Page 79 of Trailer Trash

The surgeon greets us warmly and he studies Killian’s face for some time. Then he steps back, folds his arms, and sighs.

“You are forming some fairly serious keloid scars, which are extending outside the bounds of the incision. They can be raised and webbed. You have a little of both.”

“What does that mean?”

“Your body is creating too much collagen. We can do a corrective surgery eventually. There are lasers we can use too.”

Killian rubs his cheek, quiet.

The surgeon adds, “Or you can do nothing. The scar tissue will continue to expand, but we’re not sure how much.”

For the first time, Killian looks at me with an expression that isn’t all business. “What do you think?”

Whoa.

I wasn’t expecting that, either. I shrug and search for the appropriate response.

“Whatever you want,” is all I manage.

“Do you think I should get them fixed?” he clarifies.

I slump in my chair.

“You know I like your scars,” I admit softly, hating myself.

Because I love his smile and his scars. I don’t want to love anything about him.

And there’s that crooked smile.

I look away fast, trying to calm the butterflies threatening to make me the foolish girl who cried in the kitchen.

“I’m good, doc,” Killian says and shakes his hand. “Thanks.”

“Anytime. Come back if you change your mind.”

We walk out of the office.

“So who is the guy you go to lunch with? Did you go with him today?” Killian asks coolly.

“Hudson. He’s...” I squint at Killian but he isn’t looking my way. I finish my sentence, but I’m confused why he wants to know. “...he’s a nice guy.”

“Nice guy,” Killian mumbles. “Hey, did your ex come back to your place?”

“No.” I wish he hadn’t asked that. I don’t want to think about Evan. Ever.

“And Jaxson? Did you guys talk?”

“He texted me he wanted to stay friends.”

“Good.”

“How is that good?” I say, aghast. “He obviously left mid-date because I was so terrible.”

Killian shrugs, unbothered.

“Why are you acting so weird?” I push on his shoulder. “We should face this, okay?”

“Face what?”