Page 33

Chapter 33

Zack

“Why are we parked outside of a place called Pulse and Needle?” Emilie asks, reading the neon sign.

I look at the sign then back to her again, wanting her to figure it out.

“Wait. Your surprise is tattoos? Is this a tattoo shop?” She leans forward, hands on her knees in the front seat of my Jeep.

I clap my hands, borderline too loud for the inside of a vehicle, but I can’t help it. I’m so damn excited.

“I saw your face when you asked my parents about theirs. If you don’t want to get one, you don’t have to. You have an appointment, but it’s completely up to you.”

Her mouth hangs open, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not. All I know is how bad I need a distraction from whatever the fuck is going on with my family. I called my dad, it went straight to voicemail. I got a hold of my sister, and she’s pretending not to panic but I know her too well to fall for that shit.

Bottom line is that my dad is a grown man. Maybe he got held up at work or he’s out with a friend and his phone is dead. It’s only been a few hours. Now is not the time to panic or jump to conclusions.

I give myself the same talk I gave to my mom and sister twenty minutes ago.

Emilie unbuckles her seatbelt and says, “Yes. Let’s do it.”

A wave of excitement hits me, taking the edge off the worry that’s been like a weighted vest.

After getting checked in and Emilie deciding on what she wants, it’s clear she’s about to jump out of her skin with excitement. It’s like she’s buzzing—she fidgets and talks ridiculously fast, and the smile won’t leave her face.

“You don’t have to stay with me. If you want to check in with your family,” she offers, her cheeks pink.

I check my phone—still no messages or calls from anyone. “Are you sure?” I act like I’m contemplating her suggestion.

“One hundred percent. I’m good here.”

By the look of it, she’s fucking great here. In the tank top she wore under her quarter zip, she’s grinning as the tattoo artist places the stencil on her skin.

“Let me know if you need me, ok?”

I leave Emilie behind, to do something she’s always wanted to do. Not because I’m going to call my family, but because I’m getting a tattoo of my own.

And it’s not something I’m ready to share. With anyone.

“You’re like the human version of a glowstick,” I say to Emilie as she walks into our private waiting area. There’s something electric about the way she moves.

She quickly moves her feet when she sees me. “I did it!” she squeals, pride dripping from her words .

Emilie shows me her arm, the delicate spot right before the crook of her elbow, where a small daisy tattoo is inked.

“I’ve always wanted a daisy.” The words tumble out through a grin that reaches each corner of her eyes. “In mythology, they’re used to symbolize new beginnings. I want to try and remember that when I have a horrible night, or OCD episode, I can always start over and move forward.”

She turns her arm, showing me all of it, and her joy is contagious. Anxiety runs through my blood, sprinting and trying to touch all it can. Emilie is the perfect thing to give me a break from the nagging of it.

“It’s perfect. Good call, EJ.” I kiss her on the forehead and pull her shoulder into me. After we take a picture at the tattoo shop, one I can post on my socials later—or print and put on my god damn fridge because I’m becoming all the way wrapped up in Emilie—we’re about to get in the car when she stops me.

“Tonight was the type of night I dreamt about as a teenager. Hot athlete boyfriend, taking me shopping, getting cheeseburgers, and ending up at a tattoo shop.” She laughs as she steps in to me, putting her hand on my chest. “But this was way better than I could’ve imagined. Thank you for doing this for me.”

I press my lips together in a thin line, trying to find the words. Yes, I did this for her, but it’s not as selfless as all that she’s making it out to be.

“You’re welcome, but you do get this was as much for me as it was for you? I knew you wanted to get a tattoo and needed to shop for a dress, but I wanted to be there. Be a part of it.”

Emile puts her mouth on mine in a kiss that makes me forget we’re in public. She walks me back to the door of my Jeep, the handle hitting my back. Emilie throws her arms around me, running her hands through my hair, lightly scratching before setting them around my neck .

My arms find her lower back and I squeeze her into me. I nip her bottom lip, and she runs her tongue along mine. I bend my knees and pick her up so we’re almost level. Our noses touch, and she laughs into the kiss.

Her hazel eyes shimmer in the light from the street, specifically the neon sign. Every time she looks at me like this, it’s like she’s tying a string to me, one only she and I can feel.

“Prepare yourself, I'm going to say something really cheesy.” Her voice is almost a whisper through her smile. “I’m convinced I could kiss you forever.” She kisses me again for emphasis.

I laugh, feeling the shake of my ribs against her.

“Ready for the extra cheese?” I tilt my head, pressing my forehead to hers. “I’m convinced forever wouldn’t even be enough.”

“We’re the worst,” Emilie says before putting her smirking lips on mine.