Page 7 of Sinful Skulls
I shake my head and laugh. I really do like this one. “Again, worth it.”
She giggles. “Goodnight, Brody.”
“Goodnight, my little flower.”
Chapter Three
Daisy
He’s early. I watch him scan the beach for me. I chuckle, because he sticks out like a sore thumb. He’s in jeans and a black t-shirt again. This one features a different band, but it’s also ripped down the sides.
A group of women try to wave him over to join them. He offers them a smile but declines their invitation. He lowers himself to the sand in the exact same spot where I had my easel set up yesterday.
He dusts his hands off on his pants. His aversion to sand makes me laugh. I shift my bag over my shoulder and make my way down to him.
I pause a few feet away, debating on whether or not I should approach him. It doesn’t feel good to lead him on. I’m leaving for Paris in a week.
“Hello, my little flower.”
My shoulders fall. “How did you know I was here?” I take the last few steps toward him and plop down in the sand.
“I could smell you.”
Instantly, I shove my nose into my armpit.
His head falls back, and he laughs. “Not like that. You’re my favorite new scent.”
“Oh.” I look away, embarrassed.
He bumps his shoulder into mine. “You’re not going to paint today?”
“No. I’m not starting any new projects right now. I’m leaving for Paris in a week.” Better I tell him now.
“Paris. Wow, that sounds exciting.”
“Yeah. I’m going to be studying art there for a year.”
He picks up a shell and throws it toward the water. “A whole year, huh.”
I can tell this revelation disappoints him, but I’m not going to put my dreams on hold for him or anyone else. My parents weren’t thrilled about my leaving either, but I’ve never asked for their help, so there wasn’t much they could say.
I’ve managed to get through college all on my own. I know I’m one of the lucky ones. With scholarships and my art sales, I’ve managed to save up a nice cushion for myself. I’m so thankful for the life I have.
“Well, then we better make the most of this week,” Brody says, drawing my attention from the water.
“What?”
“You and me. If we only have a week, we better get busy. So, tell me, where is your favorite place to eat? I’m starving. Which you will learn is pretty much a permanent state of being for me.”
“You still want to hang out even though I’m leaving soon?”
“You’re here right now, aren’t you? And today is all we really have.”
His optimism puts a smile on my face. “There’s the best pizza place just a few blocks from here. They have a deep dish that’s to die for.”
“Sounds good. You don’t have a boyfriend, do you?” he asks as he pulls me to my feet.
I chuckle at this. “No.”
