Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend Chapter 18

Chapter 18: You Are As Adorable As

Brianna

David was left the hook today and wasn't required to drive me to work. He was needed elsewhere apparently and he had sent me a text message to let me know. I am sure I ordered a ride to take me to work, there was traffic and it was just easier that way. I was paying attention to all the people who passed me because the sidewalks are busy with both locals and tourists. I was just enjoying the mild weather before I was stopped by the calling of my name.

I looked around me, wondering if maybe someone from the tattoo shop spotted me. I didn't see any face I recognized until a head popped out from behind a small crowd and my eyes went wide in shock at seeing who it was. What is she doing here?

“I thought that must be you.” She said as she approached me, hugging me when she got closer.

“Mary.. wow, long time.” I swallowed.

This girl is from my past that I don't want to revisit, she shows a part of my life that most people don't and her being here is meshing the lines in a place where I didn't want them to cross.

“I know, it has been forever. What have you been up to? I can't believe we ran into each other in such a huge city.” She said as he hugged me again like she was just so happy to see me, I don't see why, we were never that close.

“Umm, school and then I moved here.” I mumbled, I like being vague about my life especially since she knows him.

“Awesome, I loved her last year and I kind of love it.” She looked around us.

We knew each from Ibadan where I used to live before, she hasn't changed a bit and it has been years. Her breasts are still huge and her lashes are still like fans as she bats them. She was stripped back when I knew her. I had run away from my parents when I was sixteen and met an older man. Ezekiel was ten years older. He was handsome but crazy, I had no idea what I was getting into when I met and started dating him. He let me live with him when I left my patents and he also made me strip at his uncle's club where he was manager of everything. Ezekiel was just a jealous boyfriend, so he would make me work but would also get mad at me all the time in a jealous rage.

At some point, he became abusive to me which I tolerated for longer than I should have because it wasn't much different from how my father had treated me. I stripped for the money so I could move away, it was what got me Asaba when I finally got the scholarship I secretly applied for and got the courage to run away from Ezekiel. Seeing Mary here hit too close to home and it made a bundle of nerves settle deep inside me.

“That is nice, listen, I have to head to work. I will talk to you soon.” I lied to her about talking to her, soon.

“Oh, really? Where do you work?” She looked at the shops behind us.

I really didn't want to tell her, I was terrified that she might still be in contact with Ezekiel but I was too cowardly to ask her.

“The tattoo shop down the street.” I said quietly and she glanced behind her.

“Nice, that sounds like a fun gig. I still dance, maybe you can come by the club some time.” She said and mentioned the name of the club where she still strips. I barely heard her, I was just nodding, we hugged one more time before I rushed off.

Gosh, I was expecting to see someone from my past. We aren't even in Ibadan and this city is huge, what are the odds. I released a long breath before entering the shop so I wouldn't look as freaked out as I felt. I have nothing against her, it was just uncomfortable for me to revisit those memories so suddenly. What would my brother think of me if he found out I was a stripper for a year? How would you like it? He would probably be furious but what choice did I have back then? He wasn't around and my father had gotten worse, I just needed to go. Ezekiel was good at manipulating my feelings and making me think I loved him when really I didn't. He just made me dependent on him, so I was forced to stay with him despite his toxic behavior.

“Hey, Brianna. Are you okay?” Ethan the sweet gut came up to me as I walked through the shop with a vacant look and I switched my face instantly.

“Yes, of course. How are you?” I asked to change my focus.

“I am good, come check on my work.” He waved me over to one of the rooms.

One of his clients was taking a short break but he showed me his back. There was a cool sketch book style drawing of some anime character that looked really good.

“Wow, that is really awesome.” I leaned in to see the detailing.

“Thanks, I am just about done.” He showed me the completed idea that was on a stencil beside him.

“Did you create the design or did he?” I asked.

He seems to like wearing hats, he was in w snapback the first day I met him and he is again today and it matched with his outfit today.

“I did, he told me he wanted the character and I sort of did the rest.” He said.

The guy turned in the chair and started talking to us, telling me about the show and why he liked it. I have never watched that stuff but I listened nonetheless. Ethan's genuine big warm smile started to ease that worry I carried in here with me and I began smiling and talking more comfortably with them until the door rang and I knew a customer walked in. It was a guy with many facial piercings and gauges. He was covered in tattoos which I could see because he was wearing a loose muscle t-shirt with over-cut holes. It was to the point that his ribs were showing through.

“Hey, how can I help you?” I asked in my customer's service voice.

I knew I stuck out like a sore thumb in this place because I have zero tattoo or facial piercing and I was dressed in high fashion but I can't help it. His chocolate eyes surveyed every inch of me before he told me he was here for Zaveri. I have yet to see him today.

“Let me check, I will get back to you.” I said and told him to have a seat.

I know they do the paperwork side of things in the back office so that was where I went and sure enough, he was in there writing something.

“Some are here looking for you.” I muttered, his head swiveled over to me, he clearly hadn't noticed my appearance in the doorway.

“Shit, you were quiet, I didn't hear you come in.” He chuckled, holding his chest.

“Oh my gosh, I didn't mean to scare you.” I bite my cheek to hold back my laugh.

When he stood up, I saw his outfit and trendy haircut. He looked good today, he isn't as tall as my brother and Callan but he is still tall enough. He waved for me to head out first and followed after me. He walked up to his client and dabbed hands with the guy. They seemed familiar with each other and I wondered how many regulars they got.

When a woman with jet black hair, cheek dimple, piercing and heavily tattooed walked in, I almost mistook her for a client until she walked up to me.

“Oh finally, we meet. I am Kate. She said and gave off that hot vampire look. She also wore heavy cat eyes and her nails were painted black.

“I don't know how we kept missing each other but nice to meet you.” I smiled, he looked me up and down and chuckled.

“You are as adorable as they said you were.” She smirked.

They? Was everyone talking about me? I hope it wasn't to make fun of me, I was suddenly self conscious.