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“We’re not,” Roman replies.
“Then why the hell are you suddenly being particular about my safety?”
“Because you’re my sister.”
“Try again.”
Michael sighs. “Rosa, it’s for your own good. It’s not that we believe you’re in any danger. We’re just taking precautions.”
“If I’m not in danger, why do you have to take precautions?”
No one replies. I let out an exasperated huff before getting to my feet and leaving the room. Sometimes, I really hate the family I was born into. My feet move toward my art studio of their own accord.
I inhale the clean, earthy scent of the room, letting it calm my senses. It’s comforting. My studio is messy, which is to beexpected. There’s a tarp covering the floor in the area of the room that has my wheel, some tools, clay, and a kiln to the side. I glide over and take a seat, staring at the piece I was working on.
Usually when I try to sculpt something, there’s an image in my head, something I’m trying to bring to life. But these days, I’ve been feeling empty. Maybe empty’s not the right word. More like bored. I’ve also tried painting, and while it’s not my strong suit, it’s helped me in the past. Every single time I picked up a paintbrush, though, I’ve had this mental block.
I don’t create art for money. It’s not a job, more of a hobby. I sometimes sell my work, but I don’t do so often, which means there’s no pressure to create something new. I can take things slow. No pressure means no heartache. I usually can’t create art unless I’m in a bad place emotionally. Eventually, I’ll find my groove again.
For now, I just have to be content with the sense of calm being in this room provides me.
I slurpthe milkshake in front of me and let out a soft sigh of contentment. Food really is one of life’s most underrated pleasures. I could be having a horrible day and the one thing that’s bound to cheer me up is a good meal. Or sweets. I notoriously have a sweet tooth. Chocolates and candies are my weakness. I’m grateful every day for my metabolism, which helps me stay somewhat fit and in shape.
Kiara, who’s seated in front of me, doesn’t seem to share my sentiment with regard to the cup of deliciousness in front of her. She twirls it absentmindedly. It isn’t until I reach for her cup to gain her attention that her head snaps up.
“Hey, milkshake thief. You have yours right in front of you,” she says.
I laugh. “Welcome back. What’s up with you? Is everything okay?’
“Everything’s fine. I guess.” Then she leans closer and lowers her voice. “Is it just me or are you also feeling extra single now that Lena’s getting married?”
“Not really,” I say carefully. “My last relationship ended badly. I’m trying to squeeze in as much me-time as I can. I’m not really keen on another one.”
Kiara crosses her arms over her chest and her brown eyes soften, “You’re right. But I just feel… lonely, I guess. It doesn’t help that I live alone since Lena and Cassie moved out.”
“If it’s too hard, you could always move into our house. There’s plenty of room,” I suggest.
“And live with Michael? No thanks.”
It intrigues me that that’s her biggest problem.
“Why not? Aren’t you two still best friends?”
“Not like we used to be,” Kiara states. “We hooked up and he asked for some space afterwards. Typical Michael fashion, he took several steps backward. Intimacy’s hard for him. He doesn’t connect well with people. And I try so hard to be patient, but I can’t wait for him my entire life.”
My heart aches for her. And for my cousin. I don’t blame him for how he turned out. He’s so strong, and I admire how far he has come.
“Just don’t give up on him, okay?’ I say softly.
She smiles and offers me a small nod. We go back to slurping our milkshakes, but suddenly, Kiara’s tilting her head to the side, her black hair falling over the side of her face.
“Rosa… don’t look now, but there’s a guy behind you who keeps staring at our table.”
I do the complete opposite of what she said and immediately turn around, eliciting a groan from Kiara. When my eyes find a pair of familiar blue ones, I almost choke on air.
“Oh, shit,” I say, whirling around. “What the fuck?”
Kiara raises an eyebrow. “Do you know who that is?”
