Grim is out on club business, so Lauren invited the girls over for a much needed catch up. After Lauren killed Demon, Grim kept her at arm’s length and cared for her. She acted like she was ok, but we could see through it.
Her killing Demon affected her, whether she wanted to do it or not, murdering someone changed her. My bedroom was on the other side of the house, and it’s not exactly a small house, but I’ve still heard her nightmares. I would sometimes knock and see how she was, but most the time I would leave Grim to take care of her.
They’ve gotten better though, and apart from Lauren’s nightmares everything is amazing now. Lauren and Grim make me sick at how in love they are. In fact I’ve seen a different side to Grim now that I actually live with him and he’s not the hard guy he makes out to be. I mean, he is big and dangerous of course but I’ve seen a soft side to him. One that most people rarely see.
“How is she?” Elise asks me as Lauren runs inside to get some fresh drinks.
“Better.” I answer.
“That’s good.” Elise nods as she smiles at Lauren returning.
“What are you two smiling at?” Lauren asks as she takes one of the empty seats around the table and places the fresh bottle of wine in the middle.
“I’m telling Elise how it is living with you and Grim.” I tease her.
Lauren’s eyes widen and I can’t help but giggle. “What do you mean?” She asks as Drew joins us.
“I mean, that hearing you and Grim fucking every night gives me a headache.” I laugh.
Laurens cheeks blush as Elise and I laugh.
“Ew, I do not need that image.” Drew cringes and covers her face with her hands.
“Fuck off Tasha.” Lauren scowls.
“Relax I’m teasing.” I assure her.
“We do have sex every night though.” She adds laughing and we all join her in.
“Every night?” Drew asks unbelievably.
“Your brother has a very high sex drive.” Lauren answers with a very satisfied smile.
Drew shakes her head, and I see a hint of colour under her shirt collar.
“What’s that?” I ask her, pointing to her neck.
Drew pulls at the neck of her collar to reveal a small rose tattoo. It’s coloured in shades of pink and red, it’s beautiful but she’s not going to be able to easily hide that one.
“Got it this morning.” Drew smiles.
“Nice.” Lauren approves.
“So you told your mum about the tats then?” I ask her.
“No she hasn’t.” Elise speaks for her.
“I keep meaning too.” Drew complains. “But I just never find the right time.”
“Drew.” I laugh. “You’re a twenty-four year old woman. You should be able to tell your mum that you have tattoos.”
“Is that why you have it on your neck?” Lauren asks her. “So your mum will see it?”
Shit, I didn’t think of that and by the looks on Drew’s face neither did she.
“No, is it really noticeable?” Drew asks us.
“A bright red tattoo on you neck?” I ask. “Of course not.”
Drew playfully shoves me. “I guess it’s easier than telling her.”
It seems like every time I see Drew she has another tattoo. She obviously loves them and I don’t see why she’s so scared telling mummy dearest. Drew told us that having three boys, Laura wanted Drew to stay as girly as possible and although she does wear girly clothing, she loves her tattoos and Drew’s scared about her reaction.
“You’re running out of places to hide them anyway.” I laugh.
“True.” Drew agrees. “And I want a sleeve, I guess she will notice that.”
“Yeah I think she will.” Lauren laughs.
We all take a sip of our wine and I decide to tell Lauren something I’ve been dying to tell her.
“So, I’ve been looking at business buildings.” I start and they look at me like I’m crazy.
“Say what now?” Elise asks.
“I’ve been thinking about getting back on my own two feet.” I tell them. “I’m a qualified hairdresser, I passed with top grades, it’s just when I graduated I decided to get temporary jobs and follow a band around the country. Now, I think it’s time I actually do something. I’d love to own a salon.” I look up from my glass and see they’re all smiling at me.
“That’s great.” Lauren beams at me.
“Have you got any savings?” Drew asks me.
My heart drops. “No, but I’ve been looking around for jobs so I can raise funds but I’ve had no luck yet.”
“Tell me about it.” Drew leans back in her chair on a sigh. “I graduated in beauty therapy and can’t find a job! That’s why I’m working in one of the clubs bars.”
“You’re a beauty therapist?” I ask in shock.
“Don’t let the tattoos fool you.” She laughs. “But this quiet area doesn’t have much like that. They best salons are in London, but I don’t want to work there. Too loud for me.”
“Maybe you two could go into business together.” Lauren adds. “Natasha on the hair, Drew on the beauty side.”
Drew looks to me with bright eyes. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s an amazing idea.” I agree, getting an excited feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“You just have to raise the cash.” Elise reminds us.
“Fuck.” Drew moans and I nod my head in agreement.
“Would you move out?” Lauren asks and I see the slight sadness in her eyes.
“Eventually.” I answer. “I have to spread my wings.” I joke.
“I’ll move in!” Drew raises her hand.
“And listen to your brother banging her every night?” Elise asks.
Drew frowns. “Shit you’re right. I’ll stay with my parents.”
“Because hearing them is so much better.” Lauren laughs.
Drew gives us all the finger and we burst out laughing.
I am not a morning person. Everyone who is close to me knows this well and people who have just met me learn quickly. Especially if we have to spend the morning together. When I was kept in that horrible dark room back at the Devils clubhouse, I sometimes didn’t know if it was morning or night so it didn’t really bother me, but now I’m back in the real world its back to grumbling and sulking when I have to get up. The funny thing is, even though I hate mornings, I have to get up and out of bed because the thought of wasting the day feels so wrong to me. So with a torn mind, I get out of bed and jump into the shower. I have to get ready as soon as I get up to because if I don’t, I’ll end up not getting dressed or showering and putting my face on. I’m real lazy like that.
I look in the cupboard and see I’m out of my cereal, so decide to make toast instead. As I pop the slice of bread into the toaster I hear the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.
I’m still living with Lauren and Grim, and I’m very thankful for that but it’s getting to the point where I feel in the way. They’re very much loved up and whilst I have enjoyed seeing another side to Grim, it’s time to get a place of my own.
“Morning.” Lauren sing songs and she skips to the fridge.
“Good morning.” I answer with a knowing smile. I look her over, she’s wearing a white silk dressing gown that’s loosely fastened around her waist. I am certain she is naked under that and the wide smile shows me how happy she is.
“You sound cheerful.” She observes, fetching a bottle of water and takes a sip.
“Let’s just say, the look of your ‘just fucked’ face makes me happy.” I smile broadly and Lauren bursts out laughing.
“Lauren!” We both hear Grim shouting from upstairs.
Lauren wiggles her eyebrows at me and shouts back. “Coming!”