The One

🔨 Chapter 4

🔨 Matty POV

"Well look what the damn cat dragged in, fuckin' Primrose Martin. Come back with your tail between your legs when you found out life in the real world isn't as easy as you thought?"

Bliss has always been jealous of Prim. Early on because Prim was sweet and smart and everyone liked her. Later because Prim moved to the city when she was eighteen and has never had to move back. In a small town we say 'they got out.' Bliss is stuck here, she has no skills. She couldn't get a job in the city that would pay enough to cover her rent.

Prim blinks with the unkind words directed at her. "Hello, Bliss. It's lovely to see you again also." Chad chokes on his drink. I suck my lips into my mouth trying to suppress my smile. Bliss will never give me a blowjob tonight if she thinks I'm laughing at her. But damn, Prim just took Bliss completely down with the kindest words she could possibly say, thoroughly highlighting Bliss's bitchiness.

Bliss is oblivious, "You didn't answer my question, Rose. Are you moved back home? Did you finally figure out you can't make a living as an artist?" I'm tempted to defend her but she's doing so well on her own and I want to see what her next comeback is.

Prim gives what appears to be a sweet, genuine smile. "Bliss, with everything you have going on here, it's so sweet of you to be interested in my boring life." I can't hide my smile this time, this is fucking gold. Everyone at this table knows Bliss's life is boring as hell. "My father's house has been on the market for about six months with no bites. So I'm back here fixing it up. Hopefully, we'll finally sell the thing."

Bliss looks unimpressed by Prim's practical answer. "So couldn't cut it in the city as an artist and needed the money from your dad's house, huh?"

Prim resists rolling her eyes but I can see the look of annoyance that flashes through them. "You have a good memory, Bliss. I can't believe you remembered that I'm an artist." It's like something you would say to a five year old. "But then you took art classes too, didn't you?" Oh man, comparing Bliss's art to Prim's is like comparing a seven year old t-ball player to someone on the New York Yankees.

Bliss smiles and nods, "Yeah, I did painting. Mr. Henderson said I was pretty good, too. If it was possible to make a living doing art, it probably would have been me. I bet you're sad to have to give up your dream, huh?" Her tone is still taunting.

Prim takes a deep breath, "Actually, I still paint, like I did in high school. But mostly I've started working with wool. I make pictures and sculptures using dyed wool as the medium."

Bliss's face scrunches up in confusion, "Pictures with wool? None of us know what you are talking about, Rosie."

Prim folds her hands on the table. "Well, Bliss, if you are ever able to get to the city," Chad chokes again, "...and want to see some of my pieces, I can give you a list of places that commissioned art from me. Just the ones hanging in lobbies. Obviously, I can't get you into any CEO offices or private residences."

Bliss doesn't answer and I think she got lost at the word 'commissioned'. "Whatever, I better get back to work, did you guys need anything?"

I lift up my beer, "I'll take another one of these." Everyone else puts in their order also.

With Bliss gone, Chad turns his attention back to Prim, "You fuckin' owned her."

Prim looks a bit regretful, "Not my best moment. She was never nice to me in school. I think I just released all my cattiness in one go."

"You're alright." Pete assures her. "It wasn't anything she didn't deserve. Hell, I don't think she even understood half your insults."

Chad leans closer to Prim and I grit my teeth. "Well, I think you and I are going to get along really well, Rosie Martin. How long are you in town?"