Something that had nothing to do with tattoos.
“Then don’t say it today.”
I got into my car.
But I knew I would come back.
Because I had heard Benjamin talking about the renovation.
And I had seen the way Marcus looked at Sophie.
At me.
By lunch, I couldn’t stand not knowing.
So I texted him.
Can we finish the conversation?
He answered almost immediately.
Yes.
THE SECOND-FLOOR RENOVATION
That afternoon, I sat across from Marcus again.
This time I didn’t let him avoid the subject.
“The tattoo isn’t the only thing you’ve been hiding.”
He said nothing.
“Benjamin mentioned your renovation.”
His shoulders stiffened.
“He said you were rebuilding the second floor for a family.”
Still nothing.
I forced myself to ask.
“Is that family supposed to be Sophie and me?”
Marcus closed his eyes.
And that was my answer.
Eventually, he spoke.
