Page 14 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

That’s a challenge I can get behind.

“I would love to do that for you and your future wife,” I beam. “Who is the lucky woman, and when is the wedding?”

Oscar chuckles, sipping his wine. His gaze quickly flickers to the side, and I can't help but follow it. Briar and her friend Natalie stand in the corner, laughing at something on Briar's phone.

Is Briar his fiancée? Why do I suddenly feel a sharp sting between my ribs?

No, it can't be her.

“Natalie?” I ask, turning my attention back to him. “She's who you're engaged to?”

“Eventually,” Oscar swallows hard.. He clears his throat before giving me an easygoing smile. “I'll have to convince her first, but we'll see.”

I laugh, shaking my head. Even I’m not blind to see how she looked at him throughout the day.

“I’m sure everything will work out for you,” I tell him, patting him on the shoulder.

Oscar grins, “What about you?”

“What about me?”

“You’re like a tight vault when it comes to relationship talks. No special someone?”

Just as I’m about to say no, a voice like sweet melody cuts me off. I turn sharply, barely stifling a groan.

“He doesn’t know it yet, but that special someone is me,” Briar winks, linking her arms with Natalie’s as she stands beside me.

Oscar’s face immediately brightens at the sight of them.

“Ladies,” He says. He looks at Natalie and gives her a playful, stern look. “Whatever happened to not drinking too much?”

She rolls her eyes. “Sorry, Daddy. It’s dangerous to bring me anywhere with an open bar.”

Oscar rose a brow, a slight quirk playing on his lips as he stares at Natalie.

I look away.

Those two keep giving lovey-dovey looks at each other, and I refuse to provide Briar with any more attention in case she sees it as an invitation to talk to me some more.

A light touch on my elbow catches my attention, and I look down to see my migraine personified, staring up at me with a wicked grin.

“Long time no see,” Briar winks.

She fucking winks at me. Who the hell does she think she is? What girl is this aggressive and can’t take the hint?

The sharp sting against my ribs intensifies, prompting me to pull my arm away from her.

You’re in control.

Leave, leave, leave.

I take a step back and mutter, “Excuse me.”

Oscar and Natalie are still focusing on each other, so I highly doubt they notice or hear me walk away from them.

I set my half-empty glass on a nearby table and lean against it, burying my face in my hands as I take a deep, slow breath.

My heart pounds erratically in my chest.

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