Feeling exposed, I changed the subject. I gestured toward the painting on her wall. "So, um, what medium did you use on your painting?"
Sofia blinked at my abrupt change of subject before glancing at the wall. "It's oil paint."
I nodded. "I figured as much."
"You know a bit about art? I guess you spend a lot of time attending galas at art galleries?"
"No. Well, yes," I laughingly admitted. "But I also like going to art galleries for fun. I - uh - I draw. Sometimes." I stammered, feeling awkward.
"What?" She sat up straight, her golden eyes wide. "Really?"
"I used to draw a lot as a kid and stopped after a while in high school. I mainly drew things I saw around me - nature, a girl I had a crush on in class, my parents at the dinner table." I gave her a self-conscious smile. "I actually wanted to do it for a living - maybe work for a gaming company or in animation."
"So why didn't you?" Sofia turned fully to face me, tucking her legs under her as she hung on my word.
"My uh...parents didn't think it was a good career path. Thought it wasn't a sure thing." I shrugged. "My dad's a lawyer. He works in estates and wills. He wanted me to follow his path, but law doesn't interest me. I was good in math and economics, so it led me organically down this path."
"Wow. I would never have pegged you for a creative guy. So why did you stop in high school?"
I shook my head with a wry smile. "Stupid reasons, now that I think back on it. Football was religion at my old high school. Dad had been the star quarterback, Mom was head cheerleader. Dad had the record for the most touchdowns for a good few decades. Me, on the other hand...I liked to draw. I liked playing video games and Dungeons and Dragons -"
"Oh, my God." I glanced at her as she playfully slapped my knee. "You were a nerd."
"Majorly," I laughed. "Out and proud." She giggled along with me.
"But by the time I started high school, people started comparing us. My dad's football awards were still up on display. My parents would...gentlyencourage me away from my hobbies. A part of me thought they were embarrassed having a chubby, cosplay-wearing geek for a son."
Sofia frowned, her mouth turned down in pity. "I'm sure they didn't."
"Maybe not consciously. But their actions and words made me feel that way."
Jesus, what was it about this girl that made me want to spill my guts? I'd never felt this comfortable with a chick. Usually, I'd charm them and fuck their brains out before hightailing it out of there.
"So, you draw a bit now? For fun?"
"Yeah, when I'm bored in a meeting or chilling at home. Nothing major, just doodles."
"Ejaculating penis'?"
I burst out laughing at that. "Not since eighth grade."
We smiled at each other and some of the lingering tension over the seriousness of our conversation seeped away.
But it wasn't long before the air started to feel warm, and a different kind of tension began to rise.
I stared down at her full mouth. She licked her lips.
Just as I was about to say, 'fuck it!' And move in for the kill, Sofia pulled back slightly. She unfolded her legs onto the floor before standing.
"It's uh...getting late. I think we've figured out our plan?"
I swallowed back my disappointment as I slowly rose. "Uh...yeah. You're gonna message the others, right? Will you let me chat with Barron and Eden? B's entrusted me with this, and I want to make sure he's on board."
Sofia gave me a gentle smile. "Sure, thing."
"Well..."
With nothing more to stall me, I gathered my things before slowly walking to the door.
