Page 64 of Flatmates (Life in the Brohouse 3)

I smile, mostly because it’s all I can do. I can think of better ways to start the day; like drawing, taking photographs, making breakfast with the bros and laughing about something idiotic Seth said.

“I noticed you skipped an afternoon last week.”

I bristle, cringing as I recalled running out of the museum to go meet Samuel.Well, that afternoon hadn’t gone to plan, I think, remembering once more what he said about Lucas and our relationship.

“Yeah,” I say simply, my voice extremely soft even for me. “I did.”

“Care to explain why?”

I grimace. “I don’t really have a good excuse.”

“Try me.”

I sigh, trying to think of the best words to explain why I skipped work to go to Samuel’s firm. I guess there was nothing more I could say other than the truth.

“I was offered an opportunity to take pictures for a law firm’s social media account.”

Dr. Arnaud nods while grabbing her cigarette, taking a deep inhale and blowing it away from my face. “Sounds like a nice opportunity.”

I shrug. “I guess. I don’t plan to do it again.”

“Why not?”

I stare back at Dr. Arnaud, trying not to gape. “Why aren’t you angry?”

Dr. Arnaud shrugs. “Why would I be? You’re an artist trying to make your way in the world. You should do everything you possibly can to get a position. Within reason of course.”

“But,” I pause, swallowing the lump in my throat, “I work for you. I signed up for this internship program. Don’t you think I should see it through?”

“Well, that’s up to you.” Dr. Arnaud stabs her cigarette into the ashtray and leans towards me. “Rachel, I think you’re actually doing quite an amazing job at the museum, given your start.”

My heart leaps into my throat. “You do?”

She nods while smiling widely. “I do, but if you’re not happy here, I’m not going to hold you by the ball and chain and make you stay here. It’s completely up to you what you want to do.”

“But I thought you hated me.”

Dr. Arnaud chuckles and shakes her head. “Good heavens, no. Why would I hate you? I barely know you.”

“Because, because,” I frown, not knowing if I’m about to say will really make her hate me, “Because you’re always so hard on me.”

Dr. Arnaud’s smile widens. “Of course, I am. I’m hard on everyone. Being an artist is hard. You have to really want it. I want you to succeed. That’s why I’m so hard on you.”

“So you really don’t hate me?”

Dr. Arnaud shrugs. “Not yet. Give it time.”

I chuckle and grab my espresso, pouring all the milk inside it and mixing it with the spoon.

“Is that why you look like a complete mess today?”

I groan, slumping over the table. “No,” I say while focusing my gaze on the dark liquid. “It’s not.”

“Well, that’s a relief. I’d hate to make someone cry yet again. You children are so easy these days to pick on. Now, quickly down that and let’s get to work. Don’t think I’ll go easy on you today just because you look like you’ve been run over by a truck.”

I smile, feeling joy glimmer within me once more while I quickly guzzle down my coffee. It’s a good thing I ran into her this morning, otherwise I don’t know what would have happened. I feel like I can actually get through this day, this internship.

Dr. Arnaud isn’t a terrible person. She’s actually looking out for me, for Lauren. It’s good to know that. I watch Dr. Arnaud pay and follow her towards the museum. My phone vibrates in my bag and I stop.

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