Page 9 of True Blue

And it makes his eyes go wide.

“How did you⁠—”

I shrug. “I spend my day telling people awful news, and some of them don’t look half as bad as that look on your face.”

A slow, almost shy smile stretches across Teddy’s face.

“I wanted to be an artist.”

“An artist,” I smile. “Painting?”

His eyes brighten, the green vivid like a granny smith apple. There’s an excited energy rolling off him. It’s infectious, and I find my own smile mirroring his.

“And charcoal.”

“What do you like to draw?”

“I like landscapes,” he says. “There’s this lake near my condo. I’ve probably drawn it like a million times by now. I’ve actually been trying to do portraits...”

He trails off like he's waiting for me to interrupt.

I gently prompt, “How did you start?”

Teddy looks at me, startled, seeming to be genuinely surprised that I’ve asked. Then he shrugs, the skin above his beard going pink.

“I always liked art class when I was a kid. Doodling on my school notes... I don’t know, it’s just something I’ve always done.”

“I think that’s really cool.”

Teddy blinks. “Really?”

“Yeah,” I nod eagerly. “I can barely draw a stick figure.”

Teddy barks out a laugh so strong I feel it hit my chest.

“You may not be able to draw a stick figure, but you’re a doctor,” Teddy grins, looking at me in a way that makes my heart flutter. “Like you’re definitely in line for sainthood.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“You know, when I said my Nana said great things, I meant it.”

My mouth curves into a grin. “I really like her.”

“She really likes you,” Teddy smiles, before it melts into something more intense. “I’m really glad to meet you, Indie.”

He holds out his hand.

This moment feels important.

Like I’m at the top of a cliff, waiting to dive into the water below. It’s high, it’s something I’ve never done before, it’s scary, and exciting.

I look at his hand for a moment before I slide my hand into his. He’s so warm. Like his name—a big, warm bear. When I look at his bright green eyes, I find my smile matching his.

And I jump.

“I’m really glad to meet you, too, Teddy.”

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