Free Abiding Ink (Inked in the Steel City #4) by Ranae Rose

mother’s spirits. Casting a sideways glance at Theo, Mallory fell prey to a sneaking suspicion. “Close enough. What are your plans for the holiday, Theo?”
    “My son promised to visit me. I guess we’ll exchange gifts, and then he can suffer through my cooking.”
    A bachelors’ Christmas. Cute. “What about your plans right now? I was just about to make some hot chocolate. Would you like some?”
    It wasn’t exactly true – she’d only come up with the idea about two seconds ago. She was pretty sure there was a box of cocoa in the cupboard, though.
    “Sure, if you don’t mind going through the trouble.” He responded with good humor, and Mallory hurried to turn around and face the cupboard before he or her mother could notice the self-satisfied little smile that leapt to her lips.
    “We only have sugar-free,” she said. “Is that all right with you, Theo?”
    He said he didn’t mind, and Mallory made three mugs. Together she, her mother and Theo settled down at the kitchen table. Conversation was light – Theo was the kind of guy who excelled at making small talk without making it seem cheap or insincere.
    “I’ve got to get going,” Mallory said eventually, glancing first at the kitchen clock and then at the little bit of hot chocolate left in her mug. “I’ve got an appointment at five.” If she left now, she’d arrive a few minutes early, as a precaution.
    “Be careful out there,” her mother said. “There’s ice in the parking lot.”
    “You let me know if you need any help carrying things when you get back,” Theo said.
    “Thanks, but I’m not going shopping.” A couple butterflies sprang to life in her middle as she envisioned her destination and what would happen there. “I’ll be back in a few hours. There’s more cocoa in the cupboard if anyone wants any.”
     
* * * * *
 
    Snowflakes drifted down, shining bright and bold in the glow of neon light as Tyler approached Hot Ink. Walking through the snow reminded him of walking away from Dr. Anthony’s holiday party with Mallory. He cast a glance at the empty space at his side. Her glittering dress would’ve shone like city lights in the neon haze cast by the sign above the door. Stepping under that very fixture, he entered the shop.
    “Hey,” Jed said, looking up from where he stood by the counter, talking to Mina.
    “Hey. Figured I’d bring some sketches by. Here.” He handed over an envelope containing a small stack of paper sheets, on which he’d crafted a few pre-designed tattoos. The only flash art displayed on the walls of Hot Ink was original art designed by the Hot Ink artists – Jed wouldn’t hang the generic stuff so many shops used. He said he wanted clients to have art to choose from that was unique, if not custom.
    The only exception he made was for Mina’s little sister, Jess – she was only a highschooler, but some of her art hung on the walls, and quite a few of her designs had been chosen by clients already. Her floral pieces were especially popular. Tyler had tattooed one of them, once.
    “Thanks.” Jed took the envelope, opened it and flipped through the artwork. “Nice. Mina, will you hang these up?”
    “Sure.” She took the sheets, handling them gingerly, and strode toward the far wall, which was devoted to the purpose.
    “Still cleaning up at home after the party?” Tyler asked, thinking of the decorations that had been strung all over Jed’s house this year. Karen had put them up, and the overall effect had given the impression that a silvery Christmas cheer bomb had exploded all over their place in Allegheny West.
    Tyler had liked it better than the magazine-perfect party-scape Dr. Anthony had created.
    “Yeah, not so much,” Jed said. “Karen thinks we should leave it all up ‘till after Christmas.” He didn’t sound particularly enthusiastic, but Tyler caught the briefest of half smiles and knew that Jed would let Karen paint his house pink if she had her heart set on it.
    It