AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hey everyone! Hope you're doing good. It's been a bit of a crazy, upsetting week with everything going on in Orlando and I want all my LGBT readers to know I stand by and support them forever and always. Keep safe and keep loving one another. We will always combat hate with love and love will always win.

I've not got much else to say today other than there is a new side-character introduced this chapter called Chloe, named after my real life friend Chloe who was my inspiration! Hope you like her!

Big hugs to you all,

Becky xx

***

Chapter 12

Texts And Tattoos

I stand frozen in the doorway for a good thirty seconds, just staring at Jaxon's text. The sinking feeling in my stomach is getting deeper and deeper. So deep I'm surprised I haven't fallen straight through the floorboards.

He doesn't remember me. The kiss meant nothing to him. I was probably just one more girl in a long line of random girls he kisses at the club every week.

I am stupid, pathetic fool.

"ASHLEIGH. This is more than five minutes!"

My Dad is sounding really annoyed now. I stuff my phone in my back pocket, hiding Jaxon's cruel words far out of my sight, then make my way downstairs and back to the bar. Every step down is a massive effort. It's like my limbs have turned into lead.

How could he have forgotten about me already? I thought there was a real connection between us. The way he spoke to me and that unbelievable kiss... It was something special. But maybe I'm just delusional. Maybe this is just Kieran all over again despite me swearing to everyone that I'll never be that stupid again.

It's taken me less than 24 hours to fall in love and have my heart broken all over again. That must be some kind of new record. Ashleigh Apple, the hopeless, lovesick idiot who never, ever learns.

My Dad raises his eyebrows as I shuffle dejectedly through the door. "Everything alright love?"

"Yeah, fine," I lie, unconvincingly. There's no way I'm talking to my Dad about boys. It's bad enough that everyone else around here knows my business, it would be nice to have at least one family member remain blissfully unaware of the situation.

"Are you sure poppet?" he asks. "You've got Bambi eyes."

Bambi eyes is the term my Dad uses whenever I've either just been crying or I'm about to burst into tears. Which, let's face it, is a pretty regular occurrence.

Just as I'm steeling myself to reply in a way that won't reveal my true emotions, I feel my phone buzz with an incoming text message. It catches me completely off-guard. Could it be who I think it is? Who I hope it is?

"I'm fine Dad," I say, rubbing my eyes. "I'm just a bit tired from last night."

I'm hoping he'll believe my excuse and finally leave so I can check my phone. The pub is still really empty so the coast is clear to get texting. I'm just hoping that my textee is who I want it to be.

Dad laughs and ruffles my hair. "I don't know how you youngsters go out so late then get straight up for work. I wish I still had your energy." He finally ambles over to the door which leads back upstairs. "I've got a few things to get on with. Might see if I can catch those last five laps too. Benji's in the kitchen, but just shout if there're any problems."

"Sure thing," I reply absent-mindedly. My hand is already in my pocket and as soon as Dad's out of sight, I whip my phone out and open my new message folder.

Seeing his name there in black and white causes my whole body to jolt. Jaxon Stark. He's sent another text. I don't want to be fooled by false hope, but I can't stop it from engulfing me.

I open the message and all at once I am hit by a wave of relief so strong that it practically knocks me off my feet.

"I'm just kidding Minx ;) How could I forget my epic partner in crime? Do you have any bruises after being in the pit? And if so... want me to kiss them better? Xx"

This is unreal. It has to be a dream. I've gone from misery to elation in a matter of minutes.

He remembers me. Of course he remembers me. And he's FLIRTING with me. I answer back instantly, my fingers trembling with joy and anticipation.

"You meanie! I thought you'd forgotten me already...! I've got a pretty big bruise on my arm. You're welcome to kiss it better if you like... xxx"

I can't squeal out loud in front of the two customers drinking in the corner, but internally I'm screeching like a piglet at the boldness of my reply. I never come on this strongly when it comes to boys, I'm always way too embarrassed. But he gave me the perfect opportunity and I just couldn't resist.

It doesn't take long for him to answer me back. My heart goes into overdrive as the next message buzzes through in my hands.

"Now that sounds like an offer I can't refuse. When you free? Xx"

I can't believe this is happening. I've gone from Jaxon not remembering I exist to him asking me out. I don't know what to do or say or how to react. No boy has ever asked me out before. I can't handle it.

