Page 25 of Colors and Curves

“So you girls really think I should take things further?”

“Yes,” they say in unison.

“If I ever see him again.”

“Yes!”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll see him again. Probably sooner than you think,” Jocelyn adds, nodding her head emphatically. “And if things progress, invite him to the barbecue in August.”

“You’re crazy. I think you’re getting ahead of yourself. And you never told me about the barbecue. I had to hear about it from Lacey yesterday. I’m offended.” I play with her.

“Don’t even. Our parents and friends will be there and some of Will’s family too, since they’re involved in the wedding. I can’t wait.”

And finally, the conversation moves on to wedding details, and I don’t have to talk about Julius anymore.

That doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about him.

Chapter 14

Julius

My palms are sweating, and my heart is pounding. The gallery should be closing soon, and I’m peeking through the windows again, watching Skylar. I’m not stalking her, honestly. Why do I get so nervous when I know I’m going to see her? She’s awakened a part of me that wasn’t dead yet, but dormant. Foreign emotions flood my body when I’m with her.

Daisy and I both have scars and dark clouds from the past, but we handle our struggles differently. She tried many ways to cope. A lot of them were really bad, but she’s found a therapist now that she loves, who has helped immensely. I’ve seen such a positive change in her these last few years, and she’s kicking ass as my agent. I’m proud of her, and I hope her success lasts.

Me, I hide behind my work. For the most part, I’ve become numb against the pain of my past. I avoid meeting new people so I don’t have to talk about myself. When I do venture out, I pretty much just talk about my photography. It’s why I use a pseudonym. No one can search me out and learn who I really am.

Skylar has a customer, so I’ve decided to wait outside. I don’t want to interrupt her. When she talks about my photographs, she becomes very animated. Even before I met Skylar, Daisy had told me how much she loves my work. It’s a real compliment to see and hear how passionate she is about them.

The woman shakes her hand and walks toward the door. Skylar follows and lets her gaze scan the street outside. Her entire face lights up when she sees me. She opens the door for her customer and says goodbye. I wait a few seconds and then approach her slowly.

She leans against the edge of the door. “Hi,” she says, almost melting away. I wish I had my camera—I’d capture the dreamy expression on her face. I have to wonder what’s going through her mind. Then she welcomes me with a saucy grin. Warmth spreads through my chest.

“Hi.” I find myself smiling back.

“What a nice surprise. I’m just about to close up.” She steps to the side to let me in. “How long have you been standing outside in this heat? You should’ve come in. I could’ve introduced you to a future fan. She’s going to call me tomorrow to let me know whether she wantsThe Bowor not.”

A breeze follows me in and circulates her vanilla scent around me. “I still need a break from opening night,” I confess.

She closes the door and leans her back against it. “I’m sure. Where’s Chance? He’s always glued to your side.”

I’m standing in the middle of the gallery, and she chats away like I’m an old friend. I wish it were that easy for me to talk to someone.

“He’s at home. I’m sorry to just show up.”

“So are you here for personal or business reasons?” She pushes off the door and saunters in my direction.

“Personal.”

Her smile grows. “I am admittedly a big fan of your work, but I’d rather talk toyouthan your business side.”

“Good. Does that mean you might go to dinner with me, or do you already have plans?”

“I was just going to head to the gym. But I don’t need to go.”

“You definitely don’t.” I keep my eyes on her face, but I’m already regretting what I just said. “Sorry. You made it clear you don’t like it when someone talks to you like that.”

“Julius, relax.” She rubs her hands up and down my arms. A warm sensation pumps through my blood, relaxing every muscle except one. Hopefully, she won’t notice. “After what you told me the other day, I won’t question comments like that. Okay?”

---