I cross my arms, sighing. This stubborn asshole.
63
Seth
EveryyearsinceIwas a little kid, my family has been going skiing. My dad spends all the month of October writing lists of things not to forget to pack, while my mom buys new ski outfits for everyone in the family—every year.
Then COVID hit, and we couldn’t go last year, so when my mom called the other day, telling me that they had booked a cabin, I was stoked. And maybe I pulled the only-child-guilt card and had them paying for Kaden, maybe I didn’t. That’s neither here nor there.
Ever since I told Kaden about high school and the bullying, I feel a little lighter, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. He knows, and nothing’s changed between us. I’m so relieved I could cry.
So, between the ski trip and the relief, I’ve been in a ridiculously good mood all day.
“This your first tattoo?” I say, glancing at my last customer for the day as I carefully work the needle into her wrinkled skin. Her name’s Elsy, eighty-two years old, with greyish purple hair. She walked through the door to the studio dressed in a blue-and-white striped, loose-fitted suit, oversized red sunglasses, and so many chunky, colorful accessories, I didn’t know where to look.
“It’s my second,” she says. “I have a duck on my behind, too.”
I snort a laugh, and when I glance at her, she shoots me a wink.
“Why a duck?”
“Why not?”
“Okay, fair,” I chuckle.
After I’ve sent Elsy on her way—one outlined flower tattoo later—Iggy locks the door, turns the music up and starts dancing while sweeping the floor.
Kit went home by lunch and Kaden left an hour ago, said he had something he needed to do, so it’s just me and Iggy here, and when she uses the broom as a microphone to sing along to the song she definitely doesn’t know the words to, I can’t help but join in.
We’re dancing, and laughing, and the music’s kind of loud, so I don’t notice when the door opens, but all of a sudden, Kaden stands in the doorway, gaping at us.
Iggy startles at first, hand on her chest. But then she laughs and keeps dancing, trying to get Kaden to join in, but he doesn’t. He just stands there, staring at me.
And I can’t really read him right now. I don’t know if he’s dragging his gaze all over me because he likes what he sees, or because he doesn’t. Maybe he thinks I’m overstepping. Maybe I’m not supposed to dance like this. Maybe I shouldn’t be looking at my best friend while moving my hips like this, and undressing him with my eyes.
Kaden walks up and stands behind the counter, flipping some papers, while stealing glances our way. Then Iggy’s phone starts ringing, and she picks it up and walks outside to answer. And Ifind myself next to Kaden, where he’s leaning his arms on the counter.
“You gotta stop,” he mumbles, eyes on Iggy through the window.
“What?”
“I need you to stop dancing.”
My stomach drops and I swallow. “Why?” I ask, even though I think I already know the answer.Because you’re a dude, and dudes don’t—
“’Cause I picture you naked,” he says, looking at me out of the corner of his eye.
“What?”
He straightens and turns towards me. “I picture you naked.”
“Now?”
He tilts his head, giving me a once-over, lowering his voice. “All. The. Time.”
I huff a laugh, completely thrown off guard by his answer.
“I’m just dancing, Kaden.”
