I opened the door to Tatovere Ink expecting to find Jorge, and hoping Bo would be with him. It was a surprise to find a woman standing behind the counter. I wasn’t exactly short at 5’6”, and this woman was taller than me by about two inches.
“How can I help you?” She brushed her long platinum blonde and pink hair behind her shoulders.
“Oh, I was looking for Jorge?” My voice cracked as I forced the question out. I was suddenly nervous. For no good reason.
“Honey, you know he’s gay, right? I know everyone adores those brown eyes of his and the dimples, but he’s not interested in anyone other than his husband.”
My cheeks were hot as I felt both embarrassed and angry. “And I’m not interested in anyone other than my husband.” I held up my left hand, showing off my wedding rings.
She shook her head, coming out from behind the counter. “I’m sorry. I thought you were another dumb college student coming back to try to hook up.”
College student? At thirty-five, I briefly enjoyed the idea she thought I was a college student. Then, I remembered why I was there and pushed the idea out of my head.
“I can do any tattoo he can, you know.”
I noticed the Roger Rabbit tattoo she had on her right arm. “I’m sure you can, but I’m not here for a tattoo.”
She crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. “Did he give your child a tattoo without permission?”
He gave me a tattoo without permission. I almost told her, but kept the thought to myself. I was warming up to the fountain pen on my shoulder. But I didn’t plan to get another one, ever. “No. I wanted to talk to Bo. I know Jorge’s sister Isabel and she said…”
“Jorge should be in by eleven.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was quarter til. “Do you mind if I wait?”
She shrugged as she judged me. Finally, she offered me her hand. “I’m Ashton Swift, Jorge’s business partner.”
“Felicia Michaels.” I shook her hand, before realizing I’d introduced myself with my maiden name. Technically, I was Felicity Hoffman. That’s what my driver’s license read, even if everyone did call me Felicia.
“And what do you do Felicia Michaels?”
I laughed. “Well, that’s a bit complicated. I used to be a screenwriter. But I haven’t done much writing this year.”
“Screenwriter? Like movies?”
I nodded.
“Any of your scripts get made into movies?”
I nodded, again. “Have you seen Power Struggle?”
“A couple times. It seems to always be playing on cable. But with young kids, I’m not watching much TV these days.”
The idea of her having young kids surprised me. I don’t know what I’d expected her to say. “Young kids? How old are they?”
“Val is three. Duncan is six months today. You got kids?”
“Rafe is nine. Etta is seven.”
“You don't look old enough to have a nine-year-old.” She shook her head. “You have him in high school?”
I smiled. “Thank you. But, no. I was twenty-five when he was born.”
“Etta? Is that for Etta James?”
I nodded. “My parents…”
The door opening behind me interrupted me. I turned to see Jorge enter. He looked at me and then Ashton, and then me again. He opened his mouth to speak but I shook my head.
“I was hoping to talk to Bo.”
He was surprised. “Really?”
I nodded. “Isabel said he’s an environmental studies consultant. I’m hoping he can help me with a problem.”
He laughed. “Really?”
I nodded again. “Can we talk for a minute?”
Before I finished asking, he pushed me back into his chair. “Did you find him?”
“Yes. I found Chef and he is safely staying at The Elskede.”
“Where was he?”
“Staying at his parents’ home in Buellton.”
He had a pained look on his face. “I don’t know why he hasn’t sold that place. After what happened there…”
I took a deep breath and let it out. “I think that Pablo and I have convinced him to sell it and use the money to pay for Aliana’s education.”
“Is that what he needed the money for?” Jorge shook his head. “I would’ve helped pay for her school.”
“He thinks it’s his responsibility, since his parents paid for his.” I reached my hand out and placed it on his arm. “I’m still trying to help him. He borrowed money from Pearl Tarkey to pay for Aliana’s tuition.”
“Pearl Tarkey … why do I know that name?”
“Because she was married to Howard Tarkey.”
He made a noise before rubbing his eyes. “What was he thinking?”
“I don’t think he was. Because he didn’t pay back the money. But she’s agreed to forgive the debt if I can stop the removal of her trees.”
“Those must be some important trees.”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess. I need Bo’s help.”
Jorge pulled out his phone. “I’ll call him.”
The phone call only took a few minutes, after which he stood there looking at me. I realized I was sitting in his chair. “What?”
“While we wait, can I give you more ink?”
“No.” I noted the disappointment on his face. “But if Bo is helpful at all, I’ll think about a second tattoo.”
Twenty minutes later, I was on my way back to Solvang with Bo in my passenger seat. He was quiet, resting his arm on my center console. I bumped his arm a second time when I tried again to also rest my arm on the console.
