“Tip first.”
I toss cash on the tray with my free hand.
She smiles. “After is your business.”
When it is done, I stare at the tiny moon and broken road under the plastic wrap.
It’s stupid and permanent.
It’s hers even if she never wants it.
That’s probably the stupidest part.
Diablo comes by with Darling tucked under his arm. Disco is on her shoulder, chewing gently on her hair like a tiny white demon stylist.
Darling sees the tattoo.
Her face softens.
Then she punches my uninjured arm.
“Ow.”
“That is for hurting her.”
“God.”
She looks at the tattoo again. “That’s for loving her?”
I swallow.
“Yeah.”
Disco leans forward, black eyes bright. “¡Pretty Lady!”
I look at the bird. “She is.”
Diablo watches me for a long second.
“Don’t fuck this up worse,” he says.
“Beautiful engagement speech, Prez.”
Darling elbows him. “He’s trying.”
“Trying ain’t the same as succeeding.”
“Tell your fiancé that mid-sex proposal is the stuff of legend.”
Darling’s cheeks go red.
Diablo smiles slow and filthy.
I point at him. “Don’t look too proud. I heard the bird was there.”
Disco screams, “¡Pendejo!”
The party rolls on.
