The Ink That Haunts Us

Chapter Seven

Everyone at the shop seemed to be under some 'don't ask Saw anything' rule because not one person asked me why I hadn't come into work yesterday. Or maybe it was because I ran straight to my office as soon as Mack and I walked through the door, not making eye contact with anyone.

    That was probably more like it.

    I was being a coward because I knew that they knew I was keeping a secret. If I had to face them, I knew they would demand answers and there was no way I could lie to their face. They were my friends and I hated keeping things from them, but I loved them all too much to burden them with the weight of my past.

    This morning, Freya and I had taken our end of the year finals and I hoped that would be enough of a distraction. Finals were hell, but despite the stress from yesterday, I felt confident that I had done well on them. More than well really. I was a fantastic student and my studies were important to me. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that I would be all set to start my last year in the fall.

    I focused all my energy on my appointments and any walk-ins that happened through the door. I made sure Freya knew that I was willing to fit anyone in. Staying busy was key. If I didn't have time to break, then I wouldn't have time to be cornered by someone who would ask questions.

    Once I had finished up with my last client, I worried about how I was going to pass the remaining two hours of the workday when there was a knock on the door. Before I could figure out what to do, Mack pushed his way inside.

    "How's it going in here?" He shut the door behind him, leaning against it.

    "Great. I just finished up my last appointment for the day, so I'm counting on walk-ins to keep me busy." I knew my hopes were in vain given that it was Tuesday, but that didn't stop me. All I needed was one walk in with a big imagination and some cash. That would be enough to keep me busy until closing time.

    "That's not looking likely," Mack frowned. "I was actually going to see if you would mind cutting out early. Derek has finished for the day, and Jensen and Tyler still have clients. I thought maybe you and Derek could hang out until I closed this place down."

    "Um," I fumbled around for a reason why I didn't think that was a good idea, but Mack wasn't having it.

    "Look, baby girl. You can't avoid them forever. They're still your friends and it's even more suspicious that you are avoiding them. If you don't want them to know, fine, but you're still their friend and you aren't the kind of friend that hides out in her studio." He had a point. I was acting crazy and if I wanted to keep them in the dark, then I needed to act like there wasn't anything going on.

    I climbed to my feet and took a deep breath.

    "Okay. I'll see if Derek wants to cut out early. We can have dinner or something. I'm starved anyway."

    "Thanks, baby girl." He gave me a relieved look before pulling open the door and leaving. He left my door wide open and I knew he was making a point. Normal Saw never had her door closed if she didn't have a client.

    Looking around my studio, I made sure to sterilize and clean everything. It all looked good and ready to go for tomorrow. With one last look, I headed out the door to find Derek. Maybe he already left and I would be let off the hook. Yeah, even I knew that was a long shot.

Sure enough, Derek was leaning against the reception desk chatting with Freya.

"Well, well. About time you grace us with your presence," Derek said as I walked toward them.

"Shut it," I said before shoving him to the side.

"Hey," he protested, but I just smiled up at him.