Page 9 of Songs for Libby

“Fun singing is still singing.”

I shrugged. “What about you? Are you musical?”

“Not at all. No one wants to hear my version of music. I’m more than happy to just listen.” He pushed up his long sleeves to his elbows and I caught a glimpse of a tattoo on his forearm. It looked like some sort of shield or coat of arms.

The server came by and took our drink order and then left.

I nodded toward his arm. “What’s that?”

He looked down, trying to figure out what I meant.

“The tattoo,” I clarified.

“Oh, it’s for my unit.”

“Unit?”

“Yeah.” A wistful smile crossed his lips. “It seems like tattoos just tend to happen when you’re in the military.”

“You’re in the army?”

“Was. I was discharged almost two years ago.”

“How long were you in?”

“I completed my four-year contract and then got out.”

“Didn’t want to make a career out of it?”

He shook his head. “I’m grateful for my time in the service, but it takes a toll and I was ready to focus on something else.”

I wanted to ask him more about it, but he seemed like he was done talking. “Do you have any other tattoos?” I asked instead.

“One other.”

“Is it an army one as well?”

“No, it’s a personal one.”

I waited a moment, hoping he would expound, but he didn’t. Maybe I’d pry the info out of him later.

“What about you?” he asked. “Are you inked anywhere?”

“Oh, no,” I was quick to say. “Needles and I do not get along.”

“That’s too bad.”

I quirked an eyebrow at him. “Why? You think I need body art?”

He quickly shook his head. “No, your skin is flawless. I wouldn’t want you to cover it.”

Holy flaming cheeks, I could not believe he said that so casually and then just went on as if he hadn’t given me the best compliment ever.

“I meant it was too bad because I’m studying to become an acupuncturist, so needles kind of are my thing.”

Images of multiple needles being poked into a body crossed my mind and I was instantly tense.

“Whoa,” he said, leaning forward and grabbing my hand, which was resting on the table. “Are you okay? You just went white.”