Page 82 of Fire

But I guess when one of the biggest bands comes calling, it’s sort of a big deal. Plus, I’m sure they’re going to be walking away with a lot more than what they’d make on any other given night. And then some.

We’re headed down a hallway when Hendrix says, “Hey Zander, remember when you got a tattoo for your brother’s bachelor party? This is kind of like that.”

“Yeah, only no one’s getting married,” he says with a smirk over his shoulder.

“I mean, you could.” He shrugs. “Again, I mean. Since you two didn’t bother to invite any of us the first time around.”

I hear Darius behind me say, “Oh damn.”

I snicker out a laugh.

“Or you could,” he counters. “Seeing as I’m already married and you’re not.”

“Wait, what?” He almost trips as his gaze darts to mine. “He’s not…I don’t?—”

“Yeah, wouldn’t that be fun, guys?” Zander says over his shoulder. His grin is downright evil. “We all get tattoos, and then head to the little white chapel so Hendrix can have his very own Vegas wedding.”

“What the fuck?” His eyes are like saucers, and I swear he’s sweating out of his ears. “I have no idea what he’s talking about.”

“But I wanted an Elvis impersonator!” I whine.

“You do? Wait, you’re fucking with me, aren’t you?”

I grab his arm, laughing. “Come on, Romeo. I’m gonna get your name tattooed on my neck!”

“Okay, now I know you’re messing with me!”

“I now understand why females carry the babies. We’re obviously physically superior,” Elena says as she watches her husband make the tiniest grimace as the tattoo artist works a deep line of ink into his skin.

“So rude,” he mutters.

“Did you see me flinch?”

“I didn’t realize it was a contest,” he answers with a smirk. “Also, I believe I’ve told you at least a thousand times that you’re physically superior.”

“During sex, yeah.”

Hendrix chuckles in the chair next to him. All the guys decided to get matching tattoos to commemorate the tour, sothey went with the tour logo. It’s a star with two interlocking Ms in the center.

“I meant more like when you gave birth to our beautiful daughter, but sure. Sex too.”

Now, it’s Elena who laughs.

She has already had her turn, and I have no idea what she got. All I know is that it was in an area that required her to go into a private room, and when it was finished, the tattoo artist came out, but Elena and Zander did not.

When they finally emerged thirty minutes later, Zander was grinning ear to ear as he discreetly slipped the artist a wad of cash.

Guess he really liked her tattoo.

I still haven’t made a firm decision on mine. I’ve picked something out. I’m just questioning my choice.

What if I change my mind later?

What if I have regrets?

When I was married to Tanner, I knew something so off the cuff, like a tattoo, would never fly. Body art and piercings were for other people. Not a senator’s family.

So I never allowed myself to think of the possibility.