Another laugh slipped out, and with it, more tears. “No,” I sniffled. “You didn’t scare me off. Are you sure—are you sure you want an animator as your artist? I figured most residencies are for people who paint or create things people can buy for their walls.”
“Well, most of the time, yes. But here’s the thing, I get to make all the decisions about it, and I’ve never met someone in animation. So, I’d love you to come to Whynot.”
I stared out my windows. One edible-induced night after a long day that had left my hands aching led me to research artist residencies in the states, and I’d stumbled across one in a tiny town in Texas. Maybe submitting to this residency was the lifeline I needed to haul myself back to shore.
My phone started ringing again and I pulled it away from my ear, rejecting the other call trying to come through that was definitely from HR. Melanie could fuck off right now.
If I didn’t have a job and didn’t have a boyfriend, what did I even have?
“Um, can you remind me of the dates and stuff?” Every swallow felt like glass as I wiped away my tears.God, I was sick of crying. I was sosickof it.
“Sure. It’s a six-week residency and you’d be staying in the loft at Whynot Stay, which is a local inn here in Whynot. I know you work with digital art, but you’d still have access to materials at Whynot Paint, as well as a private studio space if you’d like. Additionally, your stay would be covered, and you’d receive a stipend for food. After the residency is up, we host a gallery show—we can change up the format to accommodate whatever you make. Maybe a viewing at homecoming? It’s one of our biggest events of the year. Football is a big deal in Whynot.”
Despite everything, a smile ghosted my lips. I couldn’t help but wonder how many times she could sayWhynotin the same breath.
“I have to warn you properly, though, since I saw that you live in a big city. Whynot is areallysmall town. Everyone knows each other. Everyone is kind of nosy. There’s a lot of old people. We don’t really have a nightlife, unless you consider howling with coyotes entertainment.” She laughed at her own joke. “But, the loft is really nice. We made some updates to it, so it has a perfect view of the Davis Mountains in the distance.”
“Avery.” The man’s voice in the background was full of amusement. “You’re going to scare her away.”
“Mateo,shush.” Avery cleared her throat. “I’m pretty sure that covers it. What do you think?”
I chewed on my bottom lip as I stared out the window. My apartment had the perfect view of the valley. I loved this city with every fiber of my being.
But without Dream Ink, what was tying me to LA?
The rug had been yanked out from beneath me, and the last thing I needed to do was run off to Texas. I should apply for new jobs and figure out what to do next.
Financially, I was fucked. Justin and I had split the rent. After our breakup last night, I was on my own.Unless I put all my stuff in storage, I wasn’t sure what to do.
Well . . . that thought wasn’t half bad.
Why notleave it all behind?
Slowly, I drew in a shaky breath. “When does it start?”
“Two weeks from today. September first.”
I wiped my tears away.Fuck it.“I’m in.”
CHAPTER ONE
Madi
I’d never been more thankful for hot roasted nuts and twenty-four hour gas stations in my life.
Mynotvery heroic journey to Texas had been a disaster so far. Awake for thirty-six hours, driving for sixteen, sustained by cinnamon honey almonds for the last five.
I wasthis closeto breaking.
“Come on.Please. Be a good car. Please make it to the mechanic.”
Smoke puffed out of the hood of my little Prius. The engine light flashed like a heart monitor. After thirteen years as my old faithful, it looked like my car was finally giving out on me. My pulse raced as I eased down the empty road.
I hadn’t spotted another soul in at least an hour. While Avery had promised a small town, I hadn’t quite realized what I was getting myself into.
“What in the hell is that?”
I leaned forward in shock as a tumbleweed blew alongside me before rolling away. An actualtumbleweed.
