“That’s a bit cold but honest.” He replies.
“Then, you get my point.” I dip the needle in the black ink cup. “We crave to be desired and wanted and if that’s not in our cards, we need to shuffle again.”
He nods up and down. “That’s an interesting analogy.”
I buy myself a few minutes of quiet when I zero in on his tattoo.
This is what I wanted. To find my peace. This is why my dad sent me here.
Then why does my stomach twist?
The pad of his thumb plays with the ring attached to his finger on the other side of the armchair. “What is the toughest question you can ask a person?” out of the blue, his words catch me by surprise.
I simmer in my pot of thoughts. Decisions. Responsibilities. I always chased happiness even when I didn’t know what it meant.
“Are you happy?”
He exhales a loud breath out of his mouth, “Yeah, that’s a tough one.” His tiny chuckle comes out with a sigh. “When I figure it out I’ll let you know. Certain things put a smile on my face and make me feel good. It’s not a constant thing and I think happiness isn’t either. Moments make us happy.”
As much as I hate to admit it, he is right. Life is a long sequence of moments and each has its flavor. Color. Emotion. Voice. And shape.
Shutting down the machine half an hour later, I announce, “We’re done.”
He examines the tattoo, “You got skill.” He clenches his fist and his veins almost jump at me. “Didn’t think less.”
“Don’t forget to apply ointment or coconut oil and leave the wrap for a couple of days. Wash it softly. Make sure to wear something that at least covers it when you are under the sun. It’s not ideal but it’ll do.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, Wilder. It was nice chatting with you.” He bolts out of the opened door but stops abruptly. “Last question since it’s my turn. Are you always wearing a different expression to mask how you really feel?”
“Are you always sticking your nose in someone else’s business?” the bite just flies out of my mouth.
Nodding his head, “It’s not that hard when you willingly follow my lead.”
Putting my equipment aside, I grab my bag of sweets. “I have a feeling you’re going to be a pain in my ass.” Popping a candy into my mouth, I chew around the sour flavor that turns sweet.
“Precisely what I intend to be.” He retorts before he turns to leave.
He can be equally nice and a total dick at the same time. It’s disturbing. Confusing. And somewhat attractive.
“Almost forgot,” he spins to face me, “Don’t ride with strangers.”
“What?” my brows knit together.
“You know what I’m talking about.”
“No, I don’t.” I contemplate until it strikes me, “Unless youwere the biker from last night.”
“No comment.” The sense of pleasure he gets from this is infuriating.
I grind my teeth. “Meadow…”
He leans against the door frame, “Now that you know my name don’t accidentally moan it when you masturbate.”
My resting bitch face settles in place, “You’re delusional.”
“You’re blushing,” he lowers his voice to a whisper.
“I’m not,” I reply in a clipped tone, clenching my teeth. “It’s like a hundred degrees, and bite me.”
