Page 209 of From Rivals to I Do

"Hey, Jackson," she greets me with a smile.

"This is incredible," I say, looking around. I'm genuinely impressed. "You have an amazing talent."

Maya smiles, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Thank you."

We spend the evening discussing her artwork, her inspirations, and the emotions behind each piece. I find myself captivated by her passion and the depth of her creativity. It's evident that Maya's art is an extension of herself, a way for her to express her innermost thoughts and feelings.

"Hey, Maya," I say after a while, looking around at the studio. "How are you holding up after the fire? I heard you lost some of your paintings. It didn't occur to me all this while to ask."

Maya nods, setting down her brush. "Yeah, I did. Some of my favorites, too. But I'm not deterred. I'm still painting, and I'm not going to let the fire stop me."

I'm impressed by her fighting spirit. "That's great to hear, Maya. How many paintings did you lose?"

"About six or seven, I think," Maya says, looking a little sad. "But it's not about the number. It's about the loss of something that I poured my heart and soul into."

I can understand that. "I hate you had to go through that," I say sincerely.

Maya smiles at me. "Thanks, Jackson. It means a lot. But I'm not going to let it get me down. I'm going to keep pushing forward."

I watch her for a moment, admiring her determination and passion. "I can see that. You're an inspiration, Maya."

Maya blushes a little, looking down at her canvas. "Thanks, Jackson. That means a lot coming from you."

I'm about to say something else when my phone starts ringing. I excuse myself and answer the call, hearing my son's voice on the other end.

"Dad, can you come pick me up from school? I forgot my lunch."

I tell him I'll be there in a few minutes and hang up. I turn back to Maya. "I hate to go, can we catch up later Maya, I have to go get my son."

Maya nods. "No problem, Jackson. Thanks for stopping by."

I start to leave when Maya calls out to me. "Hey, Jackson, wait."

I turn back to her, curious. "What is it?"

"I just wanted to say that I appreciate you checking up on me and asking about my paintings," Maya says, smiling at me.

I smile back at her. "Of course, Maya. You're a friend, and I care about you."

A few days later, we find ourselves sitting at a cozy café, sipping our coffees. The aroma of freshly brewed beans fills the air, and the soft chatter of other patrons creates a soothing backdrop. Maya has been sharing stories about her childhood, and we both laugh as she recounts a particularly embarrassing moment involving a failed art project.

"You remember that?" I say, chuckling. "I thought you were going to get in so much trouble."

She rolls her eyes playfully. "Thanks for reminding me, Jackson. I can't believe I tried to pass that off as a masterpiece."

We reminisce about old memories, sharing jokes and anecdotes from our childhood. It's a side of Maya I never thought I would see, and I realize how wrong I was to judge her solely based on my wrong perceptions. Beyond her feisty exterior and her artistic pursuits, there's a genuine caring nature that begins to shine through. It's in the small things she does, the way she takes the time to listen and offer support, that I realize she's not just an arrogant artist but a person with a compassionate heart.

After a lighthearted moment, the conversation takes a more serious turn. Maya shifts in her seat, and I notice a hint of uneasiness in her eyes.

"I wanted to apologize, Maya," I say, sincerely lacing my words. "I didn't handle the situation with your rent well. I spoke to you condescendingly and should not have, I am sure that was difficult for you.”

She takes a moment, her gaze meeting mine. "Apology accepted, Jackson," she responds softly. "And I appreciate your honesty. It means a lot."

I feel a weight lift off my shoulders as we clear the air between us. The tension that had once dominated our interactions begins to fade, replaced by a newfound understanding. Maya is not just a spoiled, snobbish girl, and I'm grateful for the chance to see beyond her fierce exterior.

"By the way, I managed to catch up on my rent," Maya says, a hint of pride evident in her voice as she glances toward the calendar with its once ominous due dates.

A genuine smile forms on my lips, mirroring the warmth that spreads within me. "That's great news," I respond, my voice filled with sincere delight. "I'm really glad things are looking up for you, Maya. Mind sharing how you were able to sort it out?"

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