“I would love too,” Emily beamed a smile. Drew could tell that Emily meant every word.
“Me? You want me to do all of your tattoos?” Drew asked.
“Well, of course, dear. You didn’t think I talked you up for an hour to just give my business to someone else? Unless thisisn’t something you’d be interested in doing,” Vera shot her a pleading look. Drew could see why everyone had described the woman as formidable.
“Of course I would be interested. I can already tell this will be the session of my year. I just assumed you’d know some artist with a private studio who catered to more high-end clients,” Drew explained.
“I only look fancy. I assure you that your studio is more than adequate.”
“In that case I’ll take your number and text you with some possible dates that I have available,” Drew smiled.
Tonight was turning out to be a better night than she could have ever anticipated. From her side Brooke gave her hand a squeeze. She could feel Brooke telling her how proud she was in that simple gesture.
“That sounds lovely. I am so excited about this. I’ve had this tattoo in my mind for such a long time,” Vera pulled Drew in for a quick hug before hurrying away to find the next person she wanted to talk to.
“And that, ladies, was my mother. A cyclone in heels,” Scarlett laughed.
The description wasn’t completely off base. Vera had seemed like a whole lot of person crammed into a small body.
“Did Mom talk to you yet?”
The woman that had been introduced to Drew earlier as Cora Lossett wore a black pantsuit that was stunning yet all business at the same time.
“Yes,” Scarlett laughed.
“I can’t believe you said yes to this tattoo,” Scarlett leveled an accusing stare in Cora’s direction.
“I don’t know what you mean. I’ve wanted a tattoo for decades,” Cora teased.
“Am I the only one in this family with any apprehension?” Scarlett laughed.
“I think so,” Cora grinned.
“I for one am just really excited to be included in this tattoo,” Emily stated with a wide smile. Scarlett leaned in and gave the woman a kiss.
“Well, you’re family, babe,” Scarlett assured Emily. Drew’s heart warmed at Scarlett’s words as if they were directed at her instead of Emily.
She loved seeing people being treated as family. Hell, she’d basically been treated as family since she’d arrived, and no one here had even known her. Beside her, Drew was aware of Brooke checking her phone.
“Everything, okay?” Drew asked.
“Yeah. That was just the landlord letting me know that my place is ready to move back into.”
Drew couldn’t explain the sudden drop in her stomach at Brooke’s words. She’d enjoyed having Brooke stay with her. Drew was used to rolling over and finding Brooke in the spot beside her in the bed. It was strange to think of the awkwardness she’d felt during that first night together. There was nothing awkward about having Brooke there now.
In fact, Brooke had left her mark all over Drew’s place. There was Pearl, the cat, she was now a fixture in Drew’s apartment. Drew expected to see Pearl curled up under her window every day when she came home. There were also smaller tokens Brooke had left. A blue vase that had found its way to Drew’s countertop. Flowers were rotated through the vase every week. Drew had never had to ask for the flowers. They had simply appeared, then kept appearing. Other than flowers there were books. Every day Drew found another book she’d never seen before. Some of the books were placed on shelves, as if waiting to be read. Others were piled on the nightstand by Brooke’s side of the bed.
Whenever Brooke had a spare moment, she could be found reading. Brooke had supplied Drew’s apartment with so many books that no matter what room she was in there was always a book close by. Drew had even taken to thumbing through them. That was a mark that Brooke had placed onDrew. A growing habit that Drew had begun to enjoy. Brooke reached out and took Drew’s hand as if she could feel the unease building. Decisions would have to be made. Tonight wasn’t the night to make decisions. Drew was just happy to be here with so many lovely people. Tonight being here with Brooke was enough.
Chapter 18
“Are you ready?” Brooke shouted down the hall.
“Not yet,” Drew called back.
Drew had always been the kind of woman who could effortlessly get ready. She’d never needed much prep time. Tonight, she was introducing Drew to her mom and her mom’s new boyfriend. Seemingly, this was causing Drew more anxiety than Brooke had anticipated. Drew had tried on six outfits before Brooke had given up on waiting in the bedroom. She’d decided that pacing the living room would make Drew less panicked than pacing in front of while she chose an outfit.
Brooke wasn’t the sort who felt the crushing need to be on time everywhere. She did feel the need to be punctual with her mother. No one else was likely to call her out for her occasional lateness. Her mother absolutely would remind her of what time she was supposed to be there. When Brooke couldn’t handle another moment of waiting she crept back into the bedroom. Drew was examining herself in the mirror.
