“That’s so disturbing.” I wipe the tears from my eyes.
“He just sat there with a creepy smile on his face, watching strangers witness his girlfriend’s... reaction.”
“Ew! Please tell me you refused to tattoo her after that.”
“Actually, yeah. After the fourth session, I told her she’d have to find another artist.” He shudders dramatically. “Claire thought it was hilarious.”
“I can see why,” I giggle. “That’s definitely going in my mental file of ‘Things I Never Expected To Hear.’”
“What about you?” he asks, glancing at me with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Any weird fan encounters?”
“Well, there was this one guy who showed up at a book signing with a manuscript he’d written about us getting married. Complete with detailed descriptions of our honeymoon.”
“Jesus,” Ryder mutters.
“He kept insisting I read it right there at the table, in front of everyone. When I politely declined, he started getting loud, saying I owed it to him as a devoted fan.” I shake my head. “Security had to escort him out.”
“That’s scary fucked up.”
“Then he somehow found my home address and kept sending me copies of the manuscript for months afterward. I had to get a restraining order.”
Ryder’s jaw tightens. “Did he ever show up at your place?”
“Once. But I’d already moved to another apartment by then, so he just ended up at my old apartment building, harassing my former neighbors.” I shrug.
“People are fucking crazy.”
“So what’s the weirdest tattoo you’ve ever done?” I ask, happily changing the subject as I settle back in my seat.
“There was this one guy who wanted me to tattoo a life-sized portrait of his pet ferret on his back. In full color. With a little crown on its head.” Ryder grins at me. “Took four sessions.”
“Please tell me you have pictures.”
“I do. Actually, it’s in my portfolio because it turned out awesome, even though it was... unique.”
When we pull into the driveway, Goonie’s furry, squished-up face is pressed up against the living room window.
“Looks like someone missed us,” Ryder chuckles, cutting the engine.
“He’s probably just pissed his food bowl isn’t full,” I say, smiling as I watch my cat’s tail swish with excitement.
FORTY-FOUR
noia
As soon aswe step inside, Goonie jumps down from his perch at the window to wind himself between our legs, meowing impatiently.
“Yes, I know. We abandoned you.” I scoop him up. “It’s not like I left you with extra food and your favorite treats or anything.”
Ryder drops our bags by the door and stretches, his shirt riding up to expose a strip of tattooed skin above his jeans.
Memories of last night flood back with vivid clarity and I’m momentarily distracted.
“Noia.”
“Huh?” My eyes flick up and he tilts his head with a knowing grin.
“I’ll unpack the camping gear if you want to feed His Majesty,” he says, nodding at Goonie purring loudly against my chest.
