Page 48 of Dare to Fall

“Well, are we just going to stand around here, or are we going to look at some art?” Lucas taunted.

“I actually have someone I want both of you to meet,” Eva said.

“Okay. Show us the way.” I gestured across the room with my hand.

Eva led us to the back left corner of the exhibit where a beautiful young woman stood in a daring black gown. Fiery red hair fell down her back in long, natural waves. As she turned to us, her bright-blue eyes lit up when she saw Eva. I glanced at Lucas who was completely enthralled with the young woman before us. Chuckling to myself, I reached out a hand when Eva introduced me to her.

“Hello. I’m Drema Lawson, Eva’s roommate.” Her grip was firm as we shook hands.

“Pleasure to meet you, Drema. I’m Garth Walker.”

“And it’s so nice to meet you, Mr. Walker. I’m a huge fan of your work.”

“Thank you. But you can call me Garth. Mr. Walker is my father.” I shot her a wink, and she gave me a wide grin.

“This is Lucas, Garth’s friend.” Eva gestured toward Lucas.

Drema extended her hand toward Lucas who just stood there, staring at her. Her aqua-blue eyes flickered to mine, and I gently elbowed Lucas in the ribs.

“Uh. I’m sorry,” he said, taking her hand. “I’m Lucas.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Lucas.” Drema let out a breathy laugh as a crimson blush stained her cheeks.

To save Lucas from any more awkward tension, I asked Drema, “Are those your pieces?”

She turned to look behind her where three large canvases were stationed on the wall, each one covered in beautiful landscapes, painted with incredible skill.

“Yes, these three here.”

“Aren’t they beautiful?” Eva grinned with pride for her friend.

“Yes, they are,” Lucas and I said at the same time.

“Thank you.” Drema blushed again as she peered up at Lucas under hooded eyes.

“You have an incredible talent, Drema. And you’re a senior?” I asked.

“Yes. I’ll be graduating in May.”

“Any idea where you’d like to end up?”

She shook her head. “I haven’t decided yet. I had an assistantship last year, teaching some of the first-year students, and I really enjoyed that. But I’m not sure if I’m ready to settle down into a professorship yet. I enjoy the craft so much, and I want to continue painting as long as the inspiration is still prominent.”

I took one of my business cards out of my jacket pocket and handed it to her. “Send me an email when you have the chance, and we can meet up to discuss some potential routes for you if you’d like. You have an amazing gift, and I’m sure the future generations would appreciate being taught by you. I’ve often found that teaching can increase the feelings of inspiration, especially when your students push you.” I glanced at Eva, and she gave me a knowing look. “I have a few contacts who I’m sure would love to talk with you about their own journeys with teaching and freelancing.”

Drema’s face lit up. “Oh, wow. Thank you, Garth. I would really appreciate the opportunity.”

“How is that a painting? It looks like a photograph or something,” Lucas said as he moved closer to Drema’s canvases.

Drema started telling him about the various techniques she used in her paintings. Lucas seemed completely enraptured by her in the way he hung on her every word. Similar to me, Lucas never had long-term relationships. It was difficult for him to find a partner willing to deal with his long work hours and the associated stress. So, he kept things casual. The women he dated were always at arm’s length. And I knew it was to prevent himself from getting too involved with someone, knowing they would eventually walk away from him like so many had done before.

As I looked to Eva, I thought that maybe the tide was shifting. She didn’t seem to have a clue as to who my father was when I mentioned him, and if I was honest with myself, I wasn’t sure I would even care if she did. She didn’t seem to be the type of woman who cared about how much money my family had in the bank.

Under all her layers of self-denial, I thought she just wanted to be happy. To let go of all the expectations others put on her. Of anyone I’d ever met, I believed she would understand why I made the decision to step away from my father’s company more than anyone.

I arched my arm around the small of her back. As I leaned down, the subtle scent of lilac floated up to me. “Would you like to walk around the exhibit with me? I think these two are going to be occupied for a while.”

Her brown eyes grew warmer as she smiled at me. “I think you might be right.”

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