When I compose my reply, I end up deleting and rewriting it about twelve times before finally closing my eyes and pressing send.

"I work weird shifts. When you free? Xxx"

It felt way too forward to pick a date so I decided to throw it back on him. I mean I could say tonight but that might be way too soon. I could say next week, but that might be way too far away. Whatever I write could end up making me look uncool, so I'll just let him choose.

Waiting. Waiting. Buzz. Heart palpitation. Open message.

"Wow, that's so helpful :P What about tomorrow night? Xx"

Urg, I'm working tomorrow night. But that's not going to stop me.

"Sure! When and where? Xxx"

"There's a new Wild Speed movie showing at the moment. Do you like action films? Xx"

I HATE action films, especially boring car chase ones.

"I absolutely love them! Shall I meet you in Northcastle? Xxx"

The old man sitting in the corner shuffles on his seat and for one panicked moment, I think he might be coming up to order another drink. I can't get interrupted by work, I've got texts to send! Luckily he just seems to be having a stretch and stays where he is.

A few more seconds tick by agonisingly and then Jaxon finally answers me.

"Great. Meet me outside my work, I finish at 5pm. Red Wolf Tattoos. Xx"

Red Wolf Tattoos! How exotic. Maybe I'll get to see him in action actually inking someone. Maybe he'll even let me look through some of his designs. This is so cool.

"Sounds great! I'll meet you there! :) xxx"

I send my reply, then another thought hits me.

"PS. Are we getting food out or shall I eat first? Xxx"

I want to go totally prepared. Knowing my luck I'll think we're getting dinner when he just planned a movie and then I'll faint from starvation. Or eat so much popcorn in the cinema that I look like a total porker.

I frown at my phone screen as Jaxon's next reply pops up.

"Lol I don't know. If you desire to be fed then sure thing! X"

Oh no, why the hell did I ask about food? Now he thinks I'm just trying to get free dinner out of him or something. Or maybe that I'm obsessed with food. Which I am, but he doesn't need to know that.

He only signed off with one kiss too. He thinks I'm an idiot. I have to fix this.

"No worries, I'll get a hotdog from the cinema! Can't wait to see you again Xxx"

A minute or two go by. I'm not sure if he's going to answer me. Maybe it doesn't need an answer? Another minute passes. And then comes the buzzing sound that's like music to my ears.

"Me too. See ya soon Minx ;) xx"

I read the words over and over, feeling my smile take over my face. The reality of the situation is sinking in now. I'm going on a date. My first date ever. And it's with the cool, sexy tattoo artist known as Jaxon Stark. I am the luckiest girl in the entire world.

Now there's just one little thing to sort out.

I race to the kitchen door at the side of the bar and poke my head into the room. "Benji-Wenji..."

My brother is busy chopping vegetables in preparation for our usual lunchtime rush. He doesn't bother to turn around as he speaks. "Whatever you want, the answer is no."

"I just wondered if you'd swap shifts with me tomorrow. Your day for my evening?"

I'm trying to sound as sweet and innocent as possible so he can't possibly resist my request. It doesn't seem to be working, though.

"Nah, I'm good. And anyway, you hate kitchen duty. Especially when it's Sunday roasts."

He's so controlling of his kitchen. It's just putting a few potatoes in the oven and boiling some veggies. How hard can it be?

Time for my secret weapon. "But don't you want to spend the rest of the weekend with Taylor? I thought you could go and have a nice Sunday out together for a change. Then you can work the night with him too. You never have to leave his side."

Benjamin pauses in thought and I can almost see the cogs whirring around in his head. His desire to make my life difficult is conflicting with his soppiness when it comes to Taylor. I know what will win. There's nothing he won't do to spend a little extra time with his beloved boyfriend.

"OK, you've convinced me," he sighs, turning around to face me. "I'll swap. But only because you've put such a sweet offer on the table, not because I actually want to do you a favour."

"Totally understood," I answer with a sarcastic smile.

"But you do NOT mess my kitchen up. If you take something out of the cupboard then put it back exactly where you found it. I'll be checking every inch with a ruler and I'll know if anything's moved."

I huff in irritation. "OK, OK. Talk about OCD."

Benji folds his arms and looms over me in his annoying 'I'm-taller-than-you' way. "No, it's just about keeping things nice."

