Page 87 of Sinful Skulls
Why the hell did I just say that?
“Naw, I don’t want you to have to open the box. It will be easier for you to get it home if it’s packaged.”
We make it all the way out to the truck before he adds, “But I’d love to see the one you’re working on.”
“Oh, yeah, I guess.” I bend over sucking in a deep breath. “Are you sure? Because like I said, it’s a little embarrassing.”
“I don’t get embarrassed,” he says, wrapping his arm over my shoulders and guiding me back inside.
“Okay, so I mean for me. It’s embarrassing for me.”
“You shouldn’t be embarrassed by your art.”
“But sometimes I am,” I say honestly.
“Well, then this will be good therapy. It’s time you start letting the world see your art.”
“What do you mean? You just saw all of the paintings we loaded up.”
“That’s your public art. I want to see what lights your soul on fire.”
Oh, he’s going to see it all right.
Before I know it, we’re back in the studio.
“Okay, so like this is your final warning. It’s graphic, okay?”
He circles his hands. “Come on already. You’re stalling.”
I turn the easel around and step back.
When my eyes land on it, I wince. I’d almost forgotten the anger I felt when I’d finished the piece. Anger that is splashed in red across the canvas.
Neither of us say anything.
No one other than Brody and my uncle have seen this side of my work. I’m literally terrified by what he must be thinking about me.
“It’s exquisite.”
“Exquisite?”
Dirk takes a step forward. “Daisy, this is insanely good.”
“Yeah, I guess, well, I should get going.”
He grabs my arm. “I don’t give compliments often.”
I rub my chin over my shoulder, avoiding his gaze. “It’s ruined,” I whisper.
His eyes bounce between me and the painting. “What do you mean it’s ruined? It’s perfect.”
“It’s not supposed to be splattered with red. I messed it up.”
He pinches my chin and turns my head, forcing me to look at him. “I don’t think you did.”
“I did.”
“I think your creativity took over. It’s not ruined. It’s raw.”
