Holding Her Hand (The Reed Brothers 9)

Me: Is she okay?

Lark McCapSnatcher: Not really, but I think she will be. I’ve got to go. They’re calling for her.

Me: Can I see you later?

Lark McCapSnatcher: I can’t. We’re laying down tracks tonight at the recording studio. Probably every night this week. Bye!

On Tuesday she sent me a picture of her wearing my cap at an ice cream shop. And she just happened to have her tongue stuck out so she could lick a humongous cone.

Me: This isn’t very fair.

Lark McCapSnatcher: What’s not fair?

She sends another picture with her tongue actually touching the cone.

Me: My cap gets to see you more than I do. Can I see you tonight?

Lark McCapSnatcher: Can’t. We’re recording.

Me: Soon?

Lark McCapSnatcher: Probably not until this weekend. We have an appointment to finish my tattoo.

Me: I’m hurt. You just want me for my ink skills.

Lark McCapSnatcher: Would I be texting you stupid pictures of myself if I just wanted you for your ink skills? No. I’m trying really hard to get (and keep) your attention.

Me: Mission accomplished. Text me later, when you are wearing my cap in the shower, okay?

Lark McCapSnatcher: LOL Nice try. TTYL

On Wednesday, I text her first.

Me: I just did a tattoo for a man who lost his whole family in a house fire. He was at work when it happened. He lost his wife and three children.

There’s a huge pause when she doesn’t respond. But finally, she does.

Lark McCapSnatcher: What kind of tattoo did he get?

Me: Roses, which were in honor of their wedding, and one symbol for each of the kids.

Lark McCapSnatcher: What were they?

Me: A building block, a matchbox car, and a set of jack rocks, all making up the shape of a baseball diamond. The block was first base. The car was second base, and the jacks were third. The roses were home plate. They met at a baseball game.

Lark McCapSnatcher: Will you come up with something like that for me for my other arm?

Oh, shit. I realize that I’m talking with a woman who lost her family in a fire about a tattoo I did for someone in a similar tragedy. I’m an asshole.

Me: I’m so sorry. I just realized the parallel. I never should have said anything.

Lark McCapSnatcher: I’m glad you told me. It obviously affected you.

Me: His grief was like a living, breathing thing there in the room with us.

Lark McCapSnatcher: My mother liked to play Scrabble. My father preferred chess. And our favorite thing to do on the weekend was go to the beach and fly kites.

Me: I can work with that.