Page 36 of Watercolor Skulls

My eyes roam over the ink on her skin. It’s all dark, no color anywhere on her body. I wish I were tough like her. I bet nobody walks on Jesse. She marches to the beat of her own drum. I’ve done nothing but march to the beat of my dad’s. I bet Jesse would have been able to save Jenny…and the others.

She props herself up on an elbow. “Is your family from another country? Because that sounds a bit archaic.”

“No, my family is just wealthy and in their world, money marries money.”

She curls her lip up in distaste. “So, even if the guy was a complete jackass your parents would have made you date him?”

I laugh sadly. “I never argued with my dad about it until wedding plans started to take place. I told him I didn’t want to marry the guy, but it was never my choice.”

“So, you left?”

“Yep. Hoped on a train to Reno, bought the beetle and ended up here.”

She lays back down and stares up at the ceiling. “You need to name her.”

“Who?”

“Your car. She’s got to have a name.”

I giggle. “I’ve never heard of naming your car.”

“My rod is Sylvia. Her and I have been through some shit let me tell you.”

I think about it. “How about Blueberry,” I say jokingly.

“It is blue and small.” She laughs. “Blueberry it is.”

We both giggle. Being silly feels good.

“So, about Dan.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

“Ugh.” I roll over on my back and cover my eyes. “I can’t go out there and face everyone.”

“Oh, no one’s going to say a word to you about it. Well, maybe Dirk. Or Raffe. Okay and my dad. No one else is ballsey enough to mention it. I’m sure Dan has already threatened everyone with bodily harm if anyone upsets you.”

I peek at her. “You’re kidding?” She raises an eyebrow. I sit up. “No, of course you’re not kidding. He is a bit protective.”

“All the men in this club are. The women too.”

“Is it terrible that I like that?” I whisper.

She sits up beside me, shrugging her shoulders. “Some women like their men sweet and some like assholes.”

“But he’s a good asshole right?” I ask, even though I’m quite sure I know the answer.

“He’s one of the best.” She traces over a tattoo on her arm. “He’s like a second dad to me.”

“So, I’m going to take it you don’t want to hear about last night then?” I tease.

Her eyes shoot to mine. “I should say no. I really should say no.” She leans over, speaking in hushed tones, “But, holy cow he’s um…”

“He isand, he knows how to use it,” I finish for her.

We both fall back on the bed, giggling like a couple of schoolgirls. “Okay, okay, I don’t want to hear anymore,” she gasps.

Jesse stands up, wiping her eyes. She pulls me to my feet. “Ready to meet the club?”

I grab my brush and run it through my hair quick. “Ready.”

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