Page 21 of Breaking the Rules
I finish tracing the first letter and move to the second. My shoulders and back tense. Sweat drips to my brow. I'm not used to this position. I'm not used to this, period.
"What do you mean?"
"The song must be special. Or you wouldn't want the lyrics on your skin forever."
"Yeah." She grunts as I finish the second letter. "Is it going to hurt more or less as you move to the right?"
"Both. Closer to bone hurts more. You need a break?"
"No. Just conversation."
"I'm waiting."
"Oh. Yeah. It's just… kinda personal."
"But you want the whole world to see it?"
"It's on my back."
"You live in Southern California."
She laughs.
"I saw your Instagram, Steph. I know you show off."
Her laugh gets bigger. Heartier.
I have to pull the gun away, so it won't stutter.
"Am I that bad?" Her voice gets bouncy. Coquettish.
She's flirting.
I can flirt back.
Hell, I should. That's the easiest way to relax her.
But I can't bring myself to compliment her tits.
It feels wrong.
She saves me from finding a response. "I guess… it means something to me. But you know how it is. Most people don't look closer. They think about how they love the band or the song. But… God this sounds stupid."
"It doesn't."
"Did you ever feel like no one understands you?"
For the last decade. "What gave it away?"
She laughs. "Something about you."
"Where you at that party where I stood up and started singing Linkin Park?" I tease.
Her laugh gets louder. "I wish. I'd love to see you doIn The End."
"How aboutCrawling?"
Again, she laughs. "How about you sing it with me?"
