Rena: Code 143

3.3

 The smell of chemicals wafted through the air as I dipped my paintbrush into the pallet. Collecting the acrylic color blue and lifting it to the canvas in front of me. I was fulfilling my promise to Nicolaus and painting in his ultra-large apartment. Or what rich folk refers to as a penthouse suite. To say I was shocked when I arrived was an understatement.

While we drove to his apartment that I had never seen before, he kept saying it was a regular space. But as I looked out the window and saw the buildings go from poor to middle class and finally the rich, I knew he was lying. Then once we arrived it took everything in me to not gape like a fish. His home was enormous for a 'simple' apartment. I told him he was living in a mini, but not so mini house. It had everything. Such as its own gym, a large kitchen, a game room, and more. It was its very own bachelorette pad. However, it made sense when he told me he lives with his best friend. Who conveniently was out of town.

So we had the place to ourselves. Nicolaus was kind enough to have a large spot saved for me to paint. He had an easel set up right where natural light came in by the large windows. There was a stool for me to sit on and a holder for the pallet. He even took it upon himself to have all the painting supplies laid out with an old sheet underneath. So if any paint spilled it wouldn't mess up his floors, though he said it was ok if any got on it.

The man was Heaven-sent.

So here I am, painting the beautiful landscape before me. The city. While Nicolaus cooked dinner for us. I was surprised that he insisted to cook for me. He even put on his apron and chef hat. The memory of seeing him put it on caused a laugh to escape me.

"You're going all out tonight, huh?" I asked him, laughing once he put on the ensemble.

"Of course! I have a special guest over," the man was entirely serious. I laughed again as I saw him brush up the sleeves of his dress shirt. My laughter paused as I noticed something on his forearm. I moved closer to him before reaching my hand out, pausing him. "Rena?"

"You have a... bird tattoo," I said, somewhat confused. I wasn't sure of the bird species, but it was stunning. Its wings spread as if about to take flight as the tail tucked in low. I inspected it closer, and it looked like a-

"Phoenix, a dark phoenix actually," he smiled. Watching as my hand traced over his forearm. "It symbolizes resurrection and immortality according to Greek mythology." It was eye-catching, is what I'd told him. Then I pulled back once I realized I was leisurely stroking his strong-looking forearm. I embarrassingly shuffled away and left him to work while I went to paint.

Now, the smell of food was wafting through the air along with the smell of paint. My stomach was rumbling and I couldn't wait to eat whatever Nicolaus had cooked up. I was just about done with my painting. What I was currently doing was adding finer details. I've always been a fast painter, even when I took my time. About a half hour later, I heard the sound of plates being moved around and Nick's steps as he shuffled in the kitchen. Moments later, I felt his presence behind my back before he dipped low to reach my ear.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," he chuckled. His laugh combined with his voice caused my stomach to flutter. Putting my paintbrush down, I turned in my seat, nearly gasping as we met face to face. He hadn't moved, and neither did I want him to. The smell of vanilla-flavored coffee deliciously hit my nose. Along with whatever he's cooked up. I smiled up at him through the nervousness I felt.

"I'm starting to think yours is better than mine," I joked. Unbeknownst to him, I was completely serious. The smell of the food he made had me ready to jump out of my chair.

"Nonsense," at that moment my stomach decided to rumble loudly. Kill. Me. Now. "On second thought, you may be right." He laughed as he went back to his regular height instead of bending low. He held out a hand for me, which I took, easing me off the stool. Then he took my hand and led me past the kitchen and dining room to the terrace. I was puzzled until he opened the screen door and had me go in first.