Page 2 of Then You Came Along

“The Mexican place on the corner is really good. Carson and I have been there a few times.”

“Mexican sounds great! I could go for a margarita or two. Maybe the tequila will give me the courage to walk into that tattoo shop across the street.”

“Inkers Tattoo?” Holly asks.

“I think that was the place. It’s the one across from the Mexican restaurant.”

“That’s where Carson goes. One of his buddies is an artist there. Want me to text him for his info?”

“Um…sure. I’m still on the fence aboutactuallygetting a tattoo, but it wouldn’t hurt to have the guy’s info. And it does make me feel a little better knowing that someone from that shop would be recommended by someone I know.”

Holly sends Carson a text as we walk into the restaurant and wait to be seated.

Not long after we’ve placed our orders, her phone chimes with a text from Carson.

Carson

Tell Cam to ask for Ethan. I’ll send him a text to let him know the two of you will be stopping in today, and to take care of her.

“Carson recommends Ethan. Said he would let him know to expect us sometime this afternoon.”

I pale just a bit, knowing that my dream of getting something to remember Ben by is getting that much closer to becoming a reality.

“So, what are you thinking for the tattoo?” Holly asks between bites of chips and salsa.

“My ideas are all over the place. I was actually hoping that you could give me some input. I figured since you knew Ben, that you might have some ideas.”

“What about his initials? I’m guessing you’re thinking something small.”

“Yes, something small. I’ve considered his initials. Do you think it’d be weird to also put our wedding date? I know it never happened, but it’s still an important date to me.”

“I think you should have whatever you want. It’s your way of remembering Ben by. Nothing you include would be wrong,” she says, laying her hand on mine, offering a bit of comfort.

I’ve come a long way in working through my grief of losing Ben. Still, years later, it all becomes too overwhelming at times, and will hit me like a ton of bricks. The moments are getting fewer and farther between, but they suck when it happens.

Holly and I continue to catch up over lunch, and the margarita was exactly what I needed. After we pay the bill, we head across the street to go talk to Ethan.

Chapter Two

ETHAN

I’m just finishingup cleaning my work area when I hear the door chimes ring out. I don’t have any more clients on the books today, but I’m expecting a buddy’s wife and her friend to stop in, according to his text message earlier.

“Hey, Holly,” I greet as I walk into the reception area, tossing some papers next to the computer.

“Ethan! This is my friend, Cam. She might want to get a tattoo, and Carson told us to come see you.”

I’m caught off guard almost instantly by Cam’s beauty. She’s not “runway model” beautiful, but she has that “girl next door” look that captivates me. She’s the kind of woman you can take home to your mother and know, without a doubt, that she’ll love her.Fuck,where in the hell did that thought come from?

“Nice to meet you, Cam.” I reach my hand out to take hers and instantly feel a spark travel up my hand from the contact against her skin. “What kind of tattoo are you thinking about?”

“I want a memorial tattoo. I just don’t know what exactly I want it to be.”

“Take a seat and let me grab my notepad. We can discuss your ideas and I can offer some suggestions. Sound good?”

“Sounds great,” she says, smiling at me.

“Can I get you ladies anything to drink?” I offer, as I take a few steps toward the back.

---