Trouble for Hire by Naima Simone

Author:Naima Simone [Simone, Naima]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-17T12:36:19+00:00

CHAPTER FOUR

“ARE YOU SURE you won’t hang?” Jake wrapped an arm around Patrick’s neck, another tattoo artist at Forever Ink.

“Yeah, Camille. It’s just eleven. Too early for bedtime.” Dara, another artist, slid her arm around Jake’s waist and grinned. “Have you been to Road’s End yet?”

Camille shook her head. “Not yet, but I’ve heard about it.”

“And everything you’ve heard is true and probably more,” Jake bragged. “A good friend owns it and not only does it have great beer and a greater game room, he pulled in a band for tonight. So live music. You wouldn’t think li’l Rose Bend would have one of the best dive bars in the Berkshires.”

Laughing, Camille held up her hands, palms out. “You guys are really convincing but I’m going to pass. But next time, I’m in. I promise.”

With some grumbling and good-natured teasing, her coworkers strode off toward the parking lot. Giving her head another shake, she headed in the opposite direction. She’d left her car near the tattoo shop, having headed over to The Glen right after work.

The Glen emptied of people, and she joined the exodus. The chatter and laughter, and some whines from children, surrounded her, and she allowed herself to sink into it. This, too, she’d missed. Living in the city had its advantages—nightlife, easy access to malls, restaurants and other entertainment. But she’d let herself forget about the charm and comfort of small town living. Of community events like this, of calling out to people you knew and walking outside at nearly midnight with little fear.

At first she’d resented returning home a failure, in the same position—if not worse—than when she’d left. But now...now it was all as clear as the star-speckled night sky above her. She’d needed to come here to heal, where it was warm, welcoming, safe. Where she belonged. This might not have been the path she’d envisioned for herself, but maybe right here was where she’d been meant to end up all along.

Inhaling a deep breath, she held it, then released it. And another chunk of the burden she’d carried around for so long cracked and tumbled from her chest.

Smiling wider, she slowed her pace and meandered down the sidewalk. That’s right. She meandered. Because she could.

Laughter bubbled up in her chest as she glanced into the dark windows of Mimi’s Café and The Ride, the local shop that catered to a motorcycle enthusiast’s every need, and other storefronts lining Rose Bend’s quaint Main Street.

Soon enough she approached Forever Ink, and without her permission, her feet slowed to a stop. This place had become her haven in such a short amount of time. She’d found herself here—her confidence, her strength, her talents—and had been unconditionally accepted in spite of her very recent past, her clothes and how she talked.

Well, almost unconditionally accepted.

Her heart thudded against her sternum, dispersing the calm that had settled over her like dandelion seeds on a summer breeze.

Erik.

He’d disappeared after their impromptu dance and confession, and yet it seemed she couldn’t escape him tonight.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.