Page 18 of Watercolor Skulls

“Jesse, you’re going to give yourself a coronary over that girl. It’s okay to let her fall once in a while. It will toughen her up.”

“Yeah, yeah. Hey, I’m sorry about rushing out. Is Lily doing okay?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t she be?” I ask gruffly.

“She’s new to town. She moved into the house over on Wildflower. She doesn’t have much and well you know.”

I laugh lightly. “Yes, I know. She’s another one of your projects.”

“Why the fuck do you guys keep saying that?”

“Cause it’s true. You’re always helping someone.”

“Just. Just don’t scare her off, okay?”

“I’m not going to scare her off.”

“No?”

“No.”

“Dan, I mean it. Be. Nice.”

“Oh, I’m being very nice.”

She sighs. “Maybe I should come back to town.”

“We’re fine. I’m just about to get started.”

“Did she like your design?”

Now I sigh. “That one wasn’t supposed to be for clients.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“I know you didn’t. It’s fine. Anyway, I drew one up that fits her better.”

“Oh, I’m super excited to see. Send me a picture when you’re done.”

“We’ll see. Give Billie Rose a kiss for me.”

“I will. Love ya.”

“Love ya too, doll.”

Chapter Ten

Lily

???

I’m sitting here in my underwear. My dad would kill me. Benjamin would kill me.Stop, Lily. They don’t control your life anymore, you do.

Dan put a screen around us for privacy, but still.

He can see me.

I secretly like that he can see me.

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