“So you know each other from these meetups?” she asks, nodding her chin.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. “Dean is my cousin.” I fish it out, my eyes still tracing her features while she assesses mine.
“No way!” She moves her head from Dean to me in question.
“My Dad was Donna’s older brother,” Dean explains to her, “You already know he passed away a long time ago.”
She nods in understanding. “How come you never tattooed him because he said my Dad did all of them?” she looks between me and Dean.
Lenny’s gaze encounters mine. “Well, that’s a great question.”
“Yeah, Meadow.” Dean’s voice is teasing, “How come?”
“You’re never around and now it’s too late. I gave myself to another Wilder.” After what Jim did to me that was about respect. I showed him the respect he deserved and kept putting my trust in him because he is a hell of a tattoo artist.
“Oh, did you?” he subtly leans back, wrapping his arm around Lenny’s shoulder, “I can’t say I’m disappointed. You’re in great hands.” He kisses her forehead. “Besides, he must be one of those annoying clients who always think theyknow better.”
Blakely giggles and it lifts the corner of my mouth.
“Shut up.” I retort and quickly browse through my text messages.
Dad
I need you to work in the store for a few hours.
Mom is out with her biker friends and I’m supposed to have a session with Blakely.
I hired a new guy but he will come later this week.
Meadow
I’ll be right there.
“Rest my case.” Dean takes a bow.
I rise to my height, “Gotta go.” I round the table, peeking at Blakely as she eats her food quietly while she listens to Dean’s stories. “See you later?”
Dean turns his head to me, “You bet.”
“You didn’t eat,” Lenny exclaims.
I give Dean a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder. “I’ll take it to go.” I grab the plate from Dean. “Come on, girls, let’s go.”
Their legs don’t budge, and they don’t spare me a glance.
Little traitors.
“Come on.” I tap on my thigh.
Swallowing down my defeat, I look around.
This is awkward.
“Seems like they are yours today, Wilder.”
She pets both of their head. “I’ll keep them safe, don’t worry.”
Oddly, I don’t, when the only people I trust to supervise them are my parents, or Dean and Lennon when they visit.
