Page 157 of Always Love You More

“You two are my best friends,” he says. “My family. And it’s got shit to do with blood. It’s loyalty.” He shifts, glancing between us. “Tonight, always … you’re both always there.”

Sam glances over at me, her eyes searching.

I nod. “Like he said, it’s always gonna be the three of us. There for each other, no matter what. I have no problem getting that loyalty inked.”

She’s quiet for a minute before she says, “That’s what we should get.” She looks between us. “Loyalty.”

The door chimes as we walk into Big Jim’s studio. I called him right after we all decided on the tattoo, and he was more than happy to stay open for us.

“Kid,” he calls from his place behind the front desk, pushing back his chair and rounding the counter. I’ve been in here a few times since my old man died, but still, he approaches me carefully, his expression weary. “You doin’ all right?”

“You know,” I answer.

“Yeah,” he grunts then clears his throat, bringing his attention to Sam at my side. He smiles, the movement distorting the tattoo that runs down the side of his face. “You must be Sam.”

She nods. “Hey.”

“Heard a lot about you,” he says. When her eyes flash to me, he chuckles, the sound gravelly from years of smoking. “All good things, darlin’.”

Finally, he turns to Billy, glancing at the remaining beers in his hand. “One of those nights, huh?”

“Worse,” Billy answers.

“Let’s head back then,” Big Jim says, never one to pry.

We follow behind him, and I watch as Sam and Billy take in the space for the first time, their gazes lingering on the frames that cover every inch of the walls.

“So,” Big Jim says, “you all want the wordloyalty?”

Billy looks over his shoulder. “Yeah.”

“Just the lettering?” he asks.

My eyes catch on one of the frames—angel wings drawn in black. I think about the word we’re all getting inked, not only what it means to the three of us but also for those we each lost. That we rose above it, because of each other.

“What about that?” I point to the frame. “Loyalty above angel wings.”

Sam and Billy step closer, both of them agreeing, the look on their faces making it clear they get my meaning.

Big Jim sketches up the design while the three of us decide on placement.

Sam picks her ribs. Billy over his heart. And me, a piece that spans my chest.

Big Jim comes back with the design, holding it up for us to see. “You’re all sure?” He looks between us. “Don’t gotta tell you this is for life.” His gaze moves over each of us as we all nod.

“Yeah,” I answer. “We’re sure.”

Part 3: The Aftermath

One Year Later…

Chapter 37

Sam

Ipressmypillowover my head, trying to drown out the sound of Jace’s crying.

Cathleen moved in a few months ago after her boyfriend split. She came home one day to all his stuff gone and hasn’t heard from him since. She had no money, no job, and a four-month-old son. So, the only option she was left with was to move back home.