Page 68 of Painting Celia

Jesus, she must be furious.

He tried to think of the right words as he took a ride-share back to her place.

He knew he should have answered her text. He’d fumbled that, just like he’d fumbled the kiss last night. She’d seen before he did that they needed to get closer.

How could he top the last apology?

She wasn’t at her place when he got back. It surprised him, but what choice did he have except to wait? He sat on the daybed with a sketchpad and charcoal. Maybe he could get in some studies until she returned. He looked up at the empty interior of the house more than he looked at the paper.

•••

Kelsey jumped up, excited, as Celia entered the empty clothing store on Melrose. The decor was fashionably monochrome and world-wearied, the scent expensive. Celia fit right in.

“Yay!” Kelsey said. “It’s been so dead today. I pulled some clothes for you to try.”

“I don’t really want to buy anything, Kelsey.”

“Just look at them. You might.”

Well, it was something to do.

Celia followed as Kelsey picked up an armful of knits and started for the dressing rooms. They may as well talk there. The location didn’t matter.

“Now,” Kelsey said, still excited. “I have thought of you every time I see this dress. Of course, the rest would all look good on you, but please, at least try on this one.”

She held up a thin knit dress, soft and luxe. The color was a deep turquoise which instantly put Celia off. She preferred neutrals. She just didn’t have the energy to tell Kelsey no.

Slipping into the stall, Celia let the heavy curtain fall behind her. Maybe it’d be easier to admit to her friend what happened today if she didn’t have to see her reactions. She began removing her blouse as Kelsey hovered outside.

“All right, spill,” Kelsey said. “I can see you’re upset. What happened?”

Celia pushed her skirt to the floor, avoiding looking at herself in the mirror. If Kelsey could see she was upset, what was her face doing? She’d tried to look blank.

“I spent the day waiting around for a man who didn’t want to be there,” she finally said.

“Charlie did that to me once, and I didn’t talk to him for two weeks. Who was it?” Kelsey’s yellow shoes appeared at the bottom of the curtain. “It was León, wasn’t it.”

“León.” Celia snorted. “It sounds silly to even say it. Why would I wait for that selfish, pushy, arrogant, lying….” She couldn’t think of words that were bad enough.

“So, what’d he do?”

The blue dress was so soft Celia considered hugging it like a comforting blanket.

“He said he’d help me paint today, but he just disappeared. I sat around like an idiot for hours.”

“Maybe he had to go somewhere.”

“He didn’t text or call.” Celia gathered the hem of the dress to put it on.

“Huh. Did you text him?”

“He left me on read.” She pulled the dress over her head and wiggled it into place.

“The bastard.”

Celia looked in the mirror finally, tightening the wide belt at the waist. The dress looked okay. But her face, oh no. She looked old. The disappointment had drawn lines on her. Her eyes filled with tears, thankfully blurring the image.

Kelsey must have heard a sniffle. “Oh, honey, oh no.” Her shoes danced impatiently outside. “What did he actually do?”

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