Chapter Nine
Oliver
The buzz of the tattoo gun is usually music to my ears while the bite of the needle is a balm that soothes my battered soul, but today, it’s just a pain in the ass. Literally.
“Dude, that pony got you good. How have you been sitting, let alone going for a horse ride with your family?” There’s genuine amazement in Jonah’s voice, which speaks to the absolute demonic nature of Harlow’s prized DS. He’s outlining the shape of the bruise and teeth marks that I’m convinced will never fully heal. “I know I don't have to tell you this, but I can’t color it in until the bruise fades. I'll take a picture so that I get it right later, but for now, you’ll have to settle for the outline.”
Gritting my teeth, I grunt my agreement. “The damn thing’s a menace, but I should know better than to turn my back on a strange animal. I've been taking painkillers and sitting on a cushion as much as possible. The ride the other day was a nightmare, but I wasn't going to miss it when everyone else was going. And then I was glad I hadn't skipped it because Holden got shot.” The last bit is said with such an obvious hitch in my tone that neither Jonah nor I can pretend it didn’t happen. The gun stops buzzing, and my friend’s hand comes to my shoulder in comfort. Jonah knows everything about my and Holden’s history, so he’s always been a safe and objective person for me to talk to. Talking about your ex is tricky, especially when most of the people you’d want to confide in are both your siblings and his. I’m not really sure there’s any way they could all be objective about this, though they try, especially Jacinta.
“How is he?” I turn my head to look at him.
“Really fucking lucky.” My eyes close as the memory of how he looked in the hospital flashes into my mind. “I was so fucking scared, but it helped me make a few decisions.”
Jonah squeezes my shoulder before his hand drops. “Oh yeah, like what?” he asks as the gun starts up again. He resumes working on the outline, and I give myself a second to revel in the sensation. I don’t love the pain that this bite has caused, but there’s always been something therapeutic about the feel of getting a tattoo.
“Well, for one, I need to get Harlow to forgive me. This is part of that. A reminder to never be an ass.”
“I still can’t believe you didn't warn her,” Jonah growls as he presses a little harder than necessary, making me yelp, but he doesn't need to say anything else. He already let me have it the day after it happened. Not only do I have to stop being an ass, I need to be more mindful of who I let influence me. I knew my sister had problems and wouldn’t be able to look at Harlow without her past coloring their future. It’s people like Jonah, the ones who met her only once but saw the goodness in her, that I should have let whisper in my ear.
“I know! I’m an idiot, but I’m going to do everything I can to make it up to her. I need to reassure her I'm not upset about the car either. Maybe invite her to come and help me pick a new one? And I need to set things straight with Holden. Back when we first got to Dad’s, I let my anger and insecurities rule my heart, but I’m not that scared boy anymore and neither is Holden. He’s not the boy desperate to fit in, willing to give up everything to avoid rocking the boat. He can see for himself that our family loves him no matter what. I just need him to realize that I still love him as much as I did before we were adopted.”
“Holy shit, man. So, full court press, hey.” I roll my eyes at Jonah’s basketball reference. He doesn't look like he’d know a basketball from a football, but he’s a huge sports fan. Hockey especially. The man hails from one of those states that gets more snow than anything else, and the California weather has never been able to melt the love of snow and hockey from his veins.
“Yep, and I won't rest until I make them both mine.” I pause for a moment. “Well, maybe Harlow will end up with more than just me, but I want my 1/6th share.” Every time I say it, I’m still surprised that I’m not bothered by the idea, but it also makes sense to me in the way that I know I love Holden, yet I think I could grow to love her. If I could love two people in their own ways, who’s to say that she shouldn’t have the chance to fully embrace her own capacity for love?
“Oh, so it’s like that, is it? The Summers boys are fixing to settle down. Got their eye on the prize and heaven help those that get in their way.” He chuckles, and I nod with satisfaction. Jonah has always been able to roll with the punches, and it’s hard to think of anything I feel like I couldn’t tell him. Given he’s bisexual and completely open to taking on more than one partner at a time, he’s also had his fair share of crazy nights that he’s shared with me. He’s been one of my closest friends for years, and he’s seen all kinds of unconventional, even poly, relationships, so that’s not something that would ever give him pause.
With his sister Jilly being our favorite hostess for the family plane, I’d say that all the Summers hold Jonah’s family close to our hearts. We don’t trust easy, us Summers, but when we find people we care about, we hold on with everything we’ve got.
“Yes indeed. And we can be ruthless if we need to. Harlow doesn't stand a chance.” At least not after we make everything up to her and earn her forgiveness. I’m still not sure how we’re all going to make that happen yet, so I change the subject because there's something I’ve wanted to talk to him about.
“So we’ve got that new shop opening on the east coast; we still haven't got enough artists to man it yet, and I haven't found anyone I’d trust to manage it. As much as I'd miss you, are you interested in heading up the new store? We’d pay to relocate you and cover your rent for the first six months. If you end up hating it, you can come back, absolutely no hard feelings. Hopefully we’ll have found someone we like to run it by then.”
Once again, the gun stops buzzing, and the pain in my ass stops. “Are you serious?” he asks quietly from behind me.
“Of course I am. You're like a brother to me. I trust you with my life.”
“Then I would be honored, man.” I sit up gingerly, and we embrace in the way of the man, all back slaps and not holding on too long. He pulls back, and a cheeky glint hits his eyes. “So if I'm like a brother to you, does that mean I get a share of Harlow too?”
My mouth drops open in surprise, and he bursts into laughter, pushing me back down on the table.
“Dude, your face! God, I’m going to miss that when I leave.”
And just like that, I have a manager I trust for my new shop and plans in place to woo my loves.
* * *
Acouple of hours later, I’m heading for the hospital, cushion under my ass while the pain constantly reminds me of what not to do. I need to be able to tell Harlow about my childhood and how I ended up being adopted by Dad. It’s no excuse, but it might help her understand the motivation behind my actions or lack thereof. I just need to figure out what’s happening with Holden first because telling my story inevitably ties into his.
I had insisted on picking Holden up, so he can’t escape our much needed and long overdue conversation. I’m using the limo today, which means we can talk without me having to concentrate on driving, not to mentionmy car was trashed.I hope I get one good punch in when the stalker is caught. That car was my baby, though it doesn't mean more to me than Harlow’s safety.
The limo pulls into the patient pick up at the hospital, and I climb out gingerly. I’ve been living with pain for days now, so extending it for a few more isn’t really a big deal. Hopefully, one day Harlow and I can laugh about it, preferably while we’re both naked in bed. Maybe with Holden laying on her other side.
I make my way through the hospital up to the floor where Holden is. When I get to his room, he’s flirting with the nurse, but he looks like he’s dressed and ready to go. Nana had dropped off clothes yesterday. Clearing my throat, they both look up.
“Ah, it looks like your ride’s here.” The male nurse smiles at me when I enter the room. Like many of LA’s residents, he's unnaturally pretty, and I find myself gritting my teeth with jealousy. But I smile and pretend it doesn't bother me, just like I’ve been doing since Holden decided we couldn't be together. I’d told Harlow that I preferred pussy to cock, but to be honest, it wasn't that at all. It was this man in front of me. He’s the only one I’ve always wanted. There have been others who stirred my interest, but the real deal has always been him. And now it’s Harlow too. Hopefully together.
“Oli?” Holden looks behind me like he expects others to walk in. “Are you on your own?”
