Page 9 of All Your Firsts

Vic takes a left, and we end up in the town square, as the sign says.

This downtown area is adorable, with cobblestone walkways and sugar maple trees showcasing a breathtaking display of neon red, orange, and yellow leaves. Cozy seating areas are scattered throughout, and a stunning fountain stands at its heart.

I imagined ending up in this type of town, with colorful storefronts lining the streets around the square, each offering a unique small-business experience. Above each door, business signs with store names sway on chains, dancing in the gentle morning breeze.

We pass a restaurant, coffee shop, flower shop, clothing boutique, dog groomers, used bookstore, salon and spa, and a tattoo parlor, among others that line the square.

I wonder if there’s an art studio with classes available?

Vic parks his truck in front of the tattoo shop with a sage-green sign that readsAlchemy Inkin an Old English font.

“We need to lay out a couple of ground rules,” he says as I reach for the door handle.

I sigh. “Gage already talked to me. I won’t run.”

“No, you won’t,” he says as he looks out the front windshield. “But there’s more.”

“Why am I not surprised?” This is just another clip to my wings, but it won’t be forever. It can’t be.

“You’ll only leave somewhere by asking me first and getting my blessing.”

“Blessing?” I ask, angling my body more toward him. “That sounds a lot like getting your permission.”

“Exactly,” he says with a smirk. “You’ll also share your location with me once you get your new phone.”

“That’s invasive if I’m already telling you where I’m going.”

“Call it what you want. It is what it is. You will only sleep in your room, nowhere else.”

“Why would I sleep anywhere else?”

“Can you let me finish my fucking rules, or are you going to comment on every single one?”

I stay silent.

“No guys.”

“That’s a ridiculous rule and none of your business.”

“It is my business. No guys.”

“And what if I’m already seeing someone?”

A scowl forms on his face as his eyes scrunch up. “Are you?”

“What’s your next rule?” I blow off his question.

“Are you seeing someone?” he repeats.

“That’s not a rule.”

“And that’s not an answer.”

“Are we done now?” I ask as I open the door.

“For now.”

As I step into the tattoo shop, my eyes are irresistibly drawn to the sleek black walls, rich brown hardwood floors, and luxurious dark green velvet curtains, which create an upscale and elegant aesthetic.

---