Page 23 of Picture Us

Rose blurted out her next question, “Are you going to see her again?”

“Probably not,” Drew raised an eyebrow at the boldness. “She’s not quite my speed.”

Nodding, Rose shrugged. “But you still slept with her?”

Drew shook their head and smirked. “We both knew where it was going. It doesn’t always have to be serious to have a good time.”

Rose laughed and looked away. “Well it does for me.” She gritted her teeth. It was all the proof she needed that Drew wasnother type. It was just chemistry and nothing else. They were a good-looking sapphic with an attitude problem.

And as hot as that might be, Rose had no interest in being with someone so rude.

“And that’s why you’re dating Shan?” Drew quipped, raising an eyebrow and shaking their head. “How is she by the way?”

It was clear they were suppressing a laugh.

Rose sucked her teeth. “She’s great.”

Liar.She had literally been dumped a few days ago. But she couldn’t handle seeing the smug look on Drew’s face when they realized all of their assumptions about her relationship were right. Even if they did look hot with that self-satisfied grin.

“Really?” Drew could tell it wasn’t entirely true. Rose was aware that they knew each other, but hadn’t realized just how well. It was entirely possible that Drew knew more about Shannon than she did.

“Mhmm. Yeah, she just told me she loves me, and we’re thinking about moving in together.” Rose looked down at the picture still in the fixer.

Why do you keep lying? Who cares what they think?Besides, Rose could tell Drew saw right through her.

With a nod, Drew looked up at the ceiling. “Well, congrats.”

“Thanks.”

The rest of the time passed slower than molasses in snow. But the loudringof the timer eventually broke the silence that stewed between the pair as they stood.

Rose couldn’t have reached for the tongs faster. With the photo in hand, she scanned the room for a place to hang the dripping print. Drew pointed to the clothesline above the sink at the end of the room.

As she clipped the photo onto the line and took a step back, Drew sidled up next to her. It was pretty incredible to watch an image come from what appeared to be nothing. It felt untouchable, unchangeable. There was a permanence to it that Rose couldn’t help but admire.

Even if it was pretentious.

A smile crept onto her face. “Can we do another?”

Drew looked over at her and let their own smile come back.

Rose was giggling as the curtain to the dark room flew up to reveal the blazing afternoon light of Drew's loft. As the light hit her, she winced and covered her eyes, squinting to keep the brightness out. “Oh god, that’s bright.

“You never get used to it.” Drew answered the question Rose hadn’t asked yet, their own hand shading their eyes.

Rose looked down at her phone. “Holy shit. It’s been two hours?” As shocked as she was, she couldn’t really complain. The photos in Drew’s hands were evidence of the work they’d gotten done. And besides, it had actually been nice to spend some time with Drew.

In their own element, they could be far kinder and gentler than Rose had expected.

Drew blinked wildly as their eyes finally adjusted to the light, taking a seat in the stool. “Time passes differently in there. Probably because there’s literally no circadian rhythm.”

Rose pulled up her own chair as Drew laid out the prints they had just developed. She shook her head as her eyes scanned from piece to piece. “These are really beautiful. You really captured their love.”

“You did a great job developing them.” Drew met her eyes, swallowing a lump in their throat before returning their gaze to the work.

As much as Rose could recognize the artfulness each shot of Drew took, she could also tell there are some key moments they missed. Moments spent reloading film had stolen the show from the organic love on display.

Of course, it was a picky note; any client would be thrilled to receive these.

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