“Ooooh,
what about this silver striped one?” I asked snatching up a tie.

We
handed the clothes to Tyler and ushered him into a dressing room. When he came
back out, I could hardly believe my eyes! He looked unbelievably hot! Honestly
if he wasn’t dating my sister and I wasn’t completely in love with his best
friend – whoa! Did I just drop the “L word?” Sweet baby J I did! Man, I am
having all kinds of revelations on this trip home and – I realized that Tyler
was giving me a funny look. I was going to have to push my mental declaration
of love to the back of my head and focus on helping him like I said I would.

“Are
you sure this is good?” Tyler asked.

“Yes!
It’s perfect and since when are you all timid and insecure?” I asked him.

“Since
I realized I don’t have much of a chance to impress your mum and dad.” He
admitted.

“Well
they are definitely going to be impressed. Don’t you think Jenna?”

“Yes
and I especially like how the black brings out the blue in your.....hair.”

I
gave Jenna an odd look as Tyler retreated back to the dressing room.

“What?”
She said giving me a shrug, “I was going to say eyes but then I realized his
are brown. C’mon, I’ll ring you up with my discount.”