Page 23 of The Darkest Parts of Me

Maven says nothing as she leans against the counter, arms folded across her chest.

“Me too.” The stinging is slightly better now that it isn’t exposed to the air, and I’m grateful for their care.

“It didn’t look too deep once it stopped bleeding. I think it should be fine.”

I glance down at the bandage. “I’m sure it will be. Thank you.”

“Renn, would you like to stay for dinner?” Tova asks suddenly. I glance at Maven as she walks over to help return items to the medical kit, her expression unreadable.

“I really should get going,” I say, but I catch a look of disappointment on Maven’s face, or at least I think I do.

“Some other time, then. Especially after all your help. It’s the least we can do. Right, Mave?”

“Yes. I think it’s only fair that, since you almost died falling off our roof, my mom owes you dinner.”

I lick my lips before smiling, but I can’t deny I was hoping she would say something along the lines of you should stay.

“Some other time sounds great. Thank you.”

They both follow me to the door and stand on the deck until I start driving away. I watch them go back inside through my rearview mirror, and I can almost hear Maven pestering her mother once the door closes. But Tova wasn’t wrong about me helping. I could have said no, and despite almost falling off the roof, I grin at the thought of their concern for me. The feeling doesn’t fade until I remember what Tova said about making Solitude Ridge my home. I want that to be true with all my heart. I don’t want to be an outsider without a true place or people to call my own—nowhere to call home.

I start closing up the auto shop for the night, ready to head home for a couple of days off. I had only seen Maven and Tova briefly as they were leaving the bookshop one evening this week, and Tova immediately wanted to see how my arm was healing and inspected it thoroughly.

“I promise I won’t be asking you to climb up on the roof again anytime soon,” she said, followed by Maven’s comment of, “How about you never ask him to do that ever again. That would be the better solution.” Tova nudged Maven with her elbow, making me chuckle.

The memory makes me smile as I reach for the handle of my car door, but my attention is caught by a melody drifting down the street, tempting me to follow. I grab my jean jacket from the passenger seat, and after walking a couple of blocks, I discover the source: the coffee shop. The place is crowded, and there’s a live band playing on the outdoor patio. The band members are a collection of some of the local teens, yet their sound is mature, with acoustic and soothing rhythms. Stepping closer, I notice the sign by the door that reads:

“One Year Celebration Tonight! Live music, free drinks and treats.”

The cafe is buzzing with chatter and patrons enjoying the band as the aroma of nutty spices creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Most of those inside are locals, grinning and waving as they see me. Before I can take in anything else, someone calls my name. I turn to find Tasha waving me over. Maven is standing beside her, wearing a stylish, wide-brimmed hat made of a velvet-like material. I weave my way through the crowd to join them.

We exchange pleasantries as the band transitions to a song with more tempo and volume, making it difficult to converse over the music.

“Did you just get off work?” Tasha asks loudly.

“I did. I thought I’d stop by and see what was pulling everyone over here tonight,” I say, glancing around at the crowd.

“I can’t believe it’s already been a year since the shop opened.” She looks over at Maven. “This place is just what Solitude Ridge needed if Maven is staying. She’s a coffee addict.”

Maven gives her friend a wary glance, but then says, in a playful tone, “It’s true, so I won’t complain.” Raising her coffee, she takes a long sip for emphasis.

The three of us listen as the melody plays on, but when it ends, Tasha leans over and says, “Well, guys, I need to get going.”

Maven looks at her with intense scrutiny, her blue eyes bright even in the dimly lit shop. “Yeah, I’m sure you do,” she says through a tight smile. I try to stifle my chuckle but fail miserably, trying to cover it up with a cough. Maven shoots me a suspicious look.

“See you two later.” Tasha’s flirtatious tone makes Maven wince. We watch her walk away until she’s out of the shop, then Maven turns to me and we lock eyes, both starting to laugh.

She moves a few inches closer to me and says, “I don’t know what is wrong with all the women in my life. I’m so sorry about that.”

I shrug my shoulders. “I think they mean well.”

“It would be nice if they could mean a little less well.” Maven rolls her eyes, laughing at herself, and I can’t help but laugh along with her. As she gazes around the room, I shamelessly take her all in. Wearing a long, black, tank top dress, her raven hair drapes down her arms and back, and I can’t take my eyes off her. She catches me watching when she brings her attention back to me. “Are you sure you’re okay after what happened the other night?”

I snicker playfully. “It really is just a scratch. I’m fine.” Her eyes flicker to my arm, even though my jacket is covering the wound.

“At this point, I’m not sure you’ll ever have a chance to see us at our best. It’s not always like this with my mom. I swear.”

“Would it be weird if I thought it was actually pretty funny? Apart from when I almost fell off your roof, of course.”

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