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Almost.
I sigh and push my hair away from my face. I hate that Rachel went through all the effort in finding a class for me to join, but if it doesn’t work, then why try forcing it? I’m not an artist. Never have and never will be.
I grab my phone while following the people out of the museum, looking at the time and noticing its five. Another great thing about the class: it ends around the same time as Rachel’s work. I stop just outside the museum, moving to the side so I won’t be in the way. There are still a tone of tourists hanging around, taking pictures of the palace surrounding the glass pyramid.
My eyes linger on someone standing about two feet away. I recognize her from somewhere, but I can’t quite remember her name. She looks like one of Rachel’s artsy friends, but I’m probably wrong.
“Hey!” I shout, smiling and walking towards her. Maybe she knows where Rachel is. Perhaps she works with Rachel at the museum. “Are you one of Rachel’s friends?”
The brunette turns around, her eyes widening on me. She holds her bag closer and seems to shrink as I tower over her. “Oh, hi, Hunter.”
My smile brightens and I hold out my hand, taking hers and shaking it. “Sorry, I don’t remember your name,” I say while releasing it. “Are you Lucy?”
“Lauren,” she says softly, her gaze sliding to the ground.
“Do you know where Rachel is?” I look around once more, yet I don’t seem my blond anywhere. “Is she still inside?”
Lauren nods vigorously. “Yeah. Dr. Arnaud needed to have her finish something.”
“Do you want to join us for coffee?”
Lauren shakes her head. Something about her is strange. She refuses to look at me. Her shoulders are all hunched together as if she’s worried I’m going to yell at her. I don’t quite get it. Sure, I’m tall and well-muscled, but I don’t think I look that scary. I used to think I looked pretty appealing.
“Are you sure? Are you busy?”
“I’m positive,” Lauren rushes out. “Besides, I’m waiting for someone.”
“Oh, ok. Well, you should come over sometime.”
Lauren makes a face. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
I shrug. “Why not? It’ll be fun. Rachel will probably enjoy having some female energy around I bet. I’m sure dealing with all us guys can be a little annoying from time to time. We also have loads of room.”
“Hunter!”
I turn around, my heart swelling when I see Rachel rushing towards me, carrying several bags on her shoulders. She nearly trips on her way towards me. I gasp, reaching for her, but she quickly rights herself.
“I’m coming!” she shouts, several people turning towards her and watching as she fumbles to keep the bags on her shoulders.
She’s so beautiful.
“You know what, I’m going to go wait over there,” says Lauren.
Before I have the time to stop her, I find Lauren already marching towards the other side of the square. I frown. “That’s weird,” I mutter under my breath, not quite understanding why she’s being so awkward.
“Sorry I’m late,” Rachel huffs. “Dr. Arnaud had me running all over the place. I swear to God, I think she’s punishing me for leaving early.”
“That’s fine. I was talking to your friend, Lauren.”
Rachel makes a face while dropping her bags onto the ground. “Lauren?” Her nose wrinkles in distaste. “Why were you talking with her?”
“Well,” I start, not knowing where to begin. I feel like I’ve done something wrong. “Should I not be talking to her?”
Rachel sighs and crosses her arms.
“I thought she was your friend.”
Rachel grimaces. “She was my friend. She’s not anymore.” Rachel runs a hand through her hair and shakes her head. “You know what, let’s not ruin the afternoon. I want to hear all about your new art class.” She waggles her eyebrows while bending over to retrieve her bags.
