Page 47 of The Rules of Dating

“Billie. Why?”

“And does Billie ever clean?”

“Only when she’s pissed off or sad.”

Deek turned back to me. “So, like I was saying, you’re so miserable that even our customers are feeling it.”

I took offense to that. “I don’t give bad tattoos, even when I’m in a bad mood.”

“Didn’t say you gave a bad tattoo. But the poor girl who walked in here the other night wanting a butterfly walked out with the Grim Reaper on her arm, Billie.”

I shrugged. “So? The Grim Reaper is way better than a butterfly.”

“I agree. But the girl wanted a fucking butterfly. It went with her annoyingly chipper personality. But when she asked your opinion, you told her most people who get butterflies are shallow ex-cheerleaders who live empty lives and wind up marrying for money that they blow on bad Botox.”

Had I really said that? Oh God. I guess I had. Yet I shrugged. “Well…it’s the truth.”

Deek smiled. “Of course it is. Who the fuck wants that shit on their body? But my point is, you’re usually good at vibing with a client and giving them what they want, even if it is unoriginal and boring.”

I sighed. “I went out with Eddie last week.”

“I knew that. Figured you’d tell me about it when you were ready.” He paused. “Wait, that fucker didn’t do something to you, did he? I’ll stick a dumbbell up his ’roid-riding ass…”

That made me smile. “No, Eddie was a perfect gentleman. He didn’t even complain at the end of the night when he went in for a kiss and I stopped him.”

“So what’s bugging you?”

“Well, while I was on my date, Colby texted me. Holden was at the same place Eddie and I were, and he told Colby I was on a date. Colby was really hurt.”

Deek frowned. “Why don’t you just go out with him already?”

I hesitated for a moment before speaking quietly. “Because I’m scared, Deek.”

A giant smile spread across my friend’s face. “It’s about fucking time you admitted it.”

I flipped him the bird and shook my head. “Every damn time I’ve put myself out there, I’ve gotten hurt.”

Deek walked over and put his hands on my knees. “I get it, sweetheart. It’s not just guys you dated who have screwed you over. Your mother and that deadbeat father of yours didn’t exactly instill trust through their actions either.”

I shook my head. “Colby makes me feel things, Deek.”

“I know. Why do you think I’ve been pushing for him so hard? I see it in your eyes, babe.”

“I’m so afraid I’ll get hurt again.”

“Aren’t you hurting now, though?”

“Yeah, but it will be easier to get over him if we never get involved at the next level. Plus, he’s got a daughter. I don’t even know if I want kids.”

Deek smiled sadly. “The kid thing is just an excuse, and you know it. I’m kinda tired of hearing it. But it’s your life, so I won’t keep bugging you about it. Though I’m gonna say one last thing.”

“What?”

“I don’t think we ever get over the one. I’d rather try and get hurt than spend the rest of my life wondering what I might’ve lost.”

***

A couple of hours later, Deek and Justine were getting ready to leave for the day. Deek went into the back to use the bathroom, and when he came out, he thumbed toward the rear of the studio.