Page 36 of When the Smoke Clears

“Stop.” She giggles. “No.”

“Is it the outline of New York? So you never forget where you came from?”

She shakes her head.

“A paintbrush?”

Another headshake.

“A brain?”

Again, she giggles.

“Tell me.”

“No. You’ll make fun of me.”

“Everleigh, I’m going to make fun of you no matter what.”

She narrows her eyes.

“How big is it?”

She purses her lips. “Three-quarters of an inch.”

“A penis? Scrotum?”

“Wilbur.” She sighs.

“Wilbur? Who’s Wilbur? And why get his name tattooed on your . . .”

“Body?”

“Inner thigh,” I say.

“Nice try. Wilbur is the pig in Charlotte’s Web.”

“You and your mom have matching pig tattoos?”

“Matching Wilbur tattoos. Not just a random pig.”

“What’s the significance?”

“I’ve read Charlotte’s Web more than any other book. In fact, it’s the only book I’ve reread. I related to Wilbur because I was a sensitive and lonely child. Emotional. Scared. But then I found my courage and bravery. And my mom said I was a loyal friend, even though I didn’t have many friends.”

A necessary voice in my head reminds me of the seventeen-year-old girl who let me think she was older. That voice keeps me grounded so I don’t think about doing anything stupid.

“Well, that was unexpected and lackluster,” I say, even though I think it’s pretty fucking cool. “I’m heading out. Good luck house shopping tomorrow.” I stand.

“Where are you going?” she asks.

“I’m going to drink a lot of beer. Don’t wait up. If things go as planned, I won’t be home until tomorrow morning.”

“Mind if I tag along? I don’t want to be here when my mom gets back. She’ll spend all night nagging me about the painting. And tomorrow is Friday, and I don’t work Fridays.”

“Everleigh, I don’t think a tagalong is a good idea when I’m planning on getting laid tonight.”

“How long will it take you? I’m planning on getting laid, too, but I’m taking your advice and just dropping my panties for some stranger in the bathroom. Are you planning wine, chocolate-covered fruit, a canopy bed, and a lot of foreplay? If so, just grab a ride home. I won’t drink, so I can drive us there. This way, you won’t have to leave your Bronco at the bar.”