Page 36 of You Found Me in the Dark
Inside, it felt different. The walls were a deep charcoal gray, and the floors were old wood that creaked in all the usual spots. The whole place smelled faintly of cedar, ink, and something warmer I could never quite name. It was usually quiet, except for the steady hum of machines or whichever old CD Dax had playing.
My station was up front; it was the first door behind the area where people sign paperwork and pay for our services. The light came in softly and steadily into my room, and I kept it clean. My machines were lined up just how I liked them, and my sketches were pinned to the wall in a loose grid. There was a mug ofbrushes on my table and a chair that always squeaked when I sat in it. Clients tended to talk more with me. I listened and let them.
Black Pine wasn’t loud or flashy. But it was ours. The kind of place people came to bleed a little, breathe a little, and leave with something they could never quite put down. And maybe it wasn’t much—but I loved knowing I was part of something that stayed with them, long after they walked away.
23
REED
It was finally Saturday, and I was so ready for a day off. I had my coffee in one hand and my phone in the other. I stared at the text thread with Wren with so much going through my head.
We had casually texted during the week, just checking in on each other. While I worked at the shop, she was working on a new painting. It seemed like she was starting to take commissions again. She was really excited, and I was so happy she got her mojo back.
I typed out a message, heart beating faster than it should’ve.
Me
Morning, Little Birdie. You up?
I didn’t have to wait long for a reply.
Wren
Morning, Daddy! Barely. But I’m alive. Why?
She was such a damn tease. I smirked into my mug, setting it down so I could type with both thumbs.
Me
I’m off today. Thought I’d steal you for a bit. Somewhere you’ve been begging to go for years, but I never took you. Also, calling me that is gonna get you in trouble.
Wren
Don’t play with my heart. If you’re not serious, I’ll cry actual tears. And not sure if you realized, but I am trouble.
Me
Better start getting ready then, Trouble.
Wren
Wait. You mean the shop?
Me
Yes, I mean the shop. Be ready in 30. Dress comfy.
The typing bubbles popped up, vanished, and came back again. Then finally:
Wren
If you don’t show up, I will commit heinous crimes.
I chuckled, grabbing my quarter-zip hoodie and sliding into my old combat boots. Michigan was in that annoying season where mornings were cold, afternoons were hot, and nights dipped again, so layers were a must.
She’d been asking about my workspace since day one. This was back when Cam introduced us, and she was just his little sister with the big eyes and bigger opinions. Truth is, I should’vetaken her ages ago. But I’d always brushed it off. Maybe it was because I didn’t want her in that part of my life.
Now?
