Smoke and Wishes (Best Wishes #1)(66)

“Yup,” she popped the p at the end of the word before continuing, “this is Lucie and Benji. She’ll be getting something too, he won’t because he’s a stick in the mud.” I pursed my lips in attempts to hide my chuckle. Benji gaped at her, his right hand pressing into his chest in mock outrage.

“Excuse you, ma’am, I am not a stick in the mud. I just prefer tattoos over piercings. Besides, Austin is the one with the piercings.” He wagged his eyebrows comically, a wicked grin transforming his face from reserved and withdrawn geek to playboy hottie. Sadie wrinkled her nose in response, turning back to the piercer as I became lost in thought. What should I get done?

“Alright, I’ll need to see your ID and have you sign a waiver. Who’s going first?” Goth girl’s voice had a husky quality, like she just woke up from a long nap. I still couldn't decide what to get. Piercings had never really crossed my mind before. The twins popped into my head unbidden, their matching nipple piercings making my mouth water, but I didn't think I would be brave enough to get something like that for my first real piercing. Since I could do nothing but stand there with my mouth hanging at the question, Sadie stepped up, grabbing my wallet from my pocket and producing both of our driver’s licenses.

“I don't think either of us has really thought about what we would want. I kind of sprung this on her. What would you suggest?” Sadie was looking exceptionally adorable today. She had on high waisted jeans, which were perfect on her short and curvy body, and a canary yellow, long-sleeved crop top. Hot pink rain boots with rubber ducks adorned her feet. What goes through her head when she dresses herself? Her bright outfit and colored hair stuck out like a sore thumb in the dim lighting of the shop. Our piercer didn’t seem to mind her eclectic ways, licking her lips to answer.

“Oh, honey, I don't think you want my opinion on this, might scare you off. And I wouldn't want that.” Biting her lip, she eyed Sadie once more. I would have expected my roommate to start blushing, but then again I had never witnessed Sadie flirting. The saucy minx sashayed forward, lowering her eyelashes and puckering her lips slightly. Jeez, should we leave these two alone? Benji must have shared my inner sentiments, as he looked just as lost and confused as I felt.

“Maybe just one right here,” Sadie pointed to the space right above her cupid’s bow, causing red eyes to track her movements. “I’ll go first,” with a wink and a bright smile, she sauntered into the back of the shop. Leaving the three of us to stand and stare after her. After a brief moment, Benji cleared his throat.

“So, can we come back and watch?” A furious blush rose in his cheeks as he realized what he said. “I, uh, I mean to watch her get pierced, her lip, her get her lip pierced.” Groaning, he buried his head in his hands. I couldn't help but laugh at his expense. Leading us to the back the piercer, whose name was Harlem if the certificates on the walls were correct, broke the tension left from Benji’s embarrassment.

“Any thoughts on what you want, Lucie?”

“I have no clue, I already have my ears done. Maybe...my belly button?” I mumbled, looking around the shop and admiring the drawings as Sadie got situated in the chair and Benji sank into a spare stool in the corner.

“A belly button piercing would be a good choice, it doesn’t really hurt, and it’s hidden by clothing,” Harlem solidified my decision as she prepared everything she needed for Sadie’s lip piercing. Sitting in silence, I watched as she leaned over Sadie, who’s cheeks were tinted a deep pink. It didn’t escape my notice that Harlem had gone further into her personal space than she should have needed to. Benji’s thumbs were flying over his phone’s screen, probably lost in a private conversation with Austin. After a small squeak from Sadie, Harlem turned to me.

“Alright, Lucie. Your turn,” she nodded to the chair that Sadie had just vacated. I sank into the black seat and pulled up my shirt, thankful the bruising was finally healed on my ribs. Harlem’s red eyes continued to dart to the large scars on my ribs and hip as she cleaned my belly button.

“Those are some pretty wicked scars, car accident?” While the question was innocent, I felt my chest constrict, my lungs became deprived of oxygen as sounds started to muffle.

“Yup, a few years ago,” Sadie smoothly lied, her tone was friendly, but a thin layer of ice weaved through her words, hinting to end that line of questioning.

“You chose well, that piercing is hot as fuck.” Harlem’s focus didn’t waver as she complimented Sadie’s new jewelry. The medusa piercing fit her, bringing attention to her pouty lips.

“Thanks! It’s small and cute, just like me,” she chuckled from her position at the mirror on the other side of the room. I couldn’t see her from where I was laying, but she must have made some kind of gesture as Harlem glanced up from my stomach, heat forming in her eyes. These two need to get a room, stat. Coughing out a laugh, she refocused her attention. I felt a small prick, almost like a bee sting, and Harlem straightened from her position over me.

“Alright girls, all done,” Harlem shifted away from me as she cleaned up her equipment. I adjusted my shirt back down around my hips after looking down at the shiny silver piercing, internally squealing about how much I loved it. Sadie hauled Benji up out of the stool, yanking his attention away from his phone, before heading back towards the front of the shop. Harlem handed each of us our ID, Sadie stayed behind after I handed over some cash.