“A time machine.”
Rod kisses the top of her head and then lays his cheek along it. “Yeah…me too. Stay strong for me. We’ll get through this shit together.”
“Sure.”
With one more squeeze, he releases her and steals another look at me. “Make sure she eats.”
How about making sure she breathes?
I understand everyone wants her to stay put for her safety. I’m right there wishing the same thing.
However, I do know Bay needs to blow off some steam. She might not be snapping or losing her shit, but she’s going to erupt again. It’s only a matter of time before she gathers enough energy.
I nod so Hot Rod can take his exit and see I heard him. He does when I pluck the Aquaphor from the countertop and the plastic wrap keeping Bay’s tattoos from getting irritated.
Her arm is already laid out for me, but she doesn’t bother sparing me a glance or saying anything.
I don’t either.
I see the Chinese food Cairo brought over earlier is laid out and untouched. So, I get creative and see if I can maybe get her to take two bites.
She took her plastic wrap off earlier, possibly to let her skin breathe as I studied it a bit. Her skin is slightly pink. There’s a thin, solid black line that works its way to her elbow with patterns on either side, a collection of feathers, a small skull with a crown, the word “sinner” along the inside of her forearm, and the tattoo artist still has some shading to do, but he’s covering it nicely. Wallace had more, but I don’t know if Bay’s small arm is going to be able to hold it all. I bet she’s planning to.
Squirting some of the clear Aquaphor on my fingertips, I carefully apply it without touching her skin much. I put on some more and continue slowly making my way around every inch of ink to give it the hydration and anti-inflammatory care it needs.
“I can do this,” she whispers. “You don’t need to.”
I don’t respond because we both know I don’t. I just don’t know what else to do but watch her daydream into oblivion of whatever thoughts are plaguing her.
Applying as much as I can without brushing my skin along hers, I pop the Styrofoam lid with the almond chicken meal Cairo brought.
That causes Bay to glance over at me. “I’m not hungry.”
“Two bites,” I deadpan easily, but she doesn’t make a move for a fork.
“I’ve never seen you eat.”
So?
I eat plenty, but I have other things on my mind.
“I eat just fine,” I force from my throat as I apply more Aquaphor.
“So do I.”
That’s not the point.
She needs all her strength, and I don’t want her to get sick. I know her appetite is the last thing on her mind, but so is breathing. I’m sure there are a lot of dark thoughts running through her head after the comment she made about wanting to die to Cairo.
I can’t say it was on the top ten favorite things I’ve ever heard her say.
In fact, it made my heart stop in my chest.
But I’m beginning to learn with Bay, there’s negotiating. If you give her something she can’t turn down, you’ll win.
“I’ll eat two if you do,” I emit softly.
Bay slowly cocks her head. “Why do we need to make this a big deal?”
