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“This is Elijah, Mamaw,” Lucy said.
“Nice to meet you, Elijah.” The older woman offered her hand. I switched the cake to my left hand and shook hers.
“You, too.”
“Come eat. I made dinner.”
“I bought a cake.”
She laughed. “I see that.”
We had a pleasant dinner despite Hadley’s mom embarrassing her and her father scrutinizing me. Two hours later, I walked them up to their apartment with two cakes and a peach cobbler stacked in my arms.
Hadley opened the door and gestured for me to step in. “Thanks for carrying those.”
“No problem.”
“Don’t change clothes until I give you a bath, Lucy,” Hadley said as she tossed her shoes off and ran into the living room.
I placed the cakes and the cobbler on the counter and headed for the door. “I’ll be right back. There’s something I’ve got to get.”
Hadley’s eyebrows knitted together. “Okay?”
I hurried to my house, grabbed the drawing, and rushed back. I was eager to see Lucy’s reaction. Hadley let me in the moment I knocked. “For Lucy.” I handed it to Hadley, and she gasped.
“Oh, Elijah, it’s beautiful.” Hadley shouted, “Lucy! Come see.” She held up the picture frame, admiring the painting with a smile.
“Is that a unicorn?” Lucy walked over and took my gift from Hadley.
“Do you like it?” Lucy was only four, so I was suddenly unsure if she’d like something like this. But when she smiled, I stopped worrying.
“This one is prettier than the horsey books at Mamaw’s house. Can we put it in my room?”
Hadley smiled. “It’s yours. You can put it wherever you want.”
“Can we do my room in unicorns?” she asked.
“Of course.”
Lucy tackled my legs with a hug. “Thank you, Elijah.”
I patted her head. “You’re welcome.” She ran out, taking the drawing with her.
Eli screamed in Hadley’s arms, and I glanced at him. “Don’t be upset. I’ll make you something once we know what you like.”
Grabbing my wallet from my rear pocket, I took out the gift card and handed it to Hadley.
“What is this?” She stared at it, frowning.
“A gift card for my parlor. You said you wanted a tattoo, right? Whatever you want, big or small, just let me know. It doesn’t have to be right now. Whenever you think you’re ready.”
She bit her lip nervously. “Are you sure? Aren’t tattoos really expensive?”
“Yes, but if anyone is going to tattoo you, it’ll be me. I’m not chancing anyone fucking up your perfect skin. I’m serious, Hadley, don’t let anyone else do it, okay? I’m the best, and I’ll do you right.”
She tilted her head, watching me with a small, pleased smile. “Thank you, Elijah. Um, I can’t make an appointment though since I never know when I have free time.”
“If you want, the next time you’re available I’ll make sure you can get your tattoo. No matter if we have to do it early or late.”
