New Years Ink

[needleandink]

Adrian learned very early in his career that the best way to avoid starting off the new year dealing with pissed off people was to stop work by ten on New Years Eve. And by stop work, he meant door shut, lights off, and a huge "not a chance" sign on the door.

Even his usual system of capturing inebriated clients clearly requesting whatever drunken ideas they thought fabulous while wearing beer goggles didn't seem to help on New Years Day. Nope. Instead, he closed up and spent the night ringing in the new year in a much better way, to his mind anyway.

Which is why he was able to open the shop at ten on new years day, put out the sign offering ten percent off all new ink, and settle at the counter with coffee and a smile.

Comments

[annasun]

Bundled up in the world's thickest coat, Anna hurried through the door carrying a hot chocolate and coffee carefully between her mittens. Placing the coffee down on the counter for Adrian, she leaned across and brushed a chaste kiss against his lips with a small smile lingering on her own. Her cheeks and nose were cold from outside but that didn't stop her from smiling warmly.

"Momma said hello," Anna said. Having left Adrian's early to meet her momma for breakfast, Anna had made a quick stop to get coffee before returning back to Adrian's. Now, with a full day off she fully intended on spending the rest of the day in bed or practising her guitar upstairs. "Any new sober customers?"

[starsfallen]

Corrine's caught the last flight from LA to Maine on New Years day. She'd planned to arrive in time for dinner, though with who is another matter entirely. She'd thought she might be able to see Will. That they could start the New Year right together. But clearly hers was an obscene and naive hope, dashed by his changed phone numbers and the communication from the Cabot lawyers that unraveled her enough that she missed her original flight. Fortunately a black card can open up all sorts of flight options when you need it to.

It's late enough, by the time she's arrived at the airport, and the town car rolls up, that Siren Cove is nearly dark upon arrival. Which is not entirely a surprise, given the amount of hangovers and late nights likely being nursed from New Years Eve. When the car passes into the southern end of town, however, Corrine calls for a premature stop.

The Tattoo sign shines against the dark like a star. Calling to her to remind her she is strong. She is starting the year sober and new. In 2015 Corrine Flynn will be her own woman again, will reclaim her stardom again, will reclaim herself again. If only she hadn't had to break another heart to do so.

Corrine asks the towncar to wait, slips her driver an extra $50, and peers into the tattoo parlor. It's quiet, and late, but lights beckon in.

"Hello? Are you still open?"