A laugh escapes my lips. My brother is the clumsiest, messiest person in the whole world. "Nice? You break like a thousand things a day in here."

"Yes, but they are MY things to break. Capiche?"

"Capiche," I mumble back. It's so annoying having to put up with his bossiness, but it's totally worth it. I have my evening free. I'm going out with Jaxon. Everything is absolutely perfect.

"I'd better get back to the bar," I say cheerily. "Thanks, Benji! Love youuuuu!"

"Wait," he calls after me. "Why do you want to swap anyway?" His face creases into a slight scowl. "Is this to do with that boy you're doing 'anything much' with? Because if it is then I might have to change my mind."

I laugh mischievously and shut the door in his face.

---

The next 24 hours crawl by at a snail's pace. I don't hear anything more from Jaxon, but it just makes my anticipation build to even higher levels of hysteria. I text Annabelle and Sarah to tell them what's happened and they seem suitably impressed before asking me what I'm going to wear which sends me into a tailspin because I have nothing in my wardrobe.

Well, I mean, I have racks and racks of clothes. But nothing that I actually LIKE.

I'm supposed to be focused on cooking people's dinners, but I spend the majority of my Sunday shift worrying about whether my pink flats are the same shade as the dress I'm planning on picking out. And whether I should wear my Arianna Grande perfume or my Taylor Swift one. And whether I should put on my little pearl bracelet or if it looks too fussy. And whether I should even be going for a prissy, girly look at all. Maybe I should be more rock chick.

Oh God, he probably prefers rock chick doesn't he? Of course he does. He has tattoos and piercings. OK forget pink, I'm so wearing black.

Oops, I just burned these roast potatoes because I'm thinking too much. Oh never mind, no one will notice.

Benjamin does go out with Taylor for the day and waiting for them to come back and take over my shift is pure agony. By the time they come back it's just gone 3.30pm and I barely have any time left to get ready and make it to the train station. I clutch wildly at various jeans and tops, spinning around my room like a whirlwind and praying with all my might that I pick the right outfit.

Before I know it, I'm racing out the door wearing a long-sleeved black lacy affair that I'm hoping is the right mix of girly and edgy. Benji calls out to me as I rush past him in a mad panic.

"You look very dressed up young lady, where are you off to anyway?"

I don't stop, not even for a second. "Can't talk, no time, bye."

"Hey wait! You better have left my kitchen SPOTLESS!"

He and Taylor will probably be gossiping about me all night since I refused to tell them anything more about meeting Jaxon. I'm nervous enough as it is without them making me feel worse. I leave them far behind me as I fly out the door and start power-walking down to the station, letting my beating heart lead the way.

This is it. Very soon I will be on my first official date with the boy of my dreams.

Someone pinch me because I must be dreaming.

---

The Red Wolf Tattoo Studio is hidden between a greasy spoon café and a used book shop. If you're not looking out for it then you might not even notice it's on Northcastle High Street at all, especially as the outside of the building is painted an unassuming dull brown colour.

However, right at the top of the store's sign is a little howling wolf logo and the moment it catches my eye I feel my whole body light up in excitement. I'm in the right place. This is where Jaxon creates all of his magic.

The time on my phone says 5.54pm. I'm exactly on time. And maybe if I'm really lucky, I might get to go inside and catch him in action.

I charge forward and push open the door fearlessly, like walking into tattoo parlours is something I do all the time. As soon as I'm inside though, my courage wilts a little. I'm surrounded by walls of drawings and pictures, all of anchors and skulls and naked ladies covered in snakes. They're beautiful yet terrifying at the same time.

"Sorry dude," a voice sounds across from me. "We close in five minutes. I can book you in for tomorrow though if you're after some ink?"

I glance straight ahead to see a girl with neon blue hair sitting at a counter. She has bright red lips and a variety of silver studs and rings scattered onto her face.

"Oh no," I squeak in embarrassment. "I'm not looking for a tattoo or anything. I've come to meet Jaxon."

"No worries, I think he finishes up soon." The girl rests her arm on the counter and I can see now that she has an entire sleeve of colours and patterns on her skin. There are all kinds of little pictures linked together from koi carps to peacocks to giant roses with green ivy roots.

