Tough Love

Chapter Fifty

I fake confusion, 'Huh?”

“You want to ask me something. I can tell...”

“What gives you that impression?” I want to see how she can read that.

She sighs and puts her fork down before she sheepishly responds, “You keep brushing your tattoo, something you do when you're thinking hard, even when you have sleeves on. You're quiet, and your body language is different...”

Despite my shock, I chuckle and ask, “You sure you're not trained in interrogation?”

She shakes her head, “Just learnt how to read people...”

“Well, you're good at it, despite the reasons why. Do I really brush my tattoo when I'm deep in thought?”

“Not all the time, more so when you want to ask me something.”

“Do I do it at work?”

“Sometimes. When you're annoyed with one of the guys, then yes. So, you're either annoyed or you want to ask me something.”

“I'm not annoyed, I promise. But you are right, I do want to ask you something. You don't have to answer if you don't want to. Just tell me to mind my own business...”

I see her eyes widen at that thought so I say, “Honestly, I want you to tell me to butt out if I'm pressing too much. I will not get angry or anything, ok? I might be disappointed, but that's only because I'm an inquisitive guy and I want to know too much. I don't want you to feel like to have to tell me anything, ok?”

“Yes sir.”

“I saw your tattoo, Dani...”

Now she really squirms and her chin drops even further.

“I remember you said you had one at Coney Island, but I didn't really think about it until I saw it. Can you talk about it?”

She whispers, “I don't really want to talk about it...”

I feel the need to reward her boldness so I back off and say, “Ok, no worries. Whenever you feel up to it, I'd like to talk about it though. Ok?”

“Yes sir. Sorry.”

“It's ok, honestly. I just wasn't sure if you were up for discussing it. We need to leave at 2pm for my parents house.”

“Ok, sir.”

Dinner at my parents is pretty good actually. Dani is really on guard, but she manages to hold it together for the most part. She does have a few panic moments, but they are easier to manage with the drugs in her system. My ma just stares at Dani and myself, with a small smile on her lips. You know the smile I mean? The one that your mom sends you when she's either trying to set you up with someone or the one that says she knows something you don't know.

Whatever that particular smile means, I know I'm not going to ask her about it or even get into a situation where she can tell me about it. Ash is his hilarious old self and even Dani is smiling at some of his antics. Just as my ma is making the coffee, I hear the front door open. It's only a few seconds before I hear Tyler shout, “Pops? Ma?”

My dad shouts, “In here, Ty.”

I see and feel Dani stiffen as Tyler enters the living room. I whisper, “It's ok, Dani. It's my brother. It's just my brother.”

“Hey pops. Oh, hey Ash, Eli. Who's this fine looking female?”

I grind out, “Ty, behave.”

My dad feels the tension, and he says, “Ty, this is Dani. She works with Eli and Ash. Dani, this is Tyler, my youngest. How come you're here, Ty? I thought you had a big case.”