Page 98 of Before I Loved You

SARAH

“That looks like a monkey’s butt!”

Natalie and Vanessa bicker and tease each other like two best friends because that’s exactly what they are.

I’ve never had an easy time making friends, seeing that I bounced around from house to house as a child, grew up used to doing things independently, and learned that I could only rely on myself.

But meeting Natalie was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I not only gained a friendship with her but with Vanessa as well, which is why I was so glad they invited me to go out with them to this Wine and Paint Night, even if that meant I would, unfortunately, need to skip the wine portion of the evening.

Let’s just say I was in desperate need of a distraction, and I was thankful that these two could provide me with one.

My paintbrush strokes across the canvas as I mirror the sunset image the instructor created, intending for us to duplicate. Scenic images are my favorite to make, so I find myself getting lost in the colors and textures until I arrive at a point where I feel pleased with my work.

“Done!” I announce.

It’s not one of the best pieces I’ve ever created, and I will blame the extra stress in my life for that. But as I tilt my head to the side, gazing at the image before me, I feel…happy. For at least a few seconds, which is more than I’ve felt since Paul left my apartment in a fury, never once looking back at me.

Immense shame washes over me.

“Sarah, that’s beautiful!” Natalie gets up from her seat to stand before my canvas, her wide eyes moving over the image. “Where did you learn to paint like this?”

I shrug nonchalantly. “My mom taught me.”

The mention of her causes a tiny ache in the center of my chest as a memory of her in a bright yellow paint-stained smock with the most beautiful smile on her face floats across my eyes.

“I’m surprised you don’t do this professionally,” Vanessa offers as she stands beside Natalie. “People would pay a lot of money for a beautiful painting like that.”

I scoff, suddenly embarrassed by the attention. “Oh, I’m not that good.”

My mom was a good artist.

No, my mom was the best artist I ever knew.

Natalie and Vanessa give each other a knowing look before Vanessa says, “You’re wrong. You’re very talented, and you should be proud of yourself.”

I feel tears on the brink of spilling out, but I do everything I can to hold them inside. “Thanks, Vanessa.” Glancing between Natalie and Vanessa’s painting, I bite my bottom lip, stifling a laugh.

“Go ahead. Let it out,” Vanessa suggests, throwing her hands in the air.

“I was just going to say I wish I could return the compliment.” A bubble of laughter escapes me, causing my whole body to shake. Vanessa and Natalie’s laughter joins mine, and pretty soon, that’s the only noise heard in the place.

And fuck, it feels so unbelievably good to laugh.

“Refills, anyone?” A waitress approaches our table with a bottle of wine in her hands.

Vanessa and Natalie don’t hesitate to say, “Yes, please.”

I wipe the laughing tears from my eyes and lift my glass of sparkling water. “I’m all set.”

“Sarah, the place is called Wine and Paint Night, not Water and Paint Night,” Natalie teases.

“I know. Trust me, I wish I could join you guys, but it’s just…” It’s just that I’m pregnant and haven’t been able to enjoy a glass of wine in months. It’s straight-up torture, if you ask me. “I have to be up early again for work.”

“Hey, don’t worry,” Vanessa remarks. “Natalie and I will drink enough for the three of us.”

I force a small smile, averting eye contact, fearing they’ll see right through my lie.

“Everything going okay at work?” Natalie asks, tilting her head. When my eyes meet hers, I’m suddenly afraid she can read my thoughts.

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