Chapter 6

“Ready to go?” Kenji asked Dani as she pulled her soft yellow flats onto her feet.

“Yeah.” She replies with a smile. He reaches out for her hand and they walk out of his apartment together.

He opened the door for her and got into the driver seat of the car. He pulled up to Tony’s house. Tony came outside with a worried look on her face.

“Danielle! You had me so worried! Are you okay? I called you like 14 times! And who the hell did you leave with?” Tony questioned the girl and Kenji stepped out of his car and opened the door for Dani.

“She left with me. Not that you deserve an explanation but you and your friends got her drunk when she doesn’t drink.” He stood behind Dani protectively as he glared at Tony.

“Shit. Dani, I am so sorry.” Tony looked guilty as she reached out for her best friend.

“It’s okay, just don’t do it again.” Dani smiled and hugged her before turning around to face the man behind her. “Thank you for driving me home.” Kenji just smiled and ruffled her hair.

“No problem, Blondie. By the way, Hernan said he wants you to come to the shop more.” Kenji lied to Tony, it was an excuse to see Danielle more, but Tony doesn’t have to know that, now does she?

“Oh thank you for telling me, and for saving Dani.” Kenji nodded to them both and got into his car, driving away.

“So, tell me everything.” Tony said as she dragged Dani into the house. They sat on the couch and Dani told her about her night.

“Well for starters, he took me to his house and even gave me his jacket while we were walking.” Tony squealed at the cute action and encouraged her friend to continue. “He has such a nice apartment and it’s so clean but anyway, he had me wear one of his shirts to bed.” Dani cut her off with an excited yell.

“Just his shirt?! Omg, omg.” Dani rolled her eyes with a smile and nodded.

“Yes, yes, now let me finish. I offered to sleep on the couch but he had me sleep next to him, and before you ask, no nothing happened. He woke me up this morning and we ate cereal and then he,” her voice lowered down to a whisper, “He said I should let him take me on a date to repay him.“ Tony’s jaw dropped.

“Shut up! No way!” She said while jumping on Dani. “We’re going to the shop tonight whether you like it or not.” Tony giggled as she texted Hernan.

“I have to finish writing a paper for class first.” Dani got up from the couch and went to get her notepad from her bag.

“Well hurry up! Or you’re gonna write it there!” Tony threatened as she went to get ready for the night.

Dani rolled her eyes and started to finish writing her paper.

At Rincila, Hernan was prepping his work station when Kenji walked in. Kenji walked over to his own station and slipped on a pair of black gloves, before preparing for his day of work.

Hernan walked over to the chair by Kenji’s work area and sat down. “So, Tony told me you took Dani to your place last night.” Hernan started.

“Yeah, she was drunk. So I took her to my place.” Kenji replied with a shrug.

“She was drunk? You didn’t like… you know?” Kenji was appalled by what he was suggesting.

“Ew what?! No dude, she was drunk! I just let her crash at my place since YOUR girl got her drunk when she didn’t want to drink!” Kenji was fuming as he spoke, slamming the drawer to his desk shut.

“I’m sorry man, I was just looking out for Dani…” Hernan apologized as he stood.

“Well don’t. I can look out for her on my own.” Hernan nodded and walked away to his own station. Kenji pulled out his drawing pad and started drawing a new tattoo design. A little yellow flower with Dani’s name on the stem.