Toxic Truth

5

ZELLA

These last two weeks I've been working on a painting. I spend all my nights and whatever free time I get during the day, in my art room which is a spare room in my apartment.

The whole room is a mess. Paints, brushes, canvases and books are spread all over the place.

Even though this room is usually always messy and never completely cleaned or set up, it has never gotten this messy.

I have an exhibition in six months, which is far away from now, but I have barely started any work. I feel like I'm so behind and I have no idea where I'm going with my paintings.

My art room always gives me a sense of comfort. Whenever I'm feeling anxious I go and sit in there for hours. Sometimes even I sleep there on the carpet despite the mess.

It always manages to calm the storm brewing in my mind.

However, these last few days I've only managed to get more stressed sitting in there, so I was grateful when I got a call from Sage, asking me if I could visit her for dress fitting.

Even though I love painting, I need to take a break for a few hours before I start going insane from the stress.

The Salvatore's dinner is later this week, on Saturday. I'm expected to be there too, as are many other artists and business owners. Which also means this would be the first time I'll wear something designed by Sage, after our 'collaboration'.

So here I am, standing in Sage's office- well she has an entire floor to herself- with her taking my measurements and adding pins to the ivory dress for fitting.

"I think you're losing your touch Sage," Matteo teases earning an eye roll from Sage.

"I think you're losing your taste Matteo," she replies and I laugh. This is what they've been doing since Matteo joined us.

Apparently, Sage, Matteo and Liam are great friends.

"So Zella, when am I being invited to your studio? I would love to see your work." He asks as he crosses one leg over another, keeping his ankle on his knee, getting even more comfortable on the chair.

"I have to agree with him on this one, I want to see your work too. I searched you up and it looked amazing. I want to see it from close up." Sage added.

I smile lightly. "You guys are welcome anytime you want to visit."

I have really started to like them both. They are so sweet and supportive. When I arrived here, we all sat and talked for an hour, bonding over coffee before Sage started with her work.

I can definitely see a friendship forming here.

Sage steps back and admires her work. "I think we're done here. This fitting looks perfect. What do you say Matteo?"

Before he can reply Sage looks behind me pursing her lips. "What are you doing here?"

I don't have to turn around to recognise the arrogant voice. "Am I not allowed to be here Sage? This is my office, I can go wherever I want."

"Yes yes." Sage huffs. "I just asked because you don't usually come over for dress fittings."

"Well Matteo is here too isn't he? Besides I wanted to see if everything is going on smoothly."

I still haven't turned around and it's not necessary anymore because Liam has reached my side and is now going towards the office desk and sitting on the chair next to Matteo.

"Ms. Walter," he acknowledges.

"Mr. Gregor," I respond back.

"So.. what do you think?" Sage asks him and he looks at my dress. His eyes travel from the neck of the dress to the bottom, where it ends a few inches below my knee. He nods in approval.

Still not much of a talker I see.

"Why don't you look in the mirror Zella and let me know what you think?" She suggests and I move towards the mirror.

I see my reflection and immediately fall in love with the dress. The silk satin ivory dress has a halter strap with long a v-neck. It's hugging my waist and the curves of my hips perfectly and flowing down my legs.

"It's amazing Sage, I love it," I marvel and she grins, obviously satisfied with her work.

I'm about to open my mouth to say something when something in the mirror catches my eye.

It's Liam. He's looking directly at me and our eyes meet through the mirror. I can already feel my traitorous heartbeat increasing.

Knowing he's looking at me, I make a show of turning sideways, admiring the dress and running a hand through my hair, then putting it over one shoulder, showing off my back.

When I look back at him he's looking away with a tight expression on his face. I smirk.

His assistant, Dina has joined him now, and is standing next to the table. She stops when I turn around, her eyes looking me up and down, as if taking me in.

Though, her expression doesn't give away anything.

"So, what do you think Dina?" Sage asks her.

"Well Sage it's your dress, it's obviously amazing. You make it look good on anyone." She replies and before I can fully sink in her words and figure out what she means by that, Matteo is already speaking.

"I think, It's Zella who makes any dress look good," he smirks and then winks at me, making me laugh.

I have a supporter here.

I notice Liam clenching his jaw and looking at Matteo, before masking his expression.

I frown.

Sage loops her arm around mine. "I think it's both of our charms."

"I agree with you," I grin.

Liam gets up abruptly. "I'll be leaving then."

Matteo follows him. "Me too, I have work to do now. I'll see you soon Zella."

I wave him goodbye watching as he waits for Liam to move as well.

Liam tips his head. "Ms. Walter."

I respond by slightly tilting my head. Him being so formal and calling me Ms. Walter leaves a giddy feeling inside of me, even though it shouldn't.

Still I can't stop myself from smiling when he says, "See you on Saturday, at Salvatore's dinner," before going out.

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Can't wait to write about the Salvatore's dinner ;)

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