Sothea had left. It wasn’t like I expected him to be here. I was the one who fell asleep instead of keeping him company. Why would he stay squished on a couch when he had his own place? It wasn’t like I asked him and he turned me down, either. Still, it hurt that he was not here when I woke up.
Trying not to wallow in my pity party for one, I hit the bathroom and then went into the kitchen to make coffee. That’s when I saw the note.
You fell asleep and were so peaceful, I didn’t have the heart to wake you. I didn’t know how to get you to bed without disturbing your slumber. Hope that’s okay.
It was good to see you last night, but next time, when you’re so tired, you don’t have to pretend for me. I promise I’d rather you have the sleep you need.
I have to work today. I have a sleeve that I’m outlining this morning and a fill-in job after lunch. I’ll try to call you during my break.
Sothea
The man did not just write a littlehope you slept well, peace outkind of letter. No, this was a full-on written-in-cursive letter, like the days of old. All that was missing were the stamp and the envelope. It was the sweetest thing ever. For such a tough exterior, he was showing me time and again what a sweetheart he was.
According to my microwave clock, it was midmorning. I took a shower and got ready for my day, already working on a way to see him. The idea that stuck out the most was bringing him lunch between his clients. Would that be too much? Would I be pushing him? I didn’t think so. He gave every indication he was as into me as I was him.
The more I thought about the idea, the more it was less of an idea and more of a plan. Maybe he didn’t eat lunch or he’d already packed one. But if that was the case, he could take whatever I brought home for later, right?
I wanted to see Sothea, but, if he was busy, I could leave it at the front desk for him. Easy, done.
Unpacking my clothes and throwing a load in the wash was the full excitement of the morning. Waiting was hard, but I didn’t want to interrupt what I was sure was a really long-term project. There was no way sleeves were done in just a few hours. I should ask him about it. He lit up when he talked about his work, and there wasn’t much I loved more than seeing his smile.
I opted to go to one of the restaurants he’d sent me a picture of. It was only a few blocks’ walk, and when I got there, I couldsee why he liked it. Not only did they have soups and sandwiches for lunch, but they also had a very impressive dessert display. I picked out some pastries, a few kinds of sandwiches and soups, and drinks, figuring if his brother and sister-in-law were there, they’d want to eat as well.
It never hurt to make a good impression.
With a huge bag in each hand, I headed to the tattoo parlor and went straight inside.
“Hey, you’re back!” his sister-in-law said. “I’m Greta, by the way.” Now, I had a name for the title. It felt like progress.
“I brought lunch for everyone.” I held up the two bags.
“Let me go get him. He just finished up and is upstairs grabbing something.”
“Okay.”
She started to head out just as her husband came in, at least that’s who I assumed it was, the way they focused on each other. He looked like Sothea, only maybe about ten years older. There was no question he and Sothea were related.
“Where are you off to?” he asked, pulling her into a hug. I felt like I was intruding. There was something so personal about it, even though it was just a hug.
“I’m gonna go get your younger, hotter brother,” she teased.
“You mean, you’re going to get my younger, plainer brother. We both know I’m the sexy one around here.”
She bit his jawline, and I turned around. I was definitely intruding.
“You’re making our guest nervous,” he said.
“Sorry about that.” She approached me and grabbed my hand. “You’re coming upstairs with me. Bring the food.”
“But I got food for everyone.”
“Just bring the food.” Greta rolled her eyes.
I carried both bags in one hand, pretty sure there was going to be some spillage as she dragged me through the back andupstairs, dropping me off in front of a door. She knocked on it and then left, calling over her shoulder, “Tell him to save some for us!”
Before I could thank her, the door opened, and there he was.
“I brought lunch for everyone, but they said we should eat first,” I said. “I was also told you were both the hotter younger brother and the plainer younger brother.”
