Page 65 of The Forbidden Fling

Annoyed by the reminder of her balding ex-husband, she squeezed the paintbrush between her fingertips, finally pressing it to the canvas.

A blue splodge marred the white, a blemish on an otherwise pristine surface. She spread it from side to side, then in circles, expanding the mess outwards. The swirls made her think of Faye’s eyes again, and her hand stilled. Faye held so much power in the way she looked at her, like she’d hung the stars in the sky herself. It disarmed her, flattered her, touched a place that Diana kept locked away. But Faye, in all her innocence and passion, had breezed past her barriers without her realising.

She dipped the end into the paint again, adding more blue, more circles, until they no longer resembled Faye’s captivating irises, but ocean waves. She pressed harder, and her strokes darted across the white, frenzied and choppy. She could feel the froth lapping at her ankles, hear her mother’s joyful cries as they galloped towards the sea. It didn’t matter if Diana’s dress got wet or how loud she screamed, her mother held her hand. She was safe.

Taking a step back, she narrowed her gaze at the blue monstrosity in front of her.

God. She hated the sea.

Except she didn’t, not really. She hated everything it reminded her of, everything she’d lost. Ever since her mother’s hand had been ripped from hers, along with her warmth and love, she hadn’t felt safe. Not with her father. Not with Jason. Not even with work.

That realisation rocked her, and tears pricked her eyelids. But she wasn’t about to start sobbing in front of people, so she gritted her teeth and continued painting.

When Riley called the end of the class, Diana’s wrist and fingers ached. She released the paintbrush from her iron grip and flexed her joints.

“Don’t worry if you haven’t finished yet,” Riley said, tucking her long blonde hair behind her ears. “You can come and work on your masterpiece in any of your free afternoon slots. If you’ve finished, leave them here to dry, and you can collect them later. Don’t forget to sign them!”

“Whoa. Mum.” Molly stepped towards her. “That’s awesome. A bit scary but…awesome.”

Diana pressed her lips together, hoping she wouldn’t pry further. She didn’t want to talk about the giant wave-turned-monster blocking out the sun or the thick darkness filling the sky. She wasn’t even sure people could see what she intended through all the hurried strokes and blurs of colour—not that it mattered, anyway.

So she misdirected, leaning over towards Molly’s work, where a giant sun took centre stage, beaming its golden light on a girl lying on a doughnut-shaped lilo. Her daughter had a talent for the paintbrush; the layers of colours shimmering on the water were truly impressive—but painting from the heart? She wasn’t sure if she’d hit the mark. One thing not up for debate was the complete contrast to Diana’s doom and gloom.

A gnawing feeling itched at her, making her want to cover up her painting or flip it over. She didn’t want others to see it—to see her—but luckily Molly continued talking.

“I’m always happier in the sun. You were right about that. Everything feels better here, doesn’t it?” Molly glanced at her, and Diana gave her the most genuine smile she could muster. “I think everyone’s heart wants them to be happy. And I think being in the sun makes me happy.”

It wasn’t quite the jaw-shattering revelation Riley had perhaps expected of them. But Diana wasn’t going to scold Molly for opting out of the soul search. From the way she’d admired Diana’s work, and had chatted with the others in the class, her daughter did seem…lighter. Ultimately, that’s what Diana had hoped this excursion would bring. In comparison, Diana’s world was still spinning too fast, her quick pulse making her unsteady on her feet.

“Great work, ladies.” Riley appeared behind them, nodding as she studied their work. “Wonderful use of light and shadow, Molly. You’re a natural.”

Molly glowed.

What would “painting from the heart” mean to Faye? Would she find herself as surprised as Diana at what might emerge? Or would she not hesitate to show herself?

“This is very emotive, Diana.” She turned to find Riley studying her work. “I can feel it jumping from the page.”

Diana brushed her hands over her apron. “Thank you.”

Riley lingered a little longer, and she cringed, wondering what she saw. Just as she opened her mouth to say something, a quick knock sounded, and Ella appeared at the doorway, in a burst of energy.

“Hey, everyone! How was your class?” A black swimsuit hugged her curves, her lower half hidden by a pair of beige cargo shorts that were the mirror of Riley’s.

Riley left Diana’s side to greet her girlfriend with a kiss on the cheek.

“Now, who is up for some surfing?” Ella asked. “If I can ride a wave, there’s hope for everyone. Right, babe?”

Riley nodded. “It’s true.”

As a murmured discussion sprang up in the class, Molly huffed.

“Absolutely not,” she said. “The island water is poisonous. I should know.” She shot a glare across the room towards Quin, who quickly packed up their bag and rushed out.

“I wouldn’t recommend drinking saltwater anyway, love,” Diana said.

“I’d much rather sunbathe. What do you say?”

“You want me to join you?” She tried to hide the surprise in her voice.