Twenty-Eight
VIOLET
Today is a normal day. It has to be because if it's not, I might implode. Maybe if I hadn't been subjected to a handsy drunk guy this past weekend, I wouldn't be at my wit’s end.
With my camera in hand for the first time in about two weeks, I feel a sense of ease settle over me. I thought about inviting Jamie out on a hike this morning for some self-care, but decided against it. I aggravated my ankle at the club, so it's best I give it the break it needs.
So it's just me, my camera, and anyone who gets in my way of a normal, peaceful day back at work. Jamie surprising me with breakfast this morning started my day off wonderfully.
True to his word, he reminded me to keep him updated on my day for safety purposes. The idea of him always knowing what I'm doing annoys me just a bit, but I see where he's coming from. A lot has happened in the past two months, so he's allowed to be protective. Plus, I'm used to it with my family anyway.
When I slid into my car this morning, I found the most adorable cup holder coasters. Their print is an array of purple and pink bubbles that brought a big smile to my face. Nate andEllis have been on my mind on and off since I realized it was their gift to me.
I wasn't all that uncomfortable with Nate driving my car back to Detroit, but it's still a relief to see it's cleaner than when I left it. My guess is he also got a car wash before dropping it off in my apartment parking lot.
It's sweet and thoughtful. Also the bare minimum, as Cass had to remind me. I agree, they have a lot more work to do to prove themselves, but I can still enjoy the groveling no matter its size.
If they were to buy me an expensive piece of jewelry, I'd probably throw it at them. These small gestures, the ones that make me feel seen and like they're thinking about me, are my favorite.
The brisk air chills my warm cheeks as I hustle into the salon. I haven't been back here since the manager was rude to me. Not that I left them hanging, I sent over their posts to do and the images they needed, but I'm out of options now. They need new content, and I'm a professional.
"Violet!" Tasha exclaims, rounding the check-in desk. Her eyes are wide and she's fidgety, which is odd for her. She's one of the most outgoing, confident women I know. "You look amazing!"
"Thanks," I reply with a forced smile. Being here isn't on my list of things I want to do, but I have work to get done. "I'll be working on layout shots today to show off the new aesthetic after the holidays."
"Okay." Tasha nods, and I mimic her. When I turn to get to work, she steps forward. "Violet, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said the things I did. My mouth ran away from me, and it was wrong."
More apologies. At least this one doesn't take much from my sanity basket. I'm just glad she recognized her errors andhopefully we can keep some better boundaries now. "Thank you, Tasha. I accept your apology."
As I go about my tasks, I allow my mind to wander toward examining my feelings. I'm trying to get better at recognizing my emotions, so now is as good a time as any.
I feel a little unnerved about being in the salon and around Tasha, but it's less anxious and unknown. Overall, I do forgive her. Not only that, but I've learned more about myself and how I would like to be treated. Hopefully she learned something too, but that's not on my conscience. I showed up to work, allowed her to speak, responded respectfully and truthfully. Now I can be a loner with my camera. We all win.
The day continues, and I'm thankful that Tasha is busy when I sneak out. I don't want a repeat of this morning.
With a grumbling stomach, I pass through a drive-through, and at the last second, I think of Jamie. I doubt he's eaten lunch yet, so on my way to the coffee shop to do some more work, I park down the road from his tattoo shop.
Ding. The door to his tattoo shop rings around me.
"Hello—Oh!" the young man at the front desk looks me up and down. I don't love it, but it's quick, and the big smile he gives me doesn't feel gross. "You're Jamie's old lady. You can head on back to his station. He's just prepping."
"I—"Old lady?!"Thank you," I mumble, lost for words, and rush to the back.
Jamie's hunched over a sketchpad with his fingers flying across the page with a pencil. The crinkle of our takeout snaps him out of his focus. "Hi, love!" He beams, and some of my fire fizzles out.
He stands and towers over me. The love shining in his eyes makes me feel all gooey, so when his mouth tangles with mine, I open my lips and give him access. His tongue caresses mine with slow strokes, as if he's got nothing else to do. Just as my bloodbegins to freaking boil and my panties become wet, he pulls back, then tries to grab the food.
Remembering where we are, I pull it out of his reach and raise a brow. "Did you tell?—"
I'm interrupted by the last voice I thought I'd hear. "The kid at the front said you were busy withyour old lady. I about lost my fucking mind. But seeing Violet with your tongue down her throat made it better."
"Ellis," Jamie greets with a nod of his head. "Have a seat."
Frowning, I look between the two men. I'm even more stunned when Ellis plops himself in the client chair. Jamie hands him the sketchpad, and Ellis' eyes warm.
"Um, Jamie," I sass, needing a lot of freaking answers.
Ellis doesn't even look up, but I don't care because Jamie teases me and wraps an arm around my waist. "Yes?"
