Page 8 of Sass

The comment jolted me. “Do you really think so?”

She nodded. “Everyone does.”

I frowned. “Is... is Kev okay with that? I mean, I know we talked about it, but...”

“He loves it.” Jenn squeezed my arm just as Susie lost interest in my tattoos and headed back to the suitcase. Jenn’s gaze followed her. “We both do. We can never repay you for what you’ve given us. And you’ll always have a special place in her life.” She held my gaze and lowered her voice. “We’ve actually started talking to a therapist. Laying the groundwork for how to introduce the idea to her as she gets older.”

My face must’ve shown my shock because Jen laughed. “Relax. It’s just baby steps. Stuff like talking about different sorts of families, story books around infertility, stuff like that.”

“But—”

“It’s okay,” she said softly. “We’re taking things slowly. Explaining the details is for way, way in the future. But since we’re on the subject, have you thought any more about being her guardian should anything happen?” She fell quiet, her eyes intent on mine. “We know it’s a big thing to ask. If it’s too much, we’ll understand, but we want to get the legal side of it finalised soon.”

My heart thundered in my chest, just like the first time they’d brought it up a few weeks back, and my gaze shot to Susie once again. Because big? Fucking hell, it was the biggest. But watching them grow into a family had been the main driver for my own life reset. Kev was Susie’s daddy in every way that mattered, but seeing myself in her eyes and watching her grow? That shit had done crazy things to my head and turned everything I thought I’d wanted upside down. But putting my hand up to take responsibility for Susie if it was needed now? The thought scared the shit out of me.

I met Jenn’s gaze and sighed. “I guess I always expected Mum and Dad, or your mum and dad...”

“We wantyou,” Jenn said softly. “But only if it’s whatyouwant. She’s your biological daughter, Leon, and you’re amazing with her. You’ll make a great dad when it’s your turn. There’s more than enough love in this old thing.” She patted my chest. “We know she’d be in good hands.”

I blinked. “How can you be so sure? You know my history, Jenn. I didn’t come out as bi until I was twenty-two.” I lowered my voice. “And then I made up for lost time like the world’s supply of dick was in jeopardy.”

She laughed. “And your point?”

“I wouldn’t want to letherdown.” I indicated Susie. “Oryouguys, either. Susie deserves a proper family.”

“And she’d have one, just like she does now.” Jenn took my hand. “If it’s not what you want, just say no, but don’t turn it down because you think you’re not worthy. That’s crap.”

Easy for you to say.“Okay.” I blew out a sigh. “I’ll do it.”Oh god.A host of butterflies took flight in my belly.

“Yes!” Jenn smooshed my face between her palms and dragged me down to kiss my forehead. “Kev’s gonna be thrilled.”

A small hand tugged on my jeans, and I looked down to find Susie back beside me, wearing a worried frown. “Uncle Lee, you okay?”

Jenn’s expression turned sappy and I wiped my eyes. Jesus Christ, I was a mess. I knelt on the floor and hugged my niece. “I’m just fine, pumpkin. But I think it’s time we go downstairs and find your special box. You can colour while Mummy makes some calls. How does that sound?”

“Yes!” Susie made a break for the stairs, but I grabbed her hand just in time.

“Slow down, little one. And hold the handrail.” I followed her down, hands ready to grab her if she missed a step, but she was fine. And when we reached the bottom, the familiar, astringent waft of antiseptic and ink filled my head and made me smile. It got me, every time. My own place. I still pinched myself.

With three stations and room for more, we were booked solid most of the time, thanks to rave reviews from a few celebrity clients including actors, singers, and even the odd All Black, the likes of Reuben Taylor. People flew in from as far away as London just to sit in my chair, go figure. My small-time dream had morphed into a huge success.

Susie found her colouring box and I cleared a space for her to doodle to her heart’s content. Then I called Ty and JJ, the other two tattoo artists, and gave them the bad news. That done, I joined Jenn at the service counter.

“When the plumber’s done speaking with the landlord, I’ll head next door to give Rhys the bad news before he leaves. I’ll take Susie to say hi.”

“Cool.” Jenn added something to a list she was running, then carefully put her pen down. She looked up at me and sighed. “Look, I know it’s probably the wrong time to bring this up.” Her worried gaze tracked my face. “But about Caitlyn’s memorial—”

“Don’t.” The word burst from my mouth, sharper than I’d intended, and I winced. “Sorry.”

“No.” Jenn flushed to the roots of her hairline, something I rarely saw. “I get it. I know it’s not really my place to say anything. She was your sister, not mine—”

“Maybe you should stop there, Jenn.” I wanted to nip the conversation in the bud. “Before you say something we’ll both regret.”

Jenn grimaced. “I’ve been part of this family for eight years. I was there when it all happened, remember? I knew Caitlyn. I loved her. I’ve been at every one of her memorials.”

“I know you have,” I said evenly. “And I appreciate your concern. But you and I both know it’s not quite the same.”It couldn’t be.I ignored the sting in her eyes as she sighed and picked up her pen.

“Fair enough.” Her voice cracked with emotion, and I could’ve smacked myself. It had been an arsehole thing to say. She added quietly, “Is there enough water in that kettle of yours for coffee? I’m not sure I can wait for a Bump n Grind one. But I’m taking a rain check on the sugary accompaniment. You’re not off the hook with that.”

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