As Green As Her Eyes

Chapter 8: Tension

Thursday afternoon, I'm in an art store shopping for different painting materials. I have watercolor pads in my cart, a painting notebook and a small canvas. I also have a beginners' set of paints and a few brushes. I am so excited for my painting session with Lizzie that I might be going overboard with my shopping.

I chuckle to myself as I look at my cart again. I'm definitely going overboard. But I want Lizzie to have her own things and I want her things to be brand new, not any of my old and worn out stuff.

Speaking of Lizzie, we've been sending a few texts here and there since last night. "Have you gotten home?" and "good night" and "good morning". A picture of her brunch and a meme that I found on twitter. Our texts are friendly and casual, but they still put a smile on my face.

I'm about to take a picture of my cart to send to her when I receive a text from Scarlett.

Scarlett
I miss you

(Y/N)
I miss you too. What are you up to?

Scarlett
I have a video conference with Kate for the Outset in fifteen minutes. She wants me to fly home to New York.

I frown at the message. Scarlett's leaving?

Moving my cart to the side of the aisle, I immediately open Facetime and dial Scarlett's number. She picks up on the second ring.

"Hey," I say, feeling the butterflies in my stomach flutter at the sight of her gorgeous green eyes.

"Hi, you."

"You're leaving?"

"Looks like it. Kate wants me in New York for when we release our new merchandise."

"Oh. How long will you be away?"

Scarlett smiles at my question. "Not too long. Maybe a week. Two at the most. Why? Will you miss me?"

I blush. "You know I will."

"I'm going to miss you too. Can I see you before I leave?"

My heart skips a beat at the tenderness in her voice. "Of course. How does Saturday night sound?"

"Can we make it Saturday afternoon so I can spend more time with you?"

I smile at her. "Saturday afternoon. I'll see you then?"

"See you then. I'm gonna hang up now and prepare for my video conference with Kate, okay? Can I call you again later?"

"Yes, please."

"Alright. I'll talk to you later."

The call ends, bringing me back to the present. Turning off my phone, I put it back in my purse and continue my shopping, forgetting what I was going to do before the call.

I drive back home once I'm done. The trunk of my car is full of art materials for Lizzie. I find myself smiling, thoroughly excited for our art session. It's been a while since I last painted. More than a month to be exact. And even the paintings that I did before I came home were not my best work. But that's usually what happens after a break-up, right? You get too sad to do the things that you love, especially if it's tainted by the person and the memories that are making you sad. I sigh, remembering how my latest paintings were mostly associated with my ex.

No. I shouldn't be thinking about her.

I shake my head and walk towards the pool house. I have a few hours before dinner. I decide to take a nap, setting my alarm beforehand so I can join my family later.