AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Willa:Did you get a tattoo? Hello! Did someone else give you a tattoo? Don’t make me cry. You know I’m already on the verge.
Willa:Not that I can do anything about it at this point, but damn, I’m a little hurt.
Well, that escalated quickly.
“What’s the smile playing across your face?”
“Willa. She’s decided she needs a beach trip, but it’s too hot, and that if I got a tat that she didn’t give me, she will cry.”
“Willa? Exton’s wife will cry if you got a tattoo? What the heck did you text to her?”
“I asked her how she’d protect a tattoo if she had to go into salt water. She gave me a good idea.”
“Is the idea tattoos?”
I stare at her, wondering if I’d want her perfect skin marred. Then I wonder what she’d look like with a watercolor sleeve or something more discreet. Maybe something private that only I could see.
“Earth to Layton. You went somewhere far away.”
I snap back.
“Not today.”
Me:Are you and Exton up for a trip to the lake? Livy wants to get in the pool, and I need to get out of the house.
Willa:Exton’s with a client, but I’m game for a road trip.
Me:Are you good to drive?
Willa:Sure. I’ll be at Pop’s in an hour. That work?
Me:Perfect.
An hour later, Kyle has gotten his anti-inflammatories and pain meds, as has Livy. I’ve managed to get my painkiller as well, dumping the contents of my pockets into the nightstand drawer but making sure I’ve had a whole tablet before this adventure.
We sit on the sofa and are almost to the door when Willa rushes in. “Geez, I have to pee. Sorry. Oh my gosh, you’re so cute. Shit. Be right back.” I’d swear it was all one word as she flies past us, leaving us in her wake, her nearly black hair flying out behind her as she dashes down the hall.
“Livy, Willa. Willa, Livy,” I say dryly with Willa nowhere in sight.
“I’m so sorry. This boy—I’d swear he’s found my bladder and has decided to play bongos on it. All. Day. Long. Hi, I’m Willa.” My sister-in-law makes a beeline for Livy, wrapping her in a hug. “Sorry for the odd first impression. Kimpton is… well, he may be as much trouble as his namesake.”
“You’re naming him after Pop?”
“Yeah.” The smile on her face is soft and sweet. “He’s been so good to me, to us.”
“No one will ever compete with you now.”
“That’s right.” She turns to address Livy. “It’s so nice to meet you. I feel super tall next to you.”
“I’d say I feel super short next to you, but I’ve been this height for a while, and I’m kind of used to it.”
Willa’s smile breaks across her face. “Fair enough.”
“You’re a tattoo artist?” Livy asks as we walk out of the house and to the SUV.
“Was it the dragon’s head that gave it away?” She twists her left arm toward our group.
“That and Layton mentioning your line of work.”
