When Lightning Strikes Read Online Free PDF

matter what I did, my mind kept going back to Patrick. I'd already said I wouldn't' get tattooed by him again, but booking a tattoo with him was about a six-week process and somewhere in the back of my mind I thought that by the time six weeks rolled around, I'd be wanting another one.
    Who was I kidding? In reality, I knew I wanted to see him again and the tattoo was just a means for me do that. In fact, now that I thought about it, six weeks seemed like an eternity.
    So somehow during that chain of thoughts, I went from making a point never to see Patrick Mallory again to contacting him ASAP. I laughed at myself even as I took out my phone and composed an email.
    Hello Patrick, It's Mia.
    I came in today for a cross on my forearm. I love it and wanted to let you know that I would like to schedule an appointment for another small piece sometime. I know you're traveling soon, so it's no big deal if you can't get me in before your trip. I just wanted to get the ball rolling while I’m thinking about it. It was nice meeting you today. Thanks again for the great work!
    Mia
    I pressed send and then regretted it instantly. I couldn't believe I wrote the phrase get the ball rolling , and I cringed thinking about it. What a dork. I went to my sent folder and cursed myself for not making a mistake when I typed in his email address. Oh well, I knew it'd be at least a week before I heard back, and by that time I'd be less embarrassed.

 
    Chapter 5
     
     
    I got a response from Patrick the same evening. I expected it to take him at least a week to get back to me, so I was shocked to see his name in my inbox so quickly. I felt a wave of nerves wash over me, so much that it took me several long seconds to make myself open the email to read his response.
    Hey Mia,
    I'm glad you like the tattoo and want to come back to see me. I'm leaving in less than a month and I'm booked till then, but I'd like to get you in so let me see what I can work out and I'll get back with you. I picked up that Lincoln book you recommended after work tonight. The clerk told me it was good. Did you go to Trader Joes for cookie butter? Don't forget to get the crunchy kind. I'll be in touch about an appointment.
    Patrick
    I read it three times. I'd forgotten about him recommending cookie butter. If Trader Joes had been open, I would have gotten into my car and gone over there right then. I didn't write him back that evening. He did include a direct question, but the general feel of the email was that he'd be the one to get in touch with me. I decided not to respond to his cookie butter question, at least until I got some and could try it. For the next two days, I waited to hear from him, but never did.
    By the next Saturday, I had myself thinking he'd forgotten about working me into his schedule. I tried to tell myself it was better that way, but when Stewart text to ask if I'd like to grab a cup of coffee, I instantly thought of going to Moshi's just so I'd have a chance to run into Patrick. To my own shame, I acted on that thought. I sent Stewart a text asking if he could do Moshi's at 4PM and he agreed.
    I knew Patrick worked on Saturday, and that he drank coffee around that time, but I didn't dare hope I'd see him. I reprimanded myself. Poor Stewart was my ticket to a slim chance of seeing someone else, and I told myself I should feel like a terrible person because of it.
    That little bout with guilt didn't stop me from following through with plans, though. I got to Moshi's right on time, and Stewart was waiting out front. He had light brown hair and light, greenish eyes. He dressed nice and carried himself well. He was handsome and tall and had a good job as an anesthesiologist. Plus, I loved the idea of one simple flower, and that's exactly what he was holding.
    Everything should fall into place with this guy, and yet, there I was, looking over his shoulder to make sure Patrick wasn't there.
    "I like your shirt," he said, smiling as I walked up.
    I was