Page 31 of Bottle Shock
A laugh rumbles out of me. I suppose I knew she was curious about it, seeing as she blatantly stared at it. I’ve had it for so long, I barely think about it. It’s not as if it’s a secret, I’m just not usually flaunting my fully bare thigh to the world.
About ten years
Scottie
What?! Ten years?! I’m going to need more details than that.
She probably thinks there’s some profound meaning behind it, but the truth is a lot less meaningful—and more of a happy drunk accident.
You’re going to be disappointed. Basically, I got drunk with some buddies while I was traveling through Ireland. Somehow we ended up in a tattoo studio, and I pointed to a drawing I thought looked cool right before I passed out. The next day, I woke up and there it was.
Scottie
Why would I be disappointed? That’s an epic story. You passed out drunk and woke up with a cool-ass tattoo and not some drawing of a dick. Sounds like a win to me.
Is that why you hide it? Are you embarrassed?
I don’t hide it, you just don’t pay attention. Go look on my social media, anytime I’m wearing shorts, you cansee the base of the tree and the roots.
Scottie
I guess you’re right. In the future, I’ll be sure to pay closer attention to you
My cheeks strain against my smile. I can’t tell if she’s flirting with me or just being her usual self, which is very flirtatious. Either way, I’m enjoying being on the receiving end of it.
What about you? Any hidden tattoos I should know about?
I’ve never spotted even the hint of a tattoo on her and she doesn’t strike me as someone who would get one, but I ask anyway, imaging she might have one where no one can see.
Scottie
Absolutely none. Nothing against them, it’s just one less thing to worry about covering up when I’m onstage.
That makes sense.
Now that you’ve asked your super invasive question, can I ask one?
Ever since I overheard her conversation in my bedroom, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. She sounded angry and hurt, and for someone who usually comes across so positive, I know it has to be something serious to get her that worked up.
Scottie
It’s only fair. BUT just because you ask, doesn’t mean I’ll answer.
I knew she wouldn’t go easy on me.
What were you talking about on the phone that one day? It sounded pretty intense.
Dots disappear and reappear a few times before they stop altogether.
I’m such an idiot. We were having a nice, pleasant conversation and I had to go and fuck it up.
Five excruciating minutes later she finally responds.
Scottie
It’s kind of a long, complicated story. Basically someone I trustedpropositioned me, and when I rejected him, he retaliated by firing me and trashing my reputation.
Now I really regret asking her, because the anger coursing through my veins makes me want to kill the man who laid a hand on her — a hand on her without her consent.