"Woah, is that real?" I gasp, walking a little closer. Even more images are popping out at me now. "Is that Hello Kitty?!"

She grins at me. "You know it is. I have a Pikachu too just underneath."

I feel shocked and amazed at this crazy work of art. No one in Westerfield has anything like this on their bodies. "Didn't it hurt to have such a big picture like this?"

"Nah," the girl answers, shaking her head. "Well, maybe a bit. But I kind of like the pain, it gives me a rush." She takes a look at me curiously. "You got any?"

It takes a while to register what she means. I don't think anyone I've ever met in my whole life would assume I'm the kind of girl to have a tattoo. "Me?! No way! I could never go through with something like that, I'm not brave enough. Plus I change my mind like twice a minute, I know I'd end up picking something I'd end up hating."

The girl laughs, her red lips curling up like a happy kitty cat. I've only just met her, but I'm realising that I like her a lot. "I get it, they're not for everyone. You shouldn't rush into something you don't want. Leave that to insane people like me."

I'm about to ask her how long she's worked here for when we are interrupted by a low, sexy voice. The voice I've been longing to hear since the last time it left my ears.

"Well if it isn't Little Miss Minx. You ready to go?"

Jaxon Stark has appeared from the back room and he looks just as good as I remembered. In the cold light of day, I can clearly see the chiseled outline of his jaw, the glint of his lip-ring and the trail of tribal ink peeking out from underneath his black vest-top. It all looks ten times better than it did in the dark.

Suddenly I am mute. He has left me physically stunned. How am I even here with him like this? He's a gorgeous, perfect specimen of human and I'm just dumb little Ash. What am I even going to say to him all evening? I really haven't thought any of this through.

He walks towards me, shimmying a leather jacket onto his toned shoulders. I can't help but feel a pang of disappointment. He's ready to leave, but I wanted to stay and look around at his work.

"You off for a night out?" the blue-haired girl asks. She swivels her head towards me. "I'm Chloe by the way, nice to meet you."

"You too," I squeak. Then I figure I'd better introduce myself too. "I'm Ashleigh Apple."

Chloe winks at me. "Cute. You both have fun."

Oh my God, she's so cool. She's like the coolest girl I've ever seen in my life. Even cooler than Sue-Ella. I think I might actually be blushing just looking at her. And then just when I think I can't get any more embarrassing, Jaxon touches my arm and I start blushing even harder.

"H-Hi," I stutter as he brings his face close to mine. I'm not sure if he's going to kiss me or not. I don't think I can take it, my head might explode.

"Hi," he echoes back. "You're looking good."

"Oh, thanks." Blush, blush, blush. He's looking me up and down with his wolfish grin and I'm practically trembling under his gaze. Looks like I made the right choice with the rock chick look, thank goodness.

I take a breath and try to get the courage to ask about his tattoo designs. There are so many lining the walls of the waiting room and some of them have to be his. But before I have a chance to speak, he's steering me out of the door. "Let's go then. See you tomorrow Chlo."

"Bye bye," I add over my shoulder and she lazily waves in response, still smiling her kitty-cat smile.

"She seems nice," I say to Jaxon once we're outside.

"Yeah, Chloe's alright," he replies. "She's pretty new here actually. I've been showing her the ropes, teaching her everything I know."

"Wow," I breathe. I can just imagine him taking on a mentor role, he seems like he'd be an amazing teacher. "What kind of stuff are you showing her?"

Jaxon gives a humble shrug. "All kinds of stuff. She's really artistic but she kind of lacks originality. I'm showing her how to tighten her designs first and then we're moving onto using the machinery."

It all sounds so exciting. Way more exciting than working behind a boring bar.

"I wish I could have come earlier, I might have got to see you at work."

"You can't really come in during inkings," Jaxon smirks. "Y'now, health and safety and everything. I wish you could though, I think you might become my new muse."

His muse?! No way did he actually just say that. My stomach implodes with frenzied butterflies.

"Am I going to see one of those naked snake ladies with my face next time I'm in there?"

"Most definitely," Jaxon purrs. There's a hint of mischief in his blue eyes which is making me nervous and intrigued all at the same time. He puts his hand on my back and my whole body sparks.

"Shall we head to the cinema? The movie starts in half an hour."

I nod and follow him along the high street. I feel like I would follow him absolutely anywhere.