- Art class
Lila’s P.O.V.
Another full week had passed, since I had found a job, and I found myself growing more and more comfortable with my new life in Fairview. Working at the arts center had given me a sense of purpose I hadn’t realized I was missing in the first place, and I loved the creativity and freedom the job allowed. The children I taught were full of energy and enthusiasm, and their joy for art was infectious. It made me feel like I was finally doing something meaningful.
But as much as I loved my new routine, something was missing-Skye.
Since that night at the restaurant, Skye had seemed to retreat into the background of my life. I barely saw him around the house, and when I did, it was usually in passing. He always had an excuse-working late at the garage, helping out a friend, or needing to run errands. It felt like he was actively avoiding me, and it left me with an inexplicable ache in my chest. I couldn’t help but wonder if I had imagined the connection between us, if the charged moments we had shared were all in my head because of one stupid dream I had had.
Meanwhile, Blade was a near-constant presence-though mostly in the form of giggles and whispered conversations coming from behind his bedroom door late at night. I had gotten used to hearing him bring home a different woman almost every evening, each encounter followed by the same routine of flirtation, laughter, and eventual departure. It was hard not to compare Blade’s carefree lifestyle with my own, especially when the one man I wanted to see, seemed to be slipping further and further away from me with each passing day.
It was Friday evening, and I was helping clean up after a particularly chaotic day at the arts center. Maggie and I were the last ones left, packing up supplies and straightening out the classroom. The kids had been especially creative today, leaving behind a trail of glitter, glue, and scattered art projects.
“You’re really fitting in well here, Lila,” Maggie said with a smile as she stacked a pile of construction paper on the table.
“The kids adore you, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help.”
I smiled back at Maggie, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.
“Thanks, Maggie. I love it here. Fairview is starting to feel like home.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Maggie replied.
“You know, we have a drawing class tonight. It’s more of an open studio session, really-
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people just come in and work on their own projects. You should join us.”
My eyes widened in surprise.
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“I’d love to, but I didn’t bring any of my supplies with me. I wasn’t planning on staying late.”
Maggie waved a hand dismissively.
“Don’t worry about that. We’ve got plenty of materials here, and you’re welcome to use whatever you need. Besides, I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s a good way to wind down after a busy week.”
I hesitated for only a moment before nodding.
“Alright, why not? It sounds like fun.”
“Great!” Maggie said, her smile widening.
“I’ll get everything set up. We’ll start in a few minutes.”
I helped finish tidying up, then followed Maggie into the next room where the drawing class was held. It was a spacious area, with large windows that let in the last of the evening light. Easels and tables were scattered around the room, each one equipped with a variety of drawing supplies. A few people were already there, setting up their stations and chatting
quietly.
As I scanned the room, my gaze landed on a familiar figure standing near the back. My heart skipped a beat when I realized it was Skye Miller. He looked up at the same moment, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw me as well. For a second, neither of us moved, both caught off guard by the unexpected encounter. My stomach flipped as I took in the sight of him. He was dressed casually in a worn T-shirt and jeans, his hair slightly tousled as if he’d been running his hands through it all day long. There was a smudge of charcoal on his cheek, evidence that he had already been working on something before I had arrived.
Maggie, oblivious to the tension between us, smiled brightly as she led me further into the
room.
“Lila, why don’t you set up over here? And Skye, you can join us whenever you’re ready.”
Skye cleared his throat, his gaze never leaving me.
“Uh, yeah, sure. I’ll just… finish up over here first.”
I felt my heart pound in my chest as I walked to the spot Maggie had indicated. I could feel Skye’s eyes on me the entire time, and it took all of my willpower not to glance back at him. I wasn’t sure what to make of this sudden turn of events. A week of near-avoidance, and now
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< 15. Art class
here he was, in the same room, sharing the same space. It almost felt surreal.
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As I began to set up my workspace, I couldn’t help but steal a glance in Skye’s direction. He was still watching me, his expression unreadable. There was something in his eyes that made my stomach flutter-a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and something deeper, something that made my pulse quicken.
Maggie, unaware of the silent exchange between us, busied herself by preparing the room for class. I tried to focus on organizing my materials, but my mind kept drifting back to Skye. The way he had looked at me just now-it reminded me of the way he had looked at me that night in the restaurant when the air between us had felt electric.
I wondered if he was thinking about it too.
I wondered if he felt it too…
But if he does, why avoid me?
After a few minutes, Skye finally moved from his spot and made his way over to me. He paused a few feet away, his hands tucked into his pockets as if unsure of what to do with
them.
“Hey,” he said, his voice low and hesitant.
“Hey,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.
“I didn’t know you were into painting,” Skye said, his gaze flicking over the materials I had set out. I shrugged, offering him a small smile.
“I’ve always loved it. It’s kind of a hobby of mine. I didn’t know you were into it either.”
Skye rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips.
“Yeah, not really. Maggie just lets me in, so I can work in peace. I didn’t expect to see you
here.”
“Same,” I admitted, my heart beating faster.
“But I’m glad you’re here. I hardly saw you this week.” The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I immediately felt a flush of embarrassment. I hadn’t meant to sound so harsh, but the truth was, I was glad I had said it. I had missed him, more than she cared to admit.
Skye’s expression softened at my words, and for a moment, the awkwardness between us seemed to dissolve.
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< 15 Art class
“I’m glad you’re here too,” he said quietly.
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Before the moment could stretch into something more, Maggie clapped her hands together, signaling the start of the class. I quickly turned my attention to her easel, trying to calm the nerves fluttering in my chest. As they began to paint, I couldn’t help but sneak glances at Skye every now and then. He was focused on his work, his brow furrowed in concentration as he sketched while everyone else painted. There was a calmness about him that I found incredibly attractive, and I had to remind myself to keep my own focus on my painting.
But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting between us. There was an unspoken connection, a thread that had been slowly pulling us together, and tonight, it felt stronger than ever. As the evening went on, I found myself relaxing into the rhythm of the class, my hand moving fluidly across the canvas as I lost myself in the process of creating. But even as I painted, my thoughts kept circling back to Skye over and over again, and the way his presence seemed to fill the room. And as I glanced over at Skye, catching his eye once again, I couldn’t help but smile.
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