Page 60 of Huge Dynamite
Leaning forward, I look for a spark of anything in any of them. My father is still looking at me steadily.
“Who knows?” I continue. “After Greenville, maybe more clinics in more places. Maybe, eventually, Doctors Without Borders.”
“Hol-ly.” My mother reprimands me with her tone. “You cannot be serious. Didn’t we get you over that little fantasy when you wanted to join the Peace Corps right out of college? Please. After all the time and money we spent making you a cardiothoracic surgeon. Do you know how much med school costs?”
“Yes, and I was on scholarship.”
“We paid for room and board.”
Cocking my head, I look her in the eyes. “Would you like it back? I’ll write you a check.”
“After everything we’ve done for you, Holly, how can you abandon us like this?”
“I’m not abandoning you, Mother. I’m changing. I’m finding out who I am.”
“I’ll tell you who you are,” she says. “Dr. Holly Boling, cardiothoracic surgeon and our daughter. You are not changing. You are the same girl you’ve always been—quiet, loyal, dependable—and it’s high time you start acting like her.”
“Really?” My breath is rushing too fast now. I know I shouldn’t do this, but I can’t help myself. “Does the old Dr. Holly Boling do this?” Getting up and hovering just over my chair, I lift my tank top on the right side and pull down my skirt slightly, exposing my tattoo.
“What the hell is that?” My mother looks like she’s seen a ghost.
“A tattoo. A bird in flight, actually.” Sitting down, I smooth my skirt as I pull my chair closer. “I have wanted a tattoo my entire life, and I finally have one.”
“How did you even know where to get something like that?” She glares at me.
“A friend took me.”
“Was that friend a biker?” Robert raises his eyebrows condescendingly.
“Yes, he is, as a matter of fact.”
Nodding, Robert glares at me.
“My god, Holly!” My mother grabs at her chest. “What were you thinking? How could you do this to us?Allof us?”
She points to the ceiling, and I know exactly what she means—George. Monica believes that I have to be perfect to make up for George passing. If he had lived his life, maybe he could have been the flawless child they deserved.
“Don’t you dare bring George into this.” I’m seething. “My tattoo has nothing to do with you. Can’t you see that?”
My voice is louder than I intend, and the Lowneys look up from their entrees.
“But you’ve ruined yourself!”
“Good lord, Mother, it’s a tattoo. On my hip. It’s no big deal. I like it.”
“You had no right to do that.” My mother’s face turns red.
“I had every right. It’s my body—”
“Ladies.”
Robert butts in, and it makes my skin crawl.
Dropping my chin, I snarl at him. “Stay out of this, Robert.”
“Please. Can’t we all just get along?” He reaches out and takes my hand.
Yanking my hand away and whipping around, I face him. “Can’t you just butt out? This has nothing to do with you.”
