Page 26 of Taking A Chance

She collects her previously discarded dress and her clothes from the table, then disappears into the bathroom. We make eye contact for a brief moment as she slides the door shut, and then she disappears out of sight.

I turn my attention back to the canvas, wondering if by some turn of events I’m attracted to her, or if I’m riding the high of finishing the painting. I don’t get to ponder it too long before Cora’s out of the bathroom and back in my sights, walking toward the door.

“If it’s all right with you, this will be in my next exhibit,” I say. I don’t generally ask permission. Most of the time when I paint someone, I make it perfectly clear what’s going to happen with the piece once I’m done, and get them to sign an agreement. This time though, with the history between us, with the tension balanced ever so precariously, I feel the need to ask.

“I think that would be nice,” she says. “Thank you for asking.”

I nod, shoving my hands in my pockets, unsure what else to do or say.

She stands still for a few more silent seconds, a small smile on her lips, rocking back on her heels. “Well, I should get going.”

“Thank you for letting me paint you,” I say, walking toward the door to meet her.

“I never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad I finally came in,” she says, lightly giggling.

I smile at her, feeling relief in her statement. Perhaps this is the start of less hatred between us.

“Goodnight,” I say softly.

“Goodnight,” she says, tucking her hair behind her ear as she steps past me.

I catch a faint scent, something that smells all too familiar. Once I close the door, I make my way to the bathroom to find my suit jacket hanging on a hook on the back of the door. Pulling it down, I inhale at the collar.

I’m not sure how I didn’t notice it before. Perhaps I was too distracted by her crying when she hugged me. Either way, I recognize it now.

And nothing about this is good.

17

Cora

Over the past several days,I’ve barely seen Declan, let alone spoken to him. It’s almost as if upon finishing the painting of me, he disappeared into a hole. Well, that’s not entirely true. I waved at him in the hallway at one point, but that’s been it. It’s like we’re back to the way it was before he painted me. The exception being I waved at him rather than scoffed in his general direction.

Is this what he meant when he said he’s professional? Life just goes back to before and we don’t acknowledge the forward progress?I don’t have a lot of time to ponder this. Jensen and Harper arrive for their visit today and I have to haul my ass home to clean before they get here.

Still, like, we can’t be friends?Wait, what am I even saying?I want to be friends with Declan Walsh?No, no, no.I shake the idea away as soon as it registers and walk up the stairs to my apartment.

It seems I’m not out of the woods yet; because as soon as I’m close to my floor, I hear distinct voices coming from the hallway. Declan, Jensen, and Harper are all laughing.

I turn the corner to see Declan leaning against his doorway like always. Jensen and Harper are standing at my door, their luggage on the floor. Apparently, someone just said something hilarious, because they’re all cackling.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

Jensen turns in my direction and the other two follow, all eyes on me now. “Sis! Surprise! We’re early,” he says.

“I see that,” I say, putting my messenger bag down as my little brother throws his arms around me. Sure, I saylittle, but he’s been taller than me for most of our lives. I think we’re fortunate to be so close. I’ve seen the other side and want no part of it. Some of my friends only speak to their siblings on holidays or when someone has died, and I find the idea of it so sad.

“It was this guy’s idea,” Harper says, pushing Jensen out of the way so she can come hug me.

Harper and my brother have been together since they met at my friend Lyla’s wedding. I brought Jensen along, and he found himself occupied with Lyla’s little sister, Harper. Who would’ve thought the two younger siblings of best friends would find love? Actually, I say that like it was shocking, but at the time, everyone except them could see it happening.

I lean down and rub Harper’s belly. She’s not super big and round yet, but she’s got a little bump emerging and I can’t wait until the bundle gets here. I’m going to be the best aunt.

“Well, you guys certainly surprised me. And my house is a mess and I have no dinner started as a result.” I laugh.

“Let’s go out,” Jensen suggests, shrugging his shoulders.

“Really? After traveling?” I turn to Harper. “Don’t you want to rest?” I don’t know a lot about pregnancy, but I know you’re tired more often. I imagine the last thing she wants to do is go out.

---