“But I’m gonna go beg him to let me stay anyway,” I said. “Whether you like it or not. Because he’s the only person who’s ever made me feel loved for who I am, because he makes me feel like I’m worth something even if I’m not perfect or successful or particularly likely to run for President one day. He likes me the way I am.”
And I was so,sostupid for throwing that away. For not trying to grab it with both hands, even if I wasn’t sure he’d actually want me.
“And I don’t care whether you like it or not. Because youaremy mother, and I’m your son, and you can’t change that. You can either accept it, or you can leave me alone.”
Mom opened her mouth to say something, but whatever it was, I wasn’t about to stick around to hear it.
Shoving my car keys back in my pocket, I turned on my heel and headed for town as fast as I could walk.
I had to tell Aiden how I felt.
28
Aiden
“So,you need to leave it covered for twenty-four hours,” I explained. “Keep applying your balm, don’t let the skin dry out, and drop in some time next week so we can check the healing. If you’ve got any questions or you’re worried about anything, don’t hesitate to come in or text me. Itwillitch, and you’ll be cursing me in an hour or so over it. You can also text me to yell about it.”
“Why do I feel like you laugh when people do that?” Aisha—my nine a.m. client—asked.
I grinned at her. “Because I do. But I also wince in sympathy, if it helps. I’ve been there, trust me.”
“I’ll take all your advice and whine to you about the itching,” she promised. “Thank you so much. Your work is beautiful and totally worth the wait.”
“You’re so welcome,” I said, glancing over at a shadow by the door.
My stomach dropped to somewhere around my ankles.
Carter.
I watched, mouth hanging open, as he sidled his way through the door, carefully so the bell wouldn’t ring too loud.
Aisha looked between the two of us. “That him?”
I hadn’t told her the whole story, but I hadn’t been able to avoid explaining my obvious misery, and she’d been a good listener. Carter, to her, was the guy who walked away.
Which was true.
But now he was back.
I nodded.
Aisha nodded back. “I’ll leave you in peace. Thanks again, I love it a lot.”
“Take care,” I called after her, watching her glance at Carter on the way out.
He watched her go, and then without a pause, turned to me. “I want a tattoo.”
What?
“Come again?”
“I want a tattoo,” Carter said, taking a half-step toward me.
“Why?”
Was that really what he’d come here for? After everything, was hereallywandering in here for a tattoo consultation?
“Because I told you that if I ever lost my mind, I’d come to you for a tattoo,” Carter said. “And I’veclearlylost my mind.”
