“FU.”
“Oh, that? I got rid of it last year, not that I told anybody.”
“Why?”
He shrugs. “I got it while drunk. It was my ‘fuck you’ to Dad, but then I decided I was through with it. By the way, erasing a tattoo hurts like a bitch.”
I giggle. “Good. Then you should let Nonny know.”
“She wants a tattoo?”
“Uh-huh.” I take another sip of coffee. “One that professes her undying love for your brother.”
Elliot makes a face. “Ryder’s not worth getting a tattoo over.”
“My feelings exac
tly.” I finish my cup. “Is Nonny still here?”
“Leaving in five.”
“Okay.” I shrug into a robe and we go downstairs to the kitchen, hands linked.
Nonny is just rinsing her cereal bowl and putting it into the dishwasher. She looks fresh and adorable in a sunflower-yellow maxi dress. An elegantly thin silver chain with a piccolo pendant hangs around her neck.
“Morning. Nice necklace,” I say.
“Hi.” She fingers the piccolo. “It’s new.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“You know. A gift.”
“From a boy?”
Pulling her lips in, she shrugs. From the sudden tinge of red on her face, it’s got to be from a boy.
I sense Elliot tense through our linked hands. “Who?” he asks.
“Just some guy.”
“The boy from history class?” He scowls. “Algebra too, if I recall.”
“Don’t you ever forget anything?”
“Nope. I also remember you not telling me how many classes you have with this kid.”
Nonny rolls her eyes. “Because it’s none of your business. It’s not like we’re serious.” She grabs her backpack from the counter. “Gotta go. Love you.” She gives me a tight but super-quick hug and dashes toward the main entrance.
“That necklace looks pretty serious to me!” Elliot calls out as she shuts the door behind her.
I elbow him in the ribs. “You’re horrible. Stop embarrassing her.”
“I just want to know who it is.”
I rinse out my now empty coffee mug and reach for a box of cereal and some milk. “I worry about her too, but I have to believe that she’ll be careful or I’ll never let her out of my sight.” I pour myself a bowl and put everything away. A spoon in my mouth, I settle on a stool at the counter, feet curling over the bottom rung.
“That’s why I need to be the bad cop. You won’t do what’s necessary.”