Page 47 of Four Tattoos

“Everything will be okay,” I tell him. “You’ve always looked out for me, but I’m older now, and I’ll be fine making my own decisions.”

36

ROSE

At first, things are strained between Patrick and me the next day. He doesn’t say anything more about the four men, but I can tell that our argument is still on his mind.

He doesn’t say anything that isn’t strictly necessary as we load my belongings onto a truck he borrowed from a friend, but by the time we’re almost finished unloading boxes at my new apartment, his mood starts to soften. Maybe that’s because my happy mood is contagious.

The new apartment is wonderful. It’s not very big, and there’s nothing luxurious about it, but it’s clean and freshly painted, and it’s mine.

I can’t wait to decorate the place, arrange things just as I want them, and make it mine—but mostly I’m excited about being able to invite the men over. I don’t have much in the way of furniture yet, so maybe they won’t want to spend much time here, but I can imagine us having some fun in all of the open space. And I do have a bed.

And I have freedom and privacy.

Even though I’m worn out from carrying things in, it's hard to hide my grin while I hang up my clothing, unpack boxes, and arrange items in my little kitchen and bathroom. When all of the important things are set up, Patrick says he needs to get over to the coffee shop. I have the day off, but as the owner, his work there never ends.

“I’ll check in with you later to see if you need anything,” he says as he pauses in the doorway.

“Thank you, and thanks for all of your help today. I really appreciate it.”

He gives me a nod and is about to turn to go, but I reach for his arm, touching it briefly to let him know I have more to say. “Because I respect you and don’t want to lie to you, I want to let you know that I plan to continue seeing the men at Brothers in Ink. I’m sure you’ll come to like them eventually, once you get to know them.”

Patrick’s face goes dark, and I realize I misjudged his willingness to accept my independence.

“No, you’re not going to see them anymore, Rose, and they’re not going to see you.” Through his anger, there’s a look of self satisfaction in his eyes that disturbs me.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I went to their shop yesterday. I told them they need to leave you alone, and they’re no longer welcome as customers.”

“You did what?!” A neighbor I’ve yet to meet is coming down the hall, so I yank Patrick back inside my doorway, and try to keep my voice level. “How dare you do that? Whether or not I see them is none of your business, and you had no right —”

“Youaremy business, Rose. You’re my family, and I’m going to take care of you.”

“It’s one thing for you to talk to me about it, but you had no right to warn them off of me, especially without talking to me first. You don’t know anything about the situation. They haven’t harmed me. We’re not doing anything wrong.”

“You are, Rose. What you’re doing withfour menis wrong, and you’re going to get hurt.”

“Just go, Patrick. Leave. Now.” I glare at him, and look past him to the doorway.

He shakes his head, disgusted, turns and exits without another word.

I close the door behind him, fall back against it, drop my head into my hands, and sob.

37

HUTCH

All four of our phones ping simultaneously with an incoming text message. My hands are busy with the plate I’m drying, so I can’t reach for it immediately.

“It’s Rose,” Christian says, eyes on his screen. “She wants to meet us.” His tone of voice is completely different from how it would have been if we’d have received a message like this just a few days ago.

“Should we ask her to come here?” Mace asks.

Zipper looks up from his sketchbook. “Have her meet us at the shop. The conversation we need to have will be easier there.”

It’s not going to be easy anywhere, but doing the right thing often isn’t.

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