Page 33 of This December

My eyes flicked to the window and the blanket of snow covering the backyard and the mountains beyond. I suddenly ached to draw it—capture it. It’d been so long since I’d tried. Did I still have it? Or had that disappeared like my ability to climb the tree in my parents’ backyard.

What was the harm in trying? This was my time, after all. I didn’t have a boss to report to anymore and nothing but time in front of me while I figured out what to do with my life.

Why shouldn’t I draw?

Resolved, I turned to the closet, and I shoved what I needed in the last duffle bag I had in my closet. Then I pulled out my phone to call Luca and get out of here.

The urge to draw again was like an itch under my skin I couldn’t scratch.

And suddenly that was all I could think about.

Breaking News from the Babbler

Cole Jackson’s New Love Spotted with a Suitcase

Is She Moving Into Cole’s House?

Exclusive Details

She’s on the move!Cole Jackson’snew girlfriend,December James, was spotted at her childhood home. After a very brief visit, she left carrying a large suitcase.

*embedded pictures of December coming and going from her parents’ house*

Is she moving in with Cole Jackson? Are they playing house? Or maybe planning a trip? James was tight lipped, refusing to speak with our reporters on site. But we’ll keep you updated with any more sightings.

Stay tuned…

Chapter 11

“Everything okay?” Cole asked with a concerned frown as he met me at the door. “Did the paps give you a hard time?”

“No. Luca and the rest of the guys did an awesome job keeping them at bay. Thank you.”

“What is it then?” Cole closed the door behind us and turned to face me with a furrowed brow. “Did something happen with your family? I thought they were all Team Co-Ember.”

I laughed. “Co-Ember? Is that a new month? You better not be trying to rename Mom’s Twelve Days of Christmas. That’s an institution in Tahoe, I’ll have you know.”

“I guess it’s the media’s name for us. Our ‘ship name or whatever.”

“Oh my god. Seriously?”

“I happen to like it.” Cole grinned at me as he stepped toward me and wrapped his arms around my waist. “So spill. What’s got you all angsty?”

I gave a shrug that felt more like a twitch. “I’ve been thinking about drawing, and it hit me today while I was standing in my childhood bedroom. I wanted, needed to draw something. But I’m worried I’ve lost it. I mean, I know I can’t do a backbend anymore because it’s been years since gymnastics. What if I’ve lost my art mojo?”

“There’s pretty much only one way to find out.”

I sighed a big gust of air then nodded like I was gearing up to face an executioner. “That’s what I’m all angsty about. I’m kinda afraid to find out, but it’s like this itch under my skin. Now that I’ve started thinking about it, I can’t stop.”

“Well, how about I go into my office and work on this song that’s been bugging me ever since I met you, and you go into the bedroom and see what you can do with your pencils. Then we meet up in an hour? Before your family gets here? And if you get frustrated or whatever, feel free to interrupt me. I’d love nothing more than to help you work through your frustration.” He gave me a mock leer.

I giggled and rolled my eyes at his insanity. But it helped. I know it wasn’t life or death, but it was my future—maybe—so I was nervous. But less so now. “Thanks, Cole. You know, you’re kind of amazing.”

“I’ve kind of heard something like that a time or two.” His smug smile still made my heart race. “But it means a hellova lot coming from you.”

After a steamy, toe-curling kiss, Cole stepped back and gave me an encouraging pat on my butt. “Now go get ‘em. Break a leg or whatever. What encouraging shit do they say to artists?”

“Practice saying ‘do you want fries with that?’ At least that’s what I always heard in the hallways in the art building.”

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