Page 46 of Follow Me Down

“Titus got those for you?” His expression is a mixture of disbelief and humor.

“Yeah.” I confirm with a nod.

“Man, you must have been really good to him last night. He’s not usually the type to buy gifts.”

My stomach clenches at his words.

“Oh no, we didn’t...”

“Save your breath, puppet. I have ears. And even though the walls are made of wood, they aren’t soundproof.”

My cheeks instantly heat pink.

He heard us?

“I... I...” I struggle to find something to say.

“You’re really cute when you’re embarrassed.”

“I’m not embarrassed,” I argue. Okay, so maybe I am a little, but I’m not going to admit that to him.

“Your red cheeks say otherwise.” Thankfully, he moves on before I’m able to respond. “I didn’t know you paint.” He gestures to the easel.

“Yeah. I really like sketching too, but painting is my first love.”

“I always wanted to be good at art. Unfortunately, every time I’ve tried to create something it ends up looking like a Kindergartner did it.”

“I doubt you’re that bad.” I laugh.

“Trust me, I am.” He smiles, his facial hair brushing his upper lip as he does. “Well, I’ll let you get to it. Slave driver out there might have my nuts if I’m gone too long.” He hops down from the porch. “Then again, he’s in a pretty good mood today. Guess I have you to thank for that.”

“Ha. Ha,” I deadpan, crossing my arms in front of myself.

“I’m just saying.” He holds his hands up as he backs away.

I shake my head, watching him disappear around the side of the house moments later.

Turning back to the table, I find it hard to wipe the smile from my face as I open my paints. But it isn’t until I’m holding the paintbrush in my hand, looking out over the incredible view, highlighted by the gorgeous cloudless sky, that I realize just how much has changed. And how quickly it’s all happened.

All I ever wanted was a way out, a chance to start new. And now that I have it, now that I’m staring down a future that’s all my own, I feel like a thousand pounds have been lifted off my shoulders.

I don’t know what comes next. I don’t know where I’ll end up tomorrow, let alone a year from now, or even five years from now. And I’m okay with that. I don’t need to be twenty steps ahead anymore. I don’t have to worry about letting anyone down or sacrificing what I want for someone else’s idea of what’s right for me.

My life is now mine and it’s up to me, and only me, what I do with it from here on.

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