Page 17 of Her Painter Bear Mate

“Well, you know where you can buy more. I'll even give you a friend and family discount,” Clarissa said with a teasing tone. “But on a more serious note, any idea on why you’re blocked?”

“Wish I knew.”

“Hmm.” They continued in comfortable silence for a bit before Clarissa spoke again. “I’ve been meaning to ask, why cityscapes?”

Dee shrugged. “Why do you paint landscapes?”

“Because it's relaxing and always there. I like stability, but that probably comes as no suprise. When you paint landscapes, you don't have to worry about models or composition or any of that. Nature is always there for you,” Clarissa said, her speech clearly heartfelt.

“What if the weather is wrong?”

“That's what stops it from being boring. A little unpredictability is nice,” Clarissa replied with a smile.

Dee thought about Clarissa’s answer as they continued on. Her thoughts tumbled and toiled but she couldn't catch them or put them into words. She was never good at that.

“I guess I like cities because it’s like being lonely together,” she said eventually. “In a city, there’s so much happening that you don't know. Endless potential. Mystery around every corner, even through the walls you share with your neighbours. Anyone could be on the other side.”

Clarissa paused in her tracks. “That’s weirdly romantic. I’ve never thought of a city like that. I find it too impersonal.”

“That's what I like about it. When you're in the city, you can blend in with the masses. Everybody is a nobody and nobody pays you any attention,” Dee explained, sighing when she thought about the anonymity and impartiality of the city.

“You don't like attention?”

“God, no. I want a life with a small circle of loved ones and my studio. Anything more is just overwhelming. ”

Up ahead, Millie and Bork had found a particularly interesting hole in a field and were taking turns sticking their snout in. It was a comical sight.

Clarissa was quiet for a bit. “Maybe that's why you're struggling with your city paintings. You’re no longer a nobody.”

Dee froze at the explanation. She didn't want what Clarissa said to be true. Not just because Clarissa was the one who said it, but if it were true, it would mean re-examining her whole portfolio and style.

"I know how you're going to get over your block," Clarissa said with that confident tone of hers. "You need a change in perspective."

"And how do you propose I make that happen?"

"Simple. You might have all sorts of fancy options in the city but this is the countryside. Here, we drink. You were heading to the store, weren't you? Get yourself a bunch of alcopops, get wasted on Vomit Hill, and maybe you'll be filled with inspiration."

A laugh escaped Dee. "That sounds absolutely horrendous and like a hangover waiting to happen. I'm not inflicting that on myself, I’m not a teenager anymore."

"Aww, are you too old?" Clarissa challenged in a voice that said she knew exactly what she was doing.

Dee should've ignored the challenge. She should let herself be so easily riled up but it was Clarissa, she always got under her skin.

Before she knew what she was saying, she nodded. "Fine, bring it on. But I'm not drinking alone. If I'm going to subject myself to a night of alcopops, you're doing it with me. We're not stopping until you're throwing up."

"Deal," Clarissa said, grinning triumphantly. She didn't seem in the slightest bothered about having to drink silly alcohol or spending more time together. If anything, she looked like she got exactly what she wanted.

ELEVEN

Dee

Dee couldn't remember the last time she'd been up on Crescent Hill, or as the locals called it affectionately, Vomit Hill. As expected, there were some teenagers up there already getting drunk and she could smell that earthy fragrance of weed.

"I've not been here in ages," Clarissa remarked.

"So you don't come here every weekend to get sloshed?" Dee quipped.

"Excuse me, I'm a lady," Clarissa said in a haughty voice, followed with a grin. "I usually get drunk in the caravan park."

---