Nyla's family

'Are you sure you don't mind watching them for a couple of hours? I can take them with me if you like.'

'No, it's fine! I really don't mind. Besides, it'll be no fun for them at a tattoo studio. Here I can at least play with them.'

'Ah, good. Thanks, sweetie. I wouldn't normally ask but I'd already agreed to this job before I knew you were coming.'

'Don't worry about it. What's the job anyway?'

'You're better off not asking.'

'Well now I'm really intrigued...'

'...Someone wants a horse with a huge boner.'

'...Oh...'

'Yeah. Thankfully not my own design, but still... this is one that won't be going in the portfolio.'

'Don't blame you...'

'It's even worse than having to tattoo your ass!'

'Aww, I'm sorry Mum! Was worth it though. It's one of my favourites. Stan likes it too.'

'That's something. How are things between you anyway? Going strong?'

'Yeah, definitely! It couldn't be much better. He's really, really nice. Thoughtful, caring... Feli likes him too.'

'Ah, lovely. I'm glad.'

'...You're not convinced, are you?'

'No, darling, I believe you. It's just that I still worry.'

'I can see why but I'm honestly not covering things up this time. Stan is nice. He's not a bit like Austin. I might've had terrible judgement before, but I swear it's different this time. He hasn't even raised his voice to me. He knows all about what things used to be like, and he's really accommodating. Sometimes I still freeze up or need to take a moment, but he's always supportive.'

'I'm really glad to hear it, Nyla. He sounds compassionate. It's just the conviction that was a bit of a concern for me.'

'I get it. That really was a one-off though.'

'Well, Rozalina seems to think highly of him too, so that helps. No, I'm not saying I believe her over you, more that you're very kind and like to see the good in people.'

'And people who've been abused before often get abused again. I know.'

'How about I come over for a visit so I can meet him? Maylene too if she's free. I'd like to see him for myself.'

'That'd be great. I'm sure he'd be up for it too.'

'...There's been talk of me meeting his mum as well... though it sounds like she hates me already.'

'What? Why?'

'She's very overbearing. I think she's still got a grudge against me for having Stan over for Christmas. She keeps nagging him to get married and have kids, and I get the impression I'm definitely not the kind of woman she'd like him to do that with. Not that I'm having any more at my age...'

'Well, don't let her give you any shit. Or she'll have me to answer to.'

'Heh. I bet she will!'

'Oh yeah, how is Rozalina doing? I haven't spoken to her properly in a while.'

'She's... good. I got a text this morning saying she'd spent the night with Stan's cousin. According to him they pretty much agreed to sex as soon as she'd walked in the door...'

'Oh, Roza... some things never change.'

'I know.'

'Well, time's getting on. I'd better be going. I'll try not to be too long.'

'Don't rush your work! You can't be complacent with the quality of your horse dicks.'

'Pff...'

'Mummy!'

'Oh, I'm glad you didn't pick up on that part of the conversation... C'mere cutie.'

'Okay Kolya, I'm leaving you with your big sis Nyla while I have to work. You'll be good, won't you?'

'Yes!'

'Good. Give us a kiss.'

'We'll be fine here. No need to worry about us.'

'Of course. I know it's not your first rodeo.'

'Enjoy! Remember the finer details.'

'Oh, I'm sure I will. See you later!'

'Hey there sweetie. Let's go find Felicia, shall we?'