“Where’s your studio?” Everett asked Joy, his chin resting in his palm as he studied her. The light from the chandelier hanging over the table made her skin the color of a golden peach.

“It’s in my apartment—the room across from the bathroom,” she explained. “It’s small, but it gets good sunlight.” She directed her attention toward Rill. “Seth and I brought our kits. If you’d like us to demonstrate any of the makeup or body art, we can do that.”

“Thanks. What do you think? Up for a paint job?” Rill asked Everett.

Joy glanced at Everett and immediately dropped her gaze. He saw the subtle stain of pink...