Page 2 of Fall Back
“I’ve been building my books for a few years now. It’s a good city to be in because there are a lot of shops and a lot of work,” I agreed. “I’ve tried to learn as much as I can from the people I work with.”
“You got a portfolio?”
I couldn’t help but smile as I pulled up the QR code on my phone. When he scanned it, it took him directly to my online portfolio. Modern day perks, I guess. His eyes lit up, and he looked at least mildly impressed by the set-up; I took it as a win.
“Well, since I saw your booth, I wanted to come over and introduce myself. I should get back to my table and help get set-up.”
He gave me a chin lift and a lopsided grin. “It was good meeting you Carson. I’m sure we’ll see more of each other before the convention is over.”
“Sounds good,” I shot back before heading back to the Vibrant Ink area.
The convention was amazing. I didn’t see much of Roan, but we acknowledged each other whenever we did. I didn’t knowhe was keeping a much closer eye on me and my work than I thought.
On the last day of the convention, he found me in line grabbing some food. “Hey Carson,” his greeting startled me, and I jostled the food in my hands before steadying myself.
I’m sure my eyes looked wide and wild when I looked up at him as my heart raced in my chest. It wasn’t all him honestly. I had seen Dave three times throughout the day. He was always on the periphery of where I was, not too far and not too close. It was as if I could feel him looking at me all the time and it was unsettling as fuck.
“Hey Roan,” I tried to keep my voice steady, but it wasn’t easy. “How’s the last day going?”
“The last day is always a little bittersweet,” he admitted with a wry smile on his face. “I am looking forward to going home, but I’ve also had a blast, and I know I didn’t get to meet a fuck ton of the people here.”
I chuckled and nodded. “It’s hard to network and tattoo at the same time.”
“Exactly,” he agreed. “Listen,” his tone turned serious, “your portfolio is really fucking impressive, Carson. Have you considered leaving Denver and moving back to Wintervale?”
I sucked in a sharp breath, surprised by his question. “I’ve thought about it,” I admitted quietly as if speaking too loudly would ruin the moment and make it all too real.
“If you decide it’s the right move for you, give me a call.” He handed me his card. “You’ve got a space at Big Sky if you want it.”
My mouth opened and closed a few times before I got my shit together, slammed my mouth closed and swallowed hard. “Thank you,” I whispered and tried to keep the emotion out of my voice.
If Roan noticed, he didn’t mention it. He just nodded, shot me a smirk as if he already knew I’d be calling, and walked away. He was right because I called him a month ago to find out if the offer still stood.
Finding out the job opportunity was still there meant I could put my plan to leave Denver into action. I hated leaving, but now I’m here and can check out the small house I’m renting. Thankfully, it’s already furnished. When I’m able to get my stuff inside quickly without seeing anyone, I’m shocked, but I’ll take it.
Laying on the couch, it feels like I can breathe again, and I don’t feel like I need to check every lock on all the windows and doors three times before relaxing. Dave won’t follow me here. Right? I mean, it would be batshit crazy for him to follow me all the way to Montana.
The man has a business to run. Now, with me far away from Denver, he can let his obsession fizzle out and I can move the fuck on.
I might be avoiding my family and most of Wintervale, but there is one person I have to call. When I dial Maddie, she answers on the third ring without even bothering to greet me, “What’s up, bitch?”
I giggle and relax even farther into the couch. “Nothing hoe,” I throw back at her. “I do have a secret to tell you.”
I swear I can feel her perk up over the phone. “A secret?” She sounds eager as hell, and it only makes me laugh harder. “You better tell me. You know I’m a vault.”
“Well, maybe I should ask you about work first,” I tried to sound serious, but failed horribly.
Maggie has been working for the municipal government of Wintervale in the Parks and Recreation office for a few years. She loves and hates it. The girl can complain and rave about the job for hours. It’s hilarious and it’s helped to keep me updated on the comings and goings of the small town we both grew up in.
“Don’t you dare tease me,” she whines. “You can’t dangle a secret in front of me and then rip it away.” Her voice lowers an octave, “Are you pregnant?”
I cough while choking on fucking air. “No,” I shriek, “I’m not pregnant.”
“Well, sorry,” she doesn’t sound the least bit sorry, “but it seems to be going around.”
“Not around here,” I snark.
“Fine, fine,” she concedes. “Then tell me or I’ll keep guessing more and more outrageous things.”
