Never Give Up - Heidi Lis Page 0,17

silently praying she does just that.

She mumbles and stomps off toward the front door. Yes, I can relax for a minute before the real pain begins. The idea of getting poked with needles does not excite me.

A half hour later, Liza strolls back in and thankfully I’m almost done. Jack is going over my home care instructions. To be honest, it wasn’t so bad. I might even consider getting another one in the near future. Jack hands me a mirror to look at his masterpiece on my hip. The instant my eyes see it, they flood with tears. It’s beyond beautiful and so much better than I ever imagined it could be. Jack is the tattoo guru, it’s gorgeous.

“Oh my God, Jack. It’s perfect.”

He smiles as he cleans up. “Why thank you sweetness, it looks great on you.”

Meeting his eyes, the look he gives me tells me he understands the reason for my design. I bet he hears a lot of stories behind the many tattoos he does on a daily basis. For me, it’s all about healing and moving forward.

My gaze traces the intricate letters disguised in the design inked on my pale skin. Jack drew up the letters to mold into the design. The idea being I would be the only one knowing the double meaning behind them. A double M weaved sideways to form the wings of the butterfly. Symbolic for the two names forever in my heart. To this day, only a few people know who Micah is. The other letter M, well, that’s my secret to tell.

LIZA’S STILL NOT speaking when we return home from our day of shopping. We grabbed dinner on the way home. I had no idea that getting poked with needles would wipe me out as much as it had. Dragging my bags to my room, I pull out the beautiful dress I bought. Thanks to my new found lease on life, I’m excited to wear some of my neglected clothes that are hanging in my closet. Getting dressed up and looking pretty for Nick excites me. I want to render him speechless. I’m sure he has to be sick of seeing me in my usual attire of jeans and t-shirts. It’s time for a new look, a new attitude, and a new beginning…with Nick Edwards. Who knew the banker, aka my best friend in the world, would be the one who could give me all the firsts I’ve been missing?

Pulling out my new silver strappy heels, I’m amazed I purchased them. They were astonishingly pricey, but to die for at the same time. It will take me a lot of overtime to pay them off, but who cares? They were so worth it.

Checking my tattoo out in the mirror, I decided to hop in the shower before we eat dinner. I also need to call Nick before bed. On my way to the bathroom, Liza stops and informs me she’s skipping dinner to go out with Ace. Whatever.

Turning on the hot water for my shower, I let the room fill up with steam, like my personal sauna. Dropping my clothes, I’m about to get in the shower when I hear our front door slam shut. I left the bathroom door ajar, shrugging off any notion, I’m sure it’s just Liza leaving.

I’m about to shut the door when I hear voices. Somewhat surprised, not sure why, but I’m dying to hear what Liza’s boyfriend sounds like. Struggling to understand them, I lean my head near the door as softly as I can. Oh my God, here I am eavesdropping, and my eyes go wide when I hear him more clearly. Wow, his voice is a lot deeper in person compared to the few times I’ve heard him on the phone with Liza. My stomach flip-flops because the sound of his voice surprisingly excites me.

I anxiously inch so close to the door my naked body is flat against it. It’s then that I realize things are too quiet. I’m puzzled until the slight knock on the door startles me. Surprisingly, I keep my composure and remain silent, but just in case I have my hand clamped over my mouth.

“Hey, Pip, you in there?” The deep voice gives me instant butterflies.

I’m closing my eyes, cursing how excited his voice makes me feel. “Um…yeah, I’m here. Ace?” Oh God, who else would it be?

“Yeah,” he says pausing. “Don’t get your tattoo wet okay?”

I swear he sounds so close like he’s right up against the