Pumpkin and Plum

Chapter 24: Fake tattoo

I wished I did something, but the fear that my interference would cause more issues left me helpless.

"Sam, when are you going to tell me what's bothering you? You have not been yourself for the past few days," Mia asked.

I opened my mouth to say it was nothing, but Mia forestalled saying, "Don't tell me it's nothing. I could see it's eating you alive."

I confessed to her leaving out the client details and my suspicion about Mr. Henry's disappearance.

"I think it's best to get a bodyguard for your father."

"Bodyguard?"

"Yes, from your description of Mr. Garrison you could ask him to help. The bodyguard could pose as your dad's secretary. It wouldn't spark suspicion for a secretary to accompany him."

"Mia, that is a brilliant idea. I will talk to dad and Mr. Garrison immediately. I can't believe I didn't think of this."

To my surprise, dad agreed. Mr. Garrison appointed a female assistant. She was perfect; nobody could mistake her for a bodyguard. She was well versed in combat fighting and target shooting. She always accompanied him.

"You are back to normal, I see," Wade commented as I pulled Mia to my lap.

It has been a long day, I wanted nothing more than Mia in my hands.

"What do you mean?"

"You were acting off, I knew it had to do with the gym. Have you decided to quit?"

"Don't jinx, he is doing great," Mia said, placing a cheering kiss on my cheek.

"Man! I work out till my muscles get sore."

"I heard all you have done till date is arm rotation and you complain of sore muscles."

"Shut up, Wade. Don't discourage him."

Wade wasn't entirely wrong. Mia was a regular at the gym. She works out like a tornado came to life. Pushups, jumps, planks you name it she did it. I, on the other hand, took a five-minute break in between exercises which were nothing but warm-up and stretches.

"I have a surprise for you."

She pulled her shirt slightly and revealed her hip. My breath hitched as I noticed a tattoo. She has inked my name.

"When did you do this?"

"Yesterday"

"Angela is going to have a fit."

"Hahaha, she won't. She was the one who chose the spot."

I slowly ran my fingers over it. Tears stung my eyes.

"Sam..." she crooned, cupping my cheeks.

"I love you," I said in a choked voice.

"I love you too. I have booked an appointment for you."

"What for?"

"The tattoo parlor, of course."

So there was an 'of course'. I should have seen this coming.

"Mia, you are already etched in my heart. Is a tattoo really necessary?"

"Good one," Wade mouthed to me.

"I just want the world to know you are mine."

"He is not an object you own Mia, he is a human with his own wills," Wade said. "Imagine if a guy said something like that to a girl, you would call him a control freak."

"Mia didn't mean it like that," I tried to intervene.

"Shut up, Sam, I am trying to help you. I know you don't want to get tattooed."

"Wade, he can make his mind. And he loves to get tattooed," said Mia

"It's his choice to love or hate tattoos, keep your opinions to yourself."

I couldn't believe Wade standing up for me. Could he be possessed?

"Guys, please stop," turning to Mia, I added, "I need time to think."

"To think what?"

"Whether to get a tattoo," Wade chimed.

Mia glared at him. "What's there to think, pumpkin?"

"It's going to be permanent. I am not sure whether I want one."

"Why not? It's just going to be my name."

"Maybe that's why he doesn't want one," Wade drolled.

"Mia, it's going to be permanent. I am worried I might feel different."

"Fine, so you don't want one."

"Sorry Mia, I don't think I want it."

"You were right, Wade. You win. I will order the new PlayStation for you." She said and walked to our room.

"Win? What are you talking about?"

"Mia thinks you are going to get engaged to her on prom night, get married during college, and have a kid soon after. She even chose her first girl's name. I told her you are not as committed as she thinks," Wade scoffed.

"What the hell does it have to do with the tattoo?"

"She was sure you would have her name tattooed."

I walked to my room not waiting for Wade to finish. Mia was on her phone and avoided looking at me.

"I am going to stay the night at Lucas. I will see you tomorrow."

Her dismissal was clear.

"Mia, please -" I started not knowing what to say.

With no interest in waiting, she made her way out.

"Hey, you could lose the fake tattoo you stuck to manipulate Sam," Wade called out to Mia.

"It's real."