Chapter 101

“Yeah, I guess… He got them all in his late teens.” We have never really talked about the tribal ink across his upper torso scattered down his arms. I know he also has one on his upper back spreading across his shoulder blades, all black, no color.

“It’s kind of hot. I wonder if Arrick would get some?” she whispers dreamily, watching the two swimming easily across the pool and then splashing water at each other. I can hear Jake’s laugh echoing my way, making my insides clench.

Is it now? Want to put your eyes back in your head, sweetie?

“I’m sure his parents wouldn’t be impressed,” I respond flatly. “I know they both hate Jake’s.” Which isn’t entirely dishonest. I know they both gave him a lot of grief about them at first, but neither seems to have noticed the additions in later years. Jake briefly mentioned wanting a new tattoo only recently.

“What’s to hate? I mean, on that body, they only accentuate things,” she grins, then immediately drops it when she ca