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“Alright,” the Professor helps me lie down, pushing the side of my dress to the side. “Let’s get started.”
After the stencil is placed in the right position, he grabs his tattoo gun. I close my eyes when I hear the machine buzzing. Theo has my hand clasped tightly in his and plays with my hair with his free hand.
The Professor lowers the tattoo gun just below my collarbone and gets to work. I feel a tugging pressure but no pain. I still refuse to open my eyes, as if opening them would make me feel the sting.
“You’re doing great,” the Professor encourages me, like an attentive father.
“Why do they call you the Professor?” I ask, hoping to distract myself from the needle inking my skin.
“Well, like I said before, I’ve got thirty years of tattoo experience under my belt and have taught a lot of other tattoo artists.” He keeps doing my tattoo while talking. “I’ve had a lot of apprentices come out of my shop. One of them called me The Professor and it just kind of stuck. And to tell you the truth, I really like the nickname.”
I can sense him smiling even without looking at him.
The tattoo machine stops buzzing and I ask, “Are you done?”
“All done, Catalina.” He wipes my fresh tattoo with mild soap to help with scarring. “Do you want to see it?”
I take a deep breath and look at Theo. He brings my hand to his lips and kisses it. “I’m ready to see it.”
The Professor helps me up from the chair and leads me to a mirror. “Take a look. Tell me what you think.”
Hell. It. Is. GORGEOUS.
My hand shoots up to cover my mouth and I feel the tears welling up in my eyes.
“Do you like it?” The Professor has his hands in his pockets, rocking back and forth on his heels.
I nod my head and flash an ugly I’m-about-to-cry smile. “It’s so beautiful. Thank you.” I turn around to hug him but then stop. “Is it ok to hug you?”
He opens his arms to embrace me, and I sob like a baby. He pats the back of my head and for a second, I feel like I’m wrapped up in my father’s arms. I compose myself, wiping snot with the tissues Theo hands me.
“You have no idea how much this means to me,” I thank the Professor again.
“I’m glad I could be a part of your story.” He smiles warmly and squeezes my shoulder.
“Me too.” Theo wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close to him, kissing the tip of my nose.
Chapter Sixteen
Theo and I make it on time to Caleb and Sarah’s luau on the beach outside our hotel. There is one long rectangular oak table with a white linen table runner draped over top. Candles and flowers make up the centerpieces and I can see Athena’s handiwork in the elegant place cards. A pig is being roasted over a roaring fire and music is blasting as the sun sets beyond the horizon.
Sarah is breathtaking. A loose fitted white lace dress and flower crown give her the appearance of a Hawaiian princess or angelic being. She is positively beaming.
Caleb looks at her like he is the luckiest guy in the world. His bright Hawaiian shirt is open down the middle, showing off his tone, tan physique.
The happy couple is dancing, their toes skipping through the sand, their smiles unmatched. Love. Unmistakable, undeniable true love.
For a few months while dating Derek, I thought I would have a moment like this. Dancing, smiling, eating, drinking, and celebrating with my intended. And still when I daydream, I sometimes see Derek’s face.
I wish I could say I hate him, but I don’t. I wish I could say I will never forgive him for hurting me, but that isn’t true either.
I become suddenly aware that my ex-boyfriend is still in Hawaii – somewhere in the same hotel. I think about him asking to catch up over coffee and I find myself curious as to what we might talk about.
Would we talk about Mindy?
About Theo?
Would we talk about work?
