“How many times have I told you not to go in my room,” she screams.
“Too many to count. I haven’t entered your lair in months, and certainly not to nick your cheap as shit eye shadow. Now, if you’ve quite finished, I’ve got some feelings I need to paint.”
I’d love to lose my shit at her, but it would only spur her on. Plus, Mum doesn’t need the stress.
Walking away from the situation is the best I can do. Jenna knows better than to enter my art space. She’s an arsehole ninety percent of the time, but she’s never crossedthat line. Just like she knows I haven’t crossed her line by going into her room.
Lifting a blank canvas onto my easel, I decide what kind of paint day it’s going to be. Chaotic. Like my thoughts. Sometimes the best therapy for me is chucking a bunch of paint and seeing what sticks.
As globs of red hit the canvas, I think of Sloane. Her lovely face and hair. Her smile and the way she kissed me.
Blue paint follows, and with it my trepidation of dating her. I know I’m a girl who likes the easy and quiet life, but I think Mum might be right. If I play it safe with Sloane I’m going to regret it. A lot.
Black and gold get thrown next. I’ve created a mess of swirls and splotches. Stepping back, I smile. Painting never fails to clear my mind.
Wiping my hands down my apron, I pull out my phone.
You: 16.59 p.m.
I’m in. I want to date you. Let’s see where we end up? If that’s still what you want.
Sloane: 17.02 p.m.
See you in the morning, babe.
Sloane 17.03 p.m.
I’m thinking you could change my name to G’friend in your contacts. Just a suggestion.
You: 17.03 p.m.
Done
12
Sloane
“You’re wearing sneakers!”
Eden looks down at her feet and then back at me. “Well, yeah. Aren’t they good for walking, or something?”
I shake my head. “No, no. They’re great. I’m just a little surprised.”
That’s an understatement. I really thought after I screwed up our first date, she’d be a little more…reserved? But then we messaged and officially became girlfriends. I didn’t sleep well, fyi. I’ve never lost sleep due to smiling too much.
But this is a step I didn’t see coming. After Eden’s absolute refusal to do anything above a leisurely walk, I thought I’d be in for a bigger battle.
Or maybe not.
She shrugs. “We’re doing this, aren’t we? Giving it all a good go? Might as well add this bloody 5k to the mix.”
“O-okay then.”
“But first. Shouldn’t we, as girlfriends…um, maybe have a kiss hello?”
Stepping closer, I lean in and take a deep inhale. Eden smells uniquely like her. Sounds weird, but it’s true. I can’t quite pick apart what her smell is. All I know is I’m slightly addicted.
“You’re right. Girlfriends should kiss hello.”
