“This is so cool,” I said as Dad walked away. “Have you met the tattoo artist? Is he hot?“He’s a she,” Mom said.“Is she hot? Cause I’m still young, you know. My sexual identity isn’t fully formed.”

“This is so cool," I said loudly as Dad walked away. "Have you met the tattoo artist? Is he hot?" "He's a she," Mom said. "Is she hot? Cause I'm still young, you know. My sexual identity isnt fully formed." "Your father can't hear you anymore, Maya." Mom sighed.”

“Yes you're getting your tattoo." I threw my arms around Dad's neck. "Thank you!" "Hey," Mom said. "I'm the one who had to persuade him it wasn't turning his little girl into a streetwalker." "I never said that," Dad said. "No?" I said. "Cool. Cause I've decided to skip the paw print. I'm thinking of a tramp stamp with flames that says 'Hot in Here.' No wait. Arrows. For directionally challenged guys”

“Ooh, big day in town for our park warden,” I said. “They’re even making you wear the uniform.Hayley’s mom will be happy. She thinks you look hot in it.”Dad turned as red as his hair.Mom’s laugh floated out from her studio. “Maya Delaney. Leave your father alone.”

“Got your text,” he said when I climbed out. “How much did it hurt?”“Not at all,” I said. “Apparently, I can’t get a tattoo because I’m a witch.”“I could have told them-” He stopped. “Oh, you said witch.”“Ha-ha.”

“Yes," I said "You were saved by a girl. Horrible, isn't it?"He slid out and looked down at my bare legs. "Not just a girl, but a half-naked one. Now that's hot. If I'm still unconscious, don't wake me, okay?”

“And stop doing that,” he said. “Backing away, giving me that look.”Like you’re scaring me? Maybe you are.”He stepped back so fast he wobbled and caught himself, and the look on his face—Itvanished in a second, the scowl returning.I’d never hurt you, Chloe. You should know—” He stopped. Paused. Then wheeled andstarted walking away. “Next time? Handle it yourself. I’m done taking care of you.”