Page 100 of My Brother's Best Men
Benny rolls his eyes. “It’ll look better if you stay still.”
“Sorry,” I say as he goes back in to fill in the lines he’s drawn. I guess I was bound to end up with a tattoo, working in a tattoo shop. But all things considered, I think the palm tree with the seashells is fitting.
I know Sophie’s been reading my texts even if she doesn’t respond.
I’m not going to give up hope that she’ll come back to us.
I know Elijah has, and Benny won’t talk about it, but I hear the drunk voicemails he leaves sometimes. And I hear him cry after he hangs up.
Which is why I thought a distraction would be good for all of us, so I made an appointment to get this tattoo and then called Samto see if we could hang out like we used to do at his place. Have some beers, play some video games.
He was more than receptive to the idea, nearly jumping at the chance to host us for something Raegan calls, “Friendsgiving.”
And honestly, I think it’s probably better for all three of us to stay together rather than be apart. It’s been like that ever since we came home.
I love the guys. Really, I couldn’t have asked for better friends. And ever since Sam and Raegan’s wedding, since Sophie, things with us have been different.
Benny’s not as mean to me anymore. In fact, he still grumbles a lot, but he doesn’t make snide comments. He always makes sure my coconut waters are stocked in the fridge, both at home and at work. Even Eli has been supportive of my new gig, working at the shop, and has showed up to help Benny with stuff. They don’t fight anymore either.
They don’t talk much, if at all, but they don’t have to. Their actions speak louder than words ever could. Our friendship feels tighter.
Stronger.
Because of her.
I’m not giving up on Sophie. I know it’s been five months, but I refuse to believe what we had—what weallhad—is over.
When Sophie left for college, I saw how it devastated Elijah. But I also know it devastated Sophie too. She isn’t heartless. She isn’t someone you can tie down either.
Sophie needs freedom. She’s always needed freedom, and that’s something I respect about her. She goes after what she wants, be it a job across the country or a relationship with three very different men who love her.
One day she will come home, and I’ll be here when she does. I only hope that the guys can heal their hearts enough to be here too.
Benny wipes my tattoo and says, “Done.”
I check it out, grinning ear to ear. My arm feels numb, but otherwise it doesn’t hurt. Not like I thought it would.
“You guys ready to head to Sam’s?” Elijah asks, coming through the door.
“Yeah, just about,” Benny says, cleaning up his equipment. I head over to Eli and show off my first tattoo. “Pretty cool, huh?”
Eli gives me a soft smile. “It suits you.”
I wiggle my arm, making the palm tree dance. “You should get one too. We can have matching bestie tats.”
Elijah chuckles, shaking his head. “I’m good, Matt. But thanks.”
“He’s scared of needles,” Benny drones from behind the counter.
“Really?” I ask, my eyes widening in surprise.
“No.”
Benny laughs and I can’t help but do the same. For the first time in a long time, it feels like things are good. The holidays are always a good time, though.
“Maybe you should get a pineapple to match,” Elijah tells Benny.
“More like an upside-down pineapple,” I note.
