As a newly minted Walsh myself, I bowed to family tradition and stepped over the windowsill onto the grass. “Do I get a hint about where we’re going?”
“You’ll know it when you see it.”
“That’s delightfully vague.” I pushed myself to catch up when she broke into a jog. “You’re in a hurry.”
“The way you were hollering, they’ll know we ditched them in no time. We have to make the most of our head start.” She tossed a grin at me over her shoulder. “You’re going to love this.”
Within a few minutes, I connected the dots to where she was taking me, and I frowned at the back of her head. “We’re going to GSG?”
“Aww. You’re no fun.” She picked up speed. “But yes.”
Before I could ask what she was up to, a low growl poured through the air behind us, raising the hairs on my nape. “That sounds like…”
“Lizard Lips.” She pumped her legs harder, faster. “We’ve got to beat him there.”
Laughter rattled its way through my chest until it climbed my throat and forced its way out.
“You two are nuts.” I couldn’t stop even when tears prickled the backs of my eyes. “How old are you?”
To say they acted like five-year-olds was an insult to kindergarteners everywhere.
“He brings out the petty in me.” She seemed happy about it too. “What can I say?”
“We agreed to show her together,” Liam bellowed, gaining on us. “You dirty cheat.”
“Sucks to suck,” she yelled back at him. “You’re just jealous I got to her first.”
His answering snarl really shouldn’t have put that smile on her face, but she was having the time of her life. TormentingLiam always put her in a good mood. I was sure whatever surprise awaited me was secondary to her joy in this moment.
Ah, well.
We all needed our hobbies.
As soon as GSG came into view, I noticed the unfamiliar van parked out front, and it hit me.
Clary.
Rían had given her the key to GSG so she could work on the mural at her leisure.
How had I forgotten? I had been looking forward to this for weeks.
Excitement zinged through me, and I broke out in front of Sloane, leaving her in my dust. Her indignant huff was drowned out by Liam’s bark of laughter. No doubt Rían was lagging behind to let Sloane and me “win” the race. His long legs would have overtaken us by now otherwise. That, or he was trying to salve his cousin’s pride.
The commotion must have perked Clary’s ears because a middle-aged woman with silver-blonde hair pinned in a bun with a paintbrush stepped onto the porch with a bottle of water and a cocked eyebrow. She wore paint-splattered overalls, the same colors speckling her bare feet.
Lights blazed behind her. More than the ones wired into the salon. She must have spotlights on too.
“You must be Ana.” Clary, who I recognized from the photo on her website, flexed her toes. “It’s great to finally meet you.” She tossed the water bottle, catching it end over end. “We’ve emailed so much, I feel like we’re old friends.”
“That means a lot coming from you.” I forced myself to slow down and not bowl her over in my excitement. “I’m a huge fan of your art. I’m thrilled you could fit me into your schedule.”
“This was a fun project, and it’s rare I get to work indoors. I’m usually on a ladder in the sun for hours and hours while Initpick each brushstroke apart.” She chuckled softly. “Are you ready to see if you got your money’s worth?”
“I already know I did without looking. Your portfolio speaks for itself.”
Our brief interlude gave Liam and Rían a chance to catch up to us, and Sloane shifted back to run interference between me and the guys, guaranteeing I got the first look.
“Stop before you make me blush.” Clary gestured toward the door. “Go on in. I’ll give you a minute alone to form your opinion. I don’t want you to feel pressured to sign off on the finished product because I’m standing next to you.”
