Page 28 of Joy
I took a sip, lowered the cup, and smiled. “You think?”
Silas nodded.
“Sleeves back looks okay?”
“Looks perfect.”
Silas reached out, took my hand, and ran his fingers along the art on my arm. My skin tingled everywhere he touched and I had to suppress a shiver. I’d never been treated like this, like I was worth the time and effort and every inch of me was beautiful.
“Are there any stories behind the tattoos?” he asked, glancing up at me.
“Some of them. Others I just wanted to fill an empty spot.”
He went back to tracing a dragon that spiraled up my arm and disappeared under the sleeve. It was brightly colored, like a rainbow. “Any story here?”
“I wanted something that represented strength and wisdom and to… you know, incorporate the pride colors into. I wanted something big, that would be uncomfortable, so I’d always remember it. Remember that I was strong enough to sit through all the fucking coloring and shading, and that no matter what crap I’d be dealt for being gay, I could sit through that too.” I gently pulled away. “It was a dark time. I’d come out to my parents, and it went over like a lead balloon.”
Silas frowned slightly and reached behind me to set his hand on my neck. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. I made it through, right?”
GEORGE GRINNEDat me from the other side of the kitchen prep counter.
“What?” I asked, tying on an apron.
“Nice threads.”
“Thanks.”
“Have fun at my brother’s?”
“Yeah, you’re fucking hilarious. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me Silas was your brother!”
“You didn’t ask.”
“Goddammit, that’s what he said!”
George started laughing. “Are you complaining?”
“I—well, no.”
“He called me yesterday, after he kissed you.”
“He told you?” I asked, moving around his side to help with the lunch orders.
“Sure he did. He made fifty bucks off the bridge crew too.”
“Hey, half is mine. We agreed.”
George shook his head and kept laughing. “You like him, then?”
“You going to beat me up?” I countered.
“Nah. I like you—you’re a valuable asset to my kitchen.”
“Oh.” I had been joking, but the sudden compliment made me feel… nice. “Thanks, George.”
“But you treat Silas right, hear me? I know he’s as big as a mountain, but he’s as sweet as they come and he deserves a nice boy.”
