Pinching her nose with her fingers, she lets out one final huff. “He thinks I should be more supportive of you. He wants me to tell you how brave you are and good luck.” Her incessant eye rolling does not make me feel any better. I’m sure the way her boyfriend stuck up for me is the reason she seems put off.

“Wow. Tell him thanks.” I think.

“Okay ladies,” Jack turns to Liza, “Miss if you want to talk to your boyfriend, please take it outside.”

I’m 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 door. A door I’m currently standing behind naked.

“What?” Shit, it’s all I can think to say in my moment of sheer panic.

“Just wanted to make sure you keep it covered up, I know it’s your first one…that’s all. Oh, and it’s nice to sort of meet you.” He offers a lingering sigh.

Oh my God, this is so awkward. “Okay, thank you for the advice… and it’s nice to sort of meet you, too.” I keep my voice cheery trying not to let my nerves show.

An awkward pause lingers before a hint of a laugh escapes his lips. “Later.”

“Sure, later Ace.” A wave of uneasiness consumes me, and it’s an odd sensation. His voice is so pleasant, but the familiar tone is hard to pinpoint. I quickly dismiss it, chalking it up to nerves. It’s just me, I need to let him go. I cannot think every guy out there, is him. It’s not Micah. They’re not Micah. I’m left to ponder this aching notion taking my shower, extra careful not to get my new tattoo wet.

After I showered up, I ate dinner by myself. I’m grateful Liza went out, at least I didn’t have to listen to her all night. Laying in bed, I’m exhausted but I know I need to make a call.

“What are you doing?” I ask a very taciturn Nick.

“Missing you, why am I not with you, again?” Yep, he sounds depressed.

“I have to get to work early tomorrow, and I’m beyond tired. Someone kept me up late last night.” I can’t help saying with a smirk.

He briskly replies. “Oh, how could anyone do that to you, unless it was because he was devouring your beautiful body?” Depressed Nick is now playful Nick.

I burst out laughing. “That’s right, I did have some hot guy in my bed last night.”

“Speaking of last night, are you okay with all that happened?” He’s so serious, his voice deepens with a hint of anxiety.

“Nick, we talked about this already. Last night was great, but.” Softly I close my eyes, praying he understands.

“Yeah, I know you do, El. I’m just happy you are finally giving us a try.” His voice is lighter, and I can tell he’s smiling. “You’re energizer bunny is ready to devour your body again.”

It’s hard not to smile and laugh when I’m talking to him. “You’re the best, always remember that. No matter what happens, you have always been here for me and I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know. I know over the years, things have not been pretty, but you never gave up on me. You were a shoulder for me to cry on.” I’m on a roll and can’t seem to stop the honest things I need him to hear. “You held my hand, dried my tears, and never let me cry alone. You are my best friend, and you are so important to me. It’s why I hesitated to take us to the next level.”

I knew I was rambling, but telling him this might help ease the news of my tattoo. If I’m lucky, he will merely see a beautiful butterfly, but he’s smarter than that. He knows me too well.

“I know and I will always be here for you, no matter what happens with us. Although I see no reason we won’t be together, even if we weren’t, I’m your best friend.”

Hoping like hell he means those words, I’m closing my eyes holding onto them. I whisper, “I’ll hold you to that, you know.”

“Yeah, I know you will.” He replies earnestly.

“Okay, sweet Nick. I’m off to sleep. Dinner tomorrow night?” Sounds like a good plan, and then I’ll tell him about my tattoo.