Santa Barbara, California
2010
“Are you scared?” Rex asked, holding Maya’s hand as they lied back in their chairs. Rex has already peeled off his shirt in preparation for his tattoo in the same place Maya was placing hers. On his shoulder. “You know you don’t have to do this. No one’s forcing you.”
Maya shook her head, taking deep breaths while she watched the tattoo artist collect all their supplies. She squeezed his hand tighter. “Just first-time jitters, that’s all.”
One of the tattoo artists came to her side while another walked over to Rex. “Maya, calm down. Edgar and Alice are pros. I got all my tattoos from them.”
Maya nodded. This was her idea and yet she was having second thoughts. Maybe there was another way of commemorating their time together that didn’t require a needle b
