AllFreeNovel
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We’re quiet for a beat, and I realize the silence between us is just as easy as it always was. Even so, there’s an element of sadness in my soul at the fact that I didn’t already know some of this stuff about him.
“I’ll have Bellamy text you about the paint thing, okay?”
I nod, though I know he can’t see me. “Sounds good.”
“Night, Gabs.”
“Night, Bishop.”
I set my phone down on the nightstand next to me and tuck my hands under my pillow, shoving my face into the pale green fabric.
Then another text comes in, and I reach out to check it.
Bishop: I’m really looking forward to hanging out with you
My stomach dips, that old feeling swirling through me again. Letting out a long, slow breath, I start to worry I’m going to end up in over my head.
I can be friends with Bishop. I repeat it a few times to myself, trying to reaffirm that it’s true. With the history we have, it makes sense that it might be a rocky road, trying to get back to a friendship, but something tells me I’ll regret it if I don’t try.
chapter nine
Bishop
When I walk into Gabi’s classroom on Sunday evening, I’m a lot more nervous than I expect to be. It’s the first time we’re spending casual, friendly time together since I moved back to town, and I don’t want to fuck it up.
There’s nothing casual about the way my heart thuds in my chest when I see her across the room. Her hair is pulled back from her face in a braid that trails long down her back, and she’s wearing a long-sleeved cream sweater that makes me want to bring her in for a hug. Her jeans fit snugly and show off the thick curve of her ass.
I let out a long, slow breath, reminding myself that we are friends, and friends don’t look at each other like that.
Her eyes find mine once I step fully inside, and she gives me a wave as the door shuts behind me.
“Only an accomplished artist would wear cream to a paint night.”
She looks down at herself then back at me. “Makes sense why you’re wearing black, then.”
Chuckling, I motion behind me. “Bellamy and Rusty and the instructor are bringing everything in. Do you need help moving anything around before they get here?”
Gabi shakes her head, glancing around the room. “No, I think everything’s good. I moved all the pottery wheels to the side.” She shrugs. “I wasn’t sure what else to do. Bellamy just said to clear some space.”
“This is perfect!”
We both turn at the sound of my sister’s voice as she, Rusty, and Emily walk through the door, each holding a large box, followed by a middle-aged woman lugging two folding tables.
“I didn’t know you were teaching at the high school,” Bellamy continues, her eyes flicking around the room as she sets the box on a counter against the wall. “Gabriela, this is so cool.”
Gabi nods. “Thanks.”
“Where do we put the alcohol?”
I look at Rusty, who is carrying a box of what I’m assuming is the good stuff.
“Oh, um…probably by the sink,” Gabi answers, pointing to the corner.
Rusty heads that way and begins unloading while Bellamy and the instructor start to get organized.
“Think there will be enough?” I joke to Rusty as he sets out several boxes of Cedar Cider beer on the counter.
He turns and looks at me, his eyes narrowed. “For a paint party? Not a chance in hell.”