“Sorry.” He pulled his arm back.
“Are you afraid of me?”
“Should I be?”
I shook my head. “No. You’re taller and bigger than me. I think I’d have more reason to be afraid of you.”
“Just so you know, my hourly rate is about two hundred.”
His hourly rate? I was confused. “What exactly do you think I’m paying you for?”
“I charge two hundred dollars an hour for my consulting work.”
“That’s eight thousand a week.”
He nodded. “My work pays well.”
“Well, don’t expect me to pay you. You’re doing this as a favor. I’m trying to help Chef, which helps Jorge.”
Bo shrugged. “I just want you to know how much my time is worth.”
“And people pay you that much?”
“Yes. Being environmentally conscious isn't a fad. More and more companies are trying to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.”
I was impressed, and surprised. His long blue hair made it difficult for me to take him seriously. But I guessed I was the only one. Unless he wore a wig. “The blue hair…”
He said something I didn’t recognize. “I live in California now. It’s not that wild. One of my coworkers has dyed her hair purple, green, and yellow. She looks like mardi gras.”
I caught that he said he lived here now. “Where did you live before?”
“Sorø, Denmark.”
“Where is that in relation to Aarhus?”
“Aarhus, Denmark?” He paused and I nodded. “It’s about two to three hours away. Why?”
“Just curious. The concierge at The Elskede, Victor Overbye, is from there.”
“So you thought that since we're both from Denmark, I must know him?”
I shook my head, irritated. “No. I was just wondering how close they were. He’s been here for about six years and still has his accent.”
“I wanted to fit in, so I worked hard to lose mine when I moved here nine years ago.”
“And you never thought about moving back?”
He shook his head. “No. I fell in love. But I would love to go back and visit my sister.”
“Victor’s getting ready to head back. He leaves in sixteen days.”
Bo sighed. “I’m jealous. I haven’t been back in three years.”
I wondered if he hadn’t been back because of his sexuality. If he’d had a falling out with his family. But I didn’t dare ask. It was none of my business. I wouldn’t have turned my back on my brother if he was gay. His propensity for landing himself in jail would’ve been a better reason, but I still loved him.
“How did you manage to find yourself in California?”
“School. I wanted to study in America. So I researched schools with environmental science programs, eliminated schools that were too expensive, and then researched the locations. Santa Barbara was my first choice. I got lucky.” He sighed. “But I do miss my family in Denmark. We talk weekly, but it’s not the same. But since Pernie is pregnant again, Jorge and I are planning to go visit next June.”
That answered some of my questions, while creating more. I wondered how many siblings he had. If they were all married. If they were older or younger. It was his choice to share the information. I didn’t want to pry, since I didn’t know him well.
“Have you thought about kids? Would you want a little boy or girl with your blue hair?”
He laughed. “It’s naturally blonde, if that’s what you were trying to determine.” He paused. “Jorge and I’ve talked about it. Adopting or having one via surrogate. Are you volunteering?”
I shook my head. “I’m done being pregnant. Rafe is nine and Etta is seven. And we’ve both been tied and clipped.” I instantly regretted sharing that last bit of information. That was a little too personal. And Pablo would have hated that anyone knew. “Please don’t say anything about…”
“The trees?” Bo shook his head. “Are we getting close?”
I nodded. “Yes. We’re here, actually.” I pulled into Pearl Tarkey’s long driveway. Then, I pointed at the trees at the edge of her property. “Those Valley Oak trees. Is there an environmental reason to tear them down?”
“Can we get out and look at them?”
I nodded. “Sure.” I hoped it was okay. I didn’t know how Pearl Tarkey would feel about us on her property, but it was too late to ask for permission. We were already there.
Turning off the car, I opened the door and glanced up toward the house. Nobody was coming down to tell us to leave. So, I got out and walked over toward the trees.
Bo followed me and studied the trees for a few minutes. “Well, I don’t think there’s an environmental reason. I can tell they are young. Probably only about ten years. They are younger than some of the other trees in the area.”
“If you were tearing them down, what would be your reason?”
He shook his head. “I wouldn’t be tearing down trees. Trees help the environment. They clean the air…” He stopped himself, shaking his head. “I can give you a long list of reasons why trees are good for the environment and why tearing them down is not.”
I was disappointed. “I was really hoping you’d be able to give me a valid reason to tear down the trees. Or be able to tell me who is doing it.”
“Well, unless they were planted in an easement…”
“What?”
“Based on where these trees are? No. There is no valid reason to tear down these trees. Whoever is doing it is either vindictive or just hates trees.”
He was slightly helpful, but I felt like I’d wasted the day. I still had no idea how to save the trees.
Solvang 2
Part 4
gagengirl entertainment
I opened the door to Tatovere Ink expecting to find Jorge, and hoping Bo would be with him. It was a surprise to find a woman standing behind the counter. I wasn’t exactly short at 5’6”, and this woman was taller than me by about two inches.
“How can I help you?” She brushed her long platinum blonde and pink hair behind her shoulders.
“Oh, I was looking for Jorge?” My voice cracked as I forced the question out. I was suddenly nervous. For no good reason.
“Honey, you know he’s gay, right? I know everyone adores those brown eyes of his and the dimples, but he’s not interested in anyone other than his husband.”
My cheeks were hot as I felt both embarrassed and angry. “And I’m not interested in anyone other than my husband.” I held up my left hand, showing off my wedding rings.
She shook her head, coming out from behind the counter. “I’m sorry. I thought you were another dumb college student coming back to try to hook up.”
College student? At thirty-five, I briefly enjoyed the idea she thought I was a college student. Then, I remembered why I was there and pushed the idea out of my head.
“I can do any tattoo he can, you know.”
I noticed the Roger Rabbit tattoo she had on her right arm. “I’m sure you can, but I’m not here for a tattoo.”
She crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. “Did he give your child a tattoo without permission?”
He gave me a tattoo without permission. I almost told her, but kept the thought to myself. I was warming up to the fountain pen on my shoulder. But I didn’t plan to get another one, ever. “No. I wanted to talk to Bo. I know Jorge’s sister Isabel and she said…”
“Jorge should be in by eleven.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was quarter til. “Do you mind if I wait?”
She shrugged as she judged me. Finally, she offered me her hand. “I’m Ashton Swift, Jorge’s business partner.”
“Felicia Michaels.” I shook her hand, before realizing I’d introduced myself with my maiden name. Technically, I was Felicity Hoffman. That’s what my driver’s license read, even if everyone did call me Felicia.
“And what do you do Felicia Michaels?”
I laughed. “Well, that’s a bit complicated. I used to be a screenwriter. But I haven’t done much writing this year.”
“Screenwriter? Like movies?”
I nodded.
“Any of your scripts get made into movies?”
I nodded, again. “Have you seen Power Struggle?”
“A couple times. It seems to always be playing on cable. But with young kids, I’m not watching much TV these days.”
The idea of her having young kids surprised me. I don’t know what I’d expected her to say. “Young kids? How old are they?”
“Val is three. Duncan is six months today. You got kids?”
“Rafe is nine. Etta is seven.”
“You don't look old enough to have a nine-year-old.” She shook her head. “You have him in high school?”
I smiled. “Thank you. But, no. I was twenty-five when he was born.”
“Etta? Is that for Etta James?”
I nodded. “My parents…”
The door opening behind me interrupted me. I turned to see Jorge enter. He looked at me and then Ashton, and then me again. He opened his mouth to speak but I shook my head.
“I was hoping to talk to Bo.”
He was surprised. “Really?”
I nodded. “Isabel said he’s an environmental studies consultant. I’m hoping he can help me with a problem.”
He laughed. “Really?”
I nodded again. “Can we talk for a minute?”
Before I finished asking, he pushed me back into his chair. “Did you find him?”
“Yes. I found Chef and he is safely staying at The Elskede.”
“Where was he?”
“Staying at his parents’ home in Buellton.”
He had a pained look on his face. “I don’t know why he hasn’t sold that place. After what happened there…”
I took a deep breath and let it out. “I think that Pablo and I have convinced him to sell it and use the money to pay for Aliana’s education.”
“Is that what he needed the money for?” Jorge shook his head. “I would’ve helped pay for her school.”
“He thinks it’s his responsibility, since his parents paid for his.” I reached my hand out and placed it on his arm. “I’m still trying to help him. He borrowed money from Pearl Tarkey to pay for Aliana’s tuition.”
“Pearl Tarkey … why do I know that name?”
“Because she was married to Howard Tarkey.”
He made a noise before rubbing his eyes. “What was he thinking?”
“I don’t think he was. Because he didn’t pay back the money. But she’s agreed to forgive the debt if I can stop the removal of her trees.”
“Those must be some important trees.”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess. I need Bo’s help.”
Jorge pulled out his phone. “I’ll call him.”
The phone call only took a few minutes, after which he stood there looking at me. I realized I was sitting in his chair. “What?”
“While we wait, can I give you more ink?”
“No.” I noted the disappointment on his face. “But if Bo is helpful at all, I’ll think about a second tattoo.”
Twenty minutes later, I was on my way back to Solvang with Bo in my passenger seat. He was quiet, resting his arm on my center console. I bumped his arm a second time when I tried again to also rest my arm on the console.
“Sorry.” He pulled his arm back.
“Are you afraid of me?”
“Should I be?”
I shook my head. “No. You’re taller and bigger than me. I think I’d have more reason to be afraid of you.”
“Just so you know, my hourly rate is about two hundred.”
His hourly rate? I was confused. “What exactly do you think I’m paying you for?”
“I charge two hundred dollars an hour for my consulting work.”
“That’s eight thousand a week.”
He nodded. “My work pays well.”
“Well, don’t expect me to pay you. You’re doing this as a favor. I’m trying to help Chef, which helps Jorge.”
Bo shrugged. “I just want you to know how much my time is worth.”
“And people pay you that much?”
“Yes. Being environmentally conscious isn't a fad. More and more companies are trying to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.”
I was impressed, and surprised. His long blue hair made it difficult for me to take him seriously. But I guessed I was the only one. Unless he wore a wig. “The blue hair…”
He said something I didn’t recognize. “I live in California now. It’s not that wild. One of my coworkers has dyed her hair purple, green, and yellow. She looks like mardi gras.”
I caught that he said he lived here now. “Where did you live before?”
“Sorø, Denmark.”
“Where is that in relation to Aarhus?”
“Aarhus, Denmark?” He paused and I nodded. “It’s about two to three hours away. Why?”
“Just curious. The concierge at The Elskede, Victor Overbye, is from there.”
“So you thought that since we're both from Denmark, I must know him?”
I shook my head, irritated. “No. I was just wondering how close they were. He’s been here for about six years and still has his accent.”
“I wanted to fit in, so I worked hard to lose mine when I moved here nine years ago.”
“And you never thought about moving back?”
He shook his head. “No. I fell in love. But I would love to go back and visit my sister.”
“Victor’s getting ready to head back. He leaves in sixteen days.”
Bo sighed. “I’m jealous. I haven’t been back in three years.”
I wondered if he hadn’t been back because of his sexuality. If he’d had a falling out with his family. But I didn’t dare ask. It was none of my business. I wouldn’t have turned my back on my brother if he was gay. His propensity for landing himself in jail would’ve been a better reason, but I still loved him.
“How did you manage to find yourself in California?”
“School. I wanted to study in America. So I researched schools with environmental science programs, eliminated schools that were too expensive, and then researched the locations. Santa Barbara was my first choice. I got lucky.” He sighed. “But I do miss my family in Denmark. We talk weekly, but it’s not the same. But since Pernie is pregnant again, Jorge and I are planning to go visit next June.”
That answered some of my questions, while creating more. I wondered how many siblings he had. If they were all married. If they were older or younger. It was his choice to share the information. I didn’t want to pry, since I didn’t know him well.
“Have you thought about kids? Would you want a little boy or girl with your blue hair?”
He laughed. “It’s naturally blonde, if that’s what you were trying to determine.” He paused. “Jorge and I’ve talked about it. Adopting or having one via surrogate. Are you volunteering?”
I shook my head. “I’m done being pregnant. Rafe is nine and Etta is seven. And we’ve both been tied and clipped.” I instantly regretted sharing that last bit of information. That was a little too personal. And Pablo would have hated that anyone knew. “Please don’t say anything about…”
“The trees?” Bo shook his head. “Are we getting close?”
I nodded. “Yes. We’re here, actually.” I pulled into Pearl Tarkey’s long driveway. Then, I pointed at the trees at the edge of her property. “Those Valley Oak trees. Is there an environmental reason to tear them down?”
“Can we get out and look at them?”
I nodded. “Sure.” I hoped it was okay. I didn’t know how Pearl Tarkey would feel about us on her property, but it was too late to ask for permission. We were already there.
Turning off the car, I opened the door and glanced up toward the house. Nobody was coming down to tell us to leave. So, I got out and walked over toward the trees.
Bo followed me and studied the trees for a few minutes. “Well, I don’t think there’s an environmental reason. I can tell they are young. Probably only about ten years. They are younger than some of the other trees in the area.”
“If you were tearing them down, what would be your reason?”
He shook his head. “I wouldn’t be tearing down trees. Trees help the environment. They clean the air…” He stopped himself, shaking his head. “I can give you a long list of reasons why trees are good for the environment and why tearing them down is not.”
I was disappointed. “I was really hoping you’d be able to give me a valid reason to tear down the trees. Or be able to tell me who is doing it.”
“Well, unless they were planted in an easement…”
“What?”
“Based on where these trees are? No. There is no valid reason to tear down these trees. Whoever is doing it is either vindictive or just hates trees.”
He was slightly helpful, but I felt like I’d wasted the day. I still had no idea how to save the trees.
Solvang 2
Part 4
gagengirl entertainment