Drawn To You (GirlxGirl)

Part 14

Jessie's P.O.V

The rhythmic clang of metal on metal filled the garage as I tightened the bolts on the motorbike engine, the familiar scent of oil and gasoline thick in the air. I'd been working on this bike for most of the morning, trying to lose myself in the mechanical precision, the process that usually calmed my mind.

I hadn't seen Allie since last Sunday in my studio. I'd thought the time away would help me to get my thoughts together and ease up the pull she seemed to have on me. But it was hard—impossible, really—when most days I was in the studio, staring at and working on the canvas that she was the centre of.

I hadn't known what I had been searching for when recruiting for the model of the 3 painting series. I had turned away numerous candidates, not knowing why they weren't right to be the muse, only knowing that they weren't. When Mark had suggested his wife I wasn't holding out much hope. But the moment I saw Allie walking into this garage on the day we met, I knew she was what my blank canvas had been waiting for. And I'd convinced myself being drawn to her was nothing more than an artist finally finding the inspiration they had been waiting for - like a songwriter finally finding the perfect lyrics, or an author finally finding the perfect words to start a story.

But I had finished that painting a few days ago, and although proud of the finished product, I couldn't bring myself to call Allie back to the studio. Because I was scared it was something more than just the perfect inspiration.

I wiped the sweat from my brow, my hands smeared with grease, and tried to force myself to concentrate.

"Morning, Jessie," Mark's voice broke my internal struggle, and I glanced up to see him strolling into the garage, his usual easygoing smile on his face.

"Hey, Mark," I replied, forcing a casual tone.

But seeing him sent a jolt through me, a reminder of the connection I was trying to ignore. Allie was his wife, and every time I saw him, it was like she was right there, standing between us.

Mark didn't seem to notice my discomfort as he headed over to his station, ready to start his work for the day. I turned back to the bike, my hands moving on autopilot as my mind wandered. I was interrupted again though, this time by Jamie who over the past few weeks had turned into one of the only guys here I could actually hold a conversation with.

"Jessie, come here a minute" he waved me over to join him and the three other mechanics whose names escaped me.

I stood up straight and walked over to the group, wiping my oily hands on my cargo trousers.

"What's up?" I asked.

"We're planning a camping trip in a couple of days," Jamie said, leaning against the workbench. "Thinking of heading out to that quiet beach about an hour away. You should come. Bring anyone you want." He smiled.

A camping trip. The idea of getting a proper refresh, even for just a couple of days, was tempting. Maybe it was exactly what I needed before I had to face Allie again in the studio.

"Sounds good," I said, nodding. "I could use a break."

The rest of my shift went by surprisingly fast, thoughts of a relaxing break away from the busy city brightening my mood. I began to clear up the mess I had made, whistling away to myself before Mark's voice took me off guard for the second time today.

"See you on the trip, Jessie!" he called out as he headed out the door, his tone casual, but his words sent a chill down my spine.

I froze to the spot, unable to return a goodbye. Mark was going on the trip. And if Mark was going, did