“Trust me, there’s nothing boyish about Kent Kennedy. He’s all man.”
“Why are you resisting then?” she asks while she empties the dishwasher.
Tucking the note in the back pocket of my jeans, I finish my coffee and toss the cup and bag in the trash. “I don’t want to be another notch on his bedpost.”
“Makes sense,” she agrees while I finish my inventory. “But you’ve got to get back out there. It’s been two years since Lync left, and I haven’t seen you show the slightest interest in any other guy, until now.”
“You know my history, Mo. I’ve got to stop falling for the bad boys. It only ends in disaster.”
“You can’t tarnish every guy with the same brush, babe.”
“Google Kent’s name and tell me you wouldn’t feel the same way in my shoes.” Bending down, I unpack bottles of water, stacking them neatly in one of the fridges.
“You shouldn’t believe everything you read online, and you won’t know if it’s true unless you give him a chance.”
A thought occurs to me. “He didn’t pay you off too, did he?”
“What?” Her brow puckers. “What are you talking about?”
“I wouldn’t put it past him to bribe my friends into convincing me to go out with him.”
“I wish he would,” Imogen quips. “The extra money would come in handy now Kady’s at middle school.”
“If you need cash, I can—”
“Nope.” She folds her arms across her small frame, giving me one of her fierce looks. “I’m not taking any more cash from you. You have already helped me out so much, and you’re close to reaching your goal. I won’t get in the way of your dreams.” A look of nostalgia washes over her features. “I’m gonna miss you so much when you leave.”
I yank her into a quick hug. “I’m not going anywhere for a while, and it’s not like I’m moving to Mars. I’ll still be in the area. We’ll just have to find time to hang out around our busy schedules.”
“I’m proud of you, Pres. You have worked so hard for your dream, and it’s getting close now.”
“I’m proud of you too, Mo.”
She slants me with an incredulous look. “What have I done?”
“Only birthed one of my favorite little people in the entire world, and you are a fucking incredible mom. I know Rob helps out, but you’re raising Kady alone, and you’re doing an awesome job. You’re my hero.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so.” Tears stab the back of my eyes, and I’d give anything to rewrite history.
“Thanks, babe. I couldn’t do it without you. I hope you know that, and when it’s your turn, I will be right there by your side, every step of the way.”
***
Kent doesn’t show up the rest of the day, and I’m oddly disappointed. Then again, it is spring break, and I’m sure he has better things to do with his time.
Wednesday is my day off, and I stay in bed for an extra hour before making my way to the local gym for a workout. I’m walking back to my apartment when my cell pings with a new message.
Ford:You have a delivery. Want me to stop by your place later and drop it off?
Me:If it’s not too much trouble.
Ford:I’ll see you later.
I shower and spend a couple of hours working on some new sketches before I take off for my afternoon shift at the youth support center. I volunteer once a month to man the helpline, and it’s always a reminder of how lucky I am and how far I’ve come. Some of these kids are in terrible situations, and they have no one to confide in except a stranger at the end of the phone. Some days, I wonder if I should have studied psychology or sociology and gone into that line of work. Except there was no money for college when I left the foster care system, and I’m not sure I have the type of personality that could leave it all at the door after the working day has ended.
Besides, for as long as I can remember, my life has revolved around art and pursuing my dream of working in, and eventually owning, a tattoo shop. That is all I’ve wanted from the time I was thirteen when I first discoveredInk Master. I am freaking addicted to that show, and it’s been a big source of inspiration.
