Page 99 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“I don’t trust that guy. He’s—”

“Cut it out,” a young woman interrupts as she walks through the curtain concealing the back rooms. “You’ll scare the poor girl.”

They stare at each other in a standoff until the big guy laughs. “Sorry, sweetheart. I’m just messing with you. Are you here for a tattoo?”

“I am. But it would be my first.”

The woman steps forward with a warm, welcoming smile. “Well, you’ve come to the right place. I’m Michelle. Let’s have a talk.”

Twenty minutes later, I walk out with a plan in motion and a booking for next month. I’m feeling a little lighter as I make my way back to my car, and I can’t explain why. It’s not like I’ve actually done anything, but the idea that I’m doing something for me, something no one else will know about, kind of thrills me.

It’s the exact feeling I got when I decided to volunteer in Indonesia. It’s as though, bit by bit, I’m slowly finding pieces of myself that, until my time at Jaiton, I never knew were missing. And while I’m usually able to push those thoughts away to focus on other things, other people, it gives me hope that maybe one day I’ll feel whole again.Fulfilled.

Afew days later, I stare at Joel, shocked that I’ve once again run into him, while also feeling beyond uncomfortable at his question.

“Now?” I ask, in response to him inviting me over, wondering how the hell I’m going to get out of this, but also, not really sure I want to.

Joel laughs. “Sure, why not? Are you busy?”

“No.”But I am kind of seeing Summer’s brother. You know, the one that she still won’t talk to. “I just—”

“It’s okay, Lainey. If you can’t make it, it’s fine. I just figured that since I ran into you again so soon, it was fate.” He laughs.

“You’re right. Sorry. I just wasn’t expecting to see you. It’s been a day.”

Joel frowns, and I sense he’s about to ask me about it, but I cut him off. The truth is, my day was fine until he jogged over and invited me to his house. Now, I’m spiraling.

“Is it okay if I go home first?” I ask, giving myself time to think.

“Of course.” Joel smiles. “We have no plans. Let me send you the details, and you can stop by whatever time works.” He sends me a text while I’m still standing in front of him and smiles again when we hear the chime. “Done,” he says with a nod. “So, I’ll see you soon?” His smile widens before it turns a little cheesy and he crosses his fingers, making me laugh.

“You will.”I think. How can I say no to that? But first I have to make a call.

Joel squeezes my arm as he walks away, and I wait until he’s out of sight before pulling my phone from my pocket. Ignoring his text, I instead dial Thomas, my fist clenching as I wait for him to answer.

We’ve spoken every day since I left him earlier this week, but I hate that this call is going to ruin his mood instead of making things better.

“Hey you,” he answers with a clear smile in his voice. “I just got out of a meeting.”

“Sorry.” I pause. “Is this a bad time?”

“Never. I’m on my way to my truck. Your timing is perfect.”

He’s not going to think it’s perfect when I tell him why I called, but I can’t hide it, nor do I want to. Yes, I want to see Summer, but at this point, Thomas is more important to me. I barely know her.

“I need to tell you something. I should have told you sooner, but honestly, I didn’t think it was as big a deal until now.”

“Ohh-kay.” Thomas’s hesitant response has my pulse racing, but no matter how uncomfortable this conversion may be, it has to happen.

“I met Summer last year,” I blurt before deciding to get it all off my chest in one go. “I didn’t know it was her at first, and I haven’t seen her since. But I ran into her friend, Joel, and… Ugh… I’m sure you know Joel. Anyway, he invited me over. To catch up with him and Summer and your old teammate Dylan.” Joel confirmed Dylan and Summer are dating, but I’m not about to mention that. Not yet anyway.

Thomas is silent when I finish, and I don’t blame him. I’d do the same if roles were reversed, but even so, I have the urge to say more to fill the emptiness. “I don’t have to go. I can come up with some kind of an excuse. I just thought—”

“No,” Thomas cuts in and I flinch. I should have known he’d be upset about it.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up and—”

“Woah. Wait, Lainey. I meant, no, you don’t have to do that. You should go. I’d feel better knowing Summer has someone caring in her life.”

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