Page 13 of Watercolor Skulls

I nod nervously. One or two bikers I can handle but a whole mess of them? I mean I have nothing against them it’s just I don’t know their culture. I worry they won’t like me. I’m not sure I’ll fit in.

She looks at my arm where my fake tattoo had been. It’s red from all the scrubbing I did to get it off this morning. “Stop by my shop tomorrow at one. You can’t miss it, it’s right on main street. We’ll get you a real dragonfly tattoo.”

“Oh. Oh, like tomorrow, tomorrow?” My eyes wander over my virgin skin, it’s a stark contrast to the two people standing beside me.

“Yep. That way you don’t have time to chicken out.” She runs her finger over the pendant around my neck. “Dragonflies are special to you?”

“Yes. I thought I lost this not too long ago,” I whisper.

“Well, you can never lose a tattoo,” she says softly.

My eyes lock on hers. “That is true. Okay, tomorrow at one.”

She nods once before wrapping her arm around Dirk’s waist. “I’ll see you then.”

Dirk tips Billie Rose into Jesse’s arms. “I’ll meet you at the truck.”

He watches her walk away before turning back to me. “So, what are you hiding?” he asks.

I take a step back. “W-what? I’m not hiding anything.”

He narrows his eyes, his eyebrow popping up just like Jesse’s does. “Okay, let me lay this out for you. If you are going to be our friend…my daughter’s friend, then I need to be able trust you.”

My hand rests over my heart, it’s thumping so darn hard. This guy is crazy, but I get it. He wants to protect his family and for that reason alone I like him. “I don’t know what I could say that would put your mind at ease. I’m truly here to start a new life for myself.”

“Drugs?”

“No.”

“Been abused?”

“No.” I drop my head starring at the floor.

“No?” he questions.

I look him in the eye. “No, in fact most would say I’ve had a charmed life. My family is well off.”

He huffs at this. “Doesn’t matter how much money people have. Evil loves money.”

I laugh lightly. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“I’m always right.” He looks down the aisle, making sure no one is eavesdropping. “You got a record?”

Confused I shake my head.

“The fact you don’t know what I’m talking about would indicate the answer is a no.” He flips the ring in his lip with his tongue, studying me intently. “Okay, I’m going to let you in but be prepared for future interrogations. I’ll see you this weekend.” He grabs my hand and squeezes it. “You’re not alone anymore.”

I stare at him, blinking. He smiles kindly, he doesn’t look nearly as scary when he smiles. He releases my hand and starts to walk away.

“Wait.” I drop my head, sighing. “Wait. I am hiding something.”

He walks backwards. “I know you are. I’m giving you a free pass…for now.” He throws a wink my direction then spins around on one foot and walks away.

I brush tears from my cheeks. I’ve never had anyone interested in my life. No one has been so willing to offer me their help and these two don’t even know me.

What if they get to know me and they don’t like me? What if I don’t like myself? I know my dad wouldn’t like the woman I’ve buried deep down inside.

I decide to make a quick pass by the tattoo shop, so I’ll know where it is tomorrow. I’m equal parts excited and terrified. I really don’t know why I agreed to get one. Will it hurt? My tummy does a little flip at the thought. It will be fine. Jesse and Dirk have beautiful artwork on their skin. I know she won’t steer me wrong.

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