Shit, I’m supposed to be out there.
I hop out of my car and head toward her. “Hey, let me help you,” I call out.
She stops, sucks her teeth, rolls her eyes, then keeps walking.
I don’t go to her or say anything else. I grab two tables and follow her in.
She doesn’t say a word, and I shouldn’t be watching the way that skirt swishes on her ass, but it’s a great skirt and a great ass.
“How are you setting this room up?” I ask her when we’re inside.
She lays the chairs against the wall and heads back out.
I pull the legs out on the table, stand it upright, then run back out to the van.
She may not want my conversation, but she’s going to take my help.
She’s struggling with a table, and I take it out of her hands, grab another, and walk past her with both of them into the building, set them up and go back out for more.
I do this for all ten tables and twenty chairs, taking every load she tries to carry in until the task is done.
“How do you want the setup?” I ask her again when everything is inside.
She doesn’t answer.
I never knew her to be this stubborn. I kind of like it.
She starts arranging the tables. I watch her for a bit, catch on, and start adding the chairs, two at a table, like I’ve seen her do at the other events I’ve been to.
When the place is all set up and she’s putting the canvases and easels on each table, along with the paint brushes, I go to leave.
“I’ll be back to help you break everything down.”
As I walk out the door, she’s staring at me with her hands on her hips. Her face is still neutral everywhere except for her eyes.
Her eyes look curious.
And that’s better than looking hateful, so I’ll take it.
These last about 90 minutes. I could go run around until she’s done, but I’m not playing it like that today. I’m going to sit in my car and chill until I see someone leave with a canvas in hand. Me and my social media accounts have some catching up to do anyway.
I skip right past my DMs. There’s nothing but trouble in there. I used to look for fun. The attention was gratifying in a way. Now, it’s tired, and some people are desperate.
Zea: Why are you stalking Lily?
I look around my car even though there’s no way she could be anywhere near me. She doesn’t have her license yet.
Me: You stalking me?
Zea: You added me to your LifeCircle.
You went yesterday and now today.
Me: You stalking Lily?
I’m trying to win her back.
Zea: By painting?
