He waves his hand. “I told you this is just for fun.”
Fun. I didn’t think that word was in his vocabulary. But is he having a good time with me? I mentally smack my head. I seriously need to stop my rambling thoughts. He’s justbeing nice. It’s not like this art project means anything.
It’s quiet as I focus my attention on the shark and he takes care of that sunset. I was freaking out at first, but now my muscles have relaxed and I let myself enjoy myself.
I don’t know how much time passes before Ryan steps back to examine the painting. He rubs his chin. “Not too bad.”
My gaze darts from his sunset to my sorry excuse of a shark. I mean, it definitely looks like a shark, but it’s childish compared to his.
I cover my face. “Ugh, look at it.”
He steps closer. “I see a lot of you in it.”
I blink at him. “Is that a good thing?”
His eyes move to me and stay there for a little bit. It’s like time stands still.
But then he tears his gaze away and the moment—whatever the heck it was—is gone.
“Yeah.”
That’s all. No explanation, nothing.
“Thanks, I guess.”
We just stand there looking at each other. He shoves his hands into his pockets and I hug myself. The only sounds are from the football guys playing outside.
“So I guess we’re done,” I say. “Thanks, I had a lot of fun. And you’re so talented, like really, really talented.” I staple my lips shut before I start rambling again.
“Thanks. We need to keep this here overnight to dry and then you can take it home.”
“Me? But it’s yours.”
He shrugs. “It’s yours now, too. And I have enough of them.”
“Okay, thanks.”
We continue staring at each other.
“Right, so I’m gonna go,” I say. For some reason, I hope he’ll tell me to stay so we’d talk or something. But he doesn’t and I grab my backpack and leave the room.
Turning around in the doorway, I find his gaze latched on the canvas. His mind doesn’t seem to be in the room anymore. It’s like he’s been transported to another time or place. Does it have anything to do with his parents? Or why he’s living with hisgrandmother?
As if sensing me watching him, his head springs up. I adjust my backpack straps on my shoulders. “See you tomorrow.”
He just nods, his mind going back to wherever it was before.
***
Dinner time is family time and Mom and Dad make sure we’re all seated at the table before anyone can start eating.
Jason’s late, probably because he’s been busy with one of his charity events or “endeavors.” When he finally gets here and we start eating, the table is dead silent. I guess we’re all occupied with our thoughts. So much for a family dinner, huh?
“Jason, Artemis, there’s something I need to tell you,” Dad says after a few minutes.
Jason lifts his head from his phone. I’m pretty sure he’s texting Jenna. “Yeah, Dad?”
Dad sits forward, his brown hair falling into his eyes. “As you know, every year your mother and I attend The Winter Ball.” The Winter Ball is a huge charity event, where the guests dress up in their finest, hold auctions, have many dances, and there’s a ton of speeches and food. They always raise lots of money for different charities. Other than the festival, it’s a huge deal.
