I always preferred men, but I can respect a gorgeous woman.And look. After Ryan, I thought about canceling men out entirely to be honest.Maybe I’ll give it a shot.
As if she heard my thoughts, she turns around and faces me. A brilliant smile spreads across her face, revealing beautiful straight white teeth. Did I accidentally think out loud? I give a weary smile back.
It’s been so long since I’ve flirted.
“Welcome to Color My Life,” The woman purrs. “My name is Sam. What’s your name, gorgeous?” She saunters over to me.
Looking around to see if she’s talking to anyone else, I straighten my spine when I realize she isn’t. She finds her way to me, propping an elbow on the table with her chin in hand.
“My name’s Sunny. It’s nice to meet you.” My cheeks heat, convincing me my freckles will burn off.
I’ve never done this before. I’m actually flirting with a woman.
“Wow, I love that name! Gorgeous name for a gorgeous girl. Does your name have a backstory?” She bites her pinky. This girl knowsexactlywhat she’s doing.
I breathe a laugh. “Um, my parents are kind of hippies. I grew up in a very sunny place, that’s pretty much the reason. It’s boring.” I waive a hand of dismissal.
It’s a partial truth, but I’m not ready to give the full story.
“Oh honey, there is no way someone like you could be boring. I can feel it,” she winks. “Let’s see if those curls are as wild as the girl who has them.”
My jaw practically hits the floor.
She bites her lip. “You like dick, don’t you?”
I bark out a laugh, realizing it’s the first time I’ve laughed since I left home. I didn’t realize howaloneI’ve been since. The quiet was peaceful until it wasn’t, and now it’s justlonely.
“I have to admit that I have only ever been with men. But you’re definitely making me second guess myself.” I pathetically flirt back.
It’s the best I can give. If I’m being honest, I’ve only ever been with Ryan. I had a few childhood crushes and boyfriends, but Ryan was my first and only for everything. And I think that’s why this has been extra hard. I gave him everything, and when I had nothing left to give, he simplytookit.
Sam’s smile widens. “I have that effect on people. Well, when you decide to cross that bridge, you let me know. Until then, we’ll just be best friends.”
“That sounds like a good deal to me,” I say, a weary smile on my face, because it feels like first grade all over again.
Sam’s eyes roll over my body. “Now let’s get to painting!” She announces as she claps her hands together.
“But, what about the other people?”
It ended up being only me.
I’m sorry mother, I tried.
Looking down at my overalls and arms, I realize I’m covered in paint, but feeling satisfied with the picture before me. It isn’t perfect, but just enough to hang in my little apartment.
Sam approaches me, also covered in paint. “Damn girl, you’re really good at this. Do you paint on the regular?”
“Yes, actually. I grew up painting with my mom. I haven’t in about a month or so during my transition here, though. So, I figured I’d find a place I can come to regularly now that I’m settled.”
“Well, come at your leisure. This is my own art studio. I opened it myself. No charge. Come and go as you wish. Use what you need.” She smiles at me, her words genuine.
“I can’t. Please, let me pay for my visits and the supplies I use. It’s not an issue, really.”
She waives a dismissive hand. “Money isn’t an issue for me. This is only for sport. Besides, you and I are besties now. Remember?”
I laugh. “Thank you, that truly means so much to me.” I fiddle with a paint brush. This little art studio feels safe for me. Probably safer than anywhere else, if I’m being honest.
“So, sexy Sunny, how long have you been in the city for?” Sam grabs another bottle of wine.
