We crossed the space to get to the back room.
“Ladies, welcome back. If you need anything at all, just holler,” Seb said with a charming smile as we passed.
I closed the door behind us. The small room was set up with six chairs positioned in a haphazard circle. A table with drinks and snacks was pushed against the wall. Each of the ladies took a seat while I repositioned the tripod in the corner.
“Does anyone mind if I record this?” I asked.
“Not at all, honey. That’s what we’re here for,” Brenda said. Everyone else agreed as well, so I set my phone in the stand and hit Record.
“I really appreciate you all coming here today,” I started. “Ihave my own history with breast cancer, and when I found out that Seb did mastectomy tattoos, I thought it was really special. As I mentioned when I reached out to you, I would like to do a series of sorts for SD Ink’s profile where each of you is spotlighted, your story and experiences told, and your tattoos displayed. I know some folks didn’t feel comfortable with that, and that’s totally fine. Is everyone here still feeling okay with being involved in this?”
Amy laughed. “Are you kidding? I show off this tattoo to everyone I meet. And this being for Sebastian, I’m happy to participate.”
“Absolutely. That man has entirely too much charisma for his own good, but it sure suckered me in,” Brenda chuckled.
I opened the conversation, talking about my mom and how I thought she would love this idea. We talked and ate for over two hours as each of the women described their own experiences, from the moment they found out to the treatments and side effects. Tears streamed down my face, more than once, during their stories, but I certainly wasn’t the only one. Before we finished, I photographed each woman individually to showcase in their segment.
“Thanks, Lauren. These came out really good. I’ll make some small edits to them and make sure you approve before I post anything,” I said after I finished with the last shoot. “What do you guys think of a group photoshoot too?”
Amy and Lisa were huddled together, Amy’s arm raised in front of her with her phone in her hand to get the best selfie shot of the two of them. They both started laughing hysterically—the wine I served was clearly going to their heads. It brought a smile to my face, and my insides lit up a little more just watching them.
“I think you know that we’re in,” Lisa yelled.
Everyone got together for the last photo session. It was so much fun, having them pose in various ways that showed not only Seb’s tattoos but also their personal strength, and highlighted the bond that they had created from something so dark. I rubbed the lioness tattoo on my thigh. If it weren’t for my own turmoil and the bonds I created as I healed, I wouldn’t have met these ladies. I wouldn’t have rebuilt the relationships with my brothers and forged new relationships with their women. I wouldn’t have Seb.
“That’s a wrap, everyone. I can’t thank you enough for doing this,” I said.
Brenda reached out and grabbed my hand, sandwiching it between hers. “It’s been a true pleasure.”
“Really, this was more fun that I could have imagined.” Lauren smiled.
I walked them to the door as promises to keep in touch and plans were made.
Lisa was the last to leave. She hugged me tightly, a real motherly hug like she knew I needed it. “Thank you, Lydia. Thank you putting this on and getting us together.”
“Thanks for being the catalyst,” I choked out, my throat tight as I tried to keep my composure.
The door closed behind her, and with it, all of my energy went out the window. Exhaustion swept in, and I had to sit on the couch and rest.
I hadn’t even realized I’d closed my eyes, but I must have because sometime later, I was being woken up by Seb as he lifted me from the couch and into his arms.
“Hey,” I mumbled. “I’m awake. I can walk.”
“Sure you are, baby,” he laughed. “Come on, let meget you to the car. I’m all closed up here.”
“It’s already after 10:00 p.m.?” I pried my eyes open. The scruff on Sebastian’s cheeks almost hid his dimple, but not quite.
“Yeah,” he chuckled. “Don’t worry, you’ve only been snoring for the last hour or so.”
“I don’t snore,” I huffed, closing my eyes and letting Seb carry me to the car. I could have fought it. I really was awake—at least, now I was—and I wasn’t a child. I could walk myself to the car. Or I could let him carry me, the masculine scent of him lulling me back into a peaceful rest.
I chose option two.
27
Sebastian
My facial hair was trimmed. Cologne spritzed lightly. I had on my best jeans and a plain black T-shirt. It wasn’t anything fancy, but if I was going to take Lydia on a date, I needed to at least make an effort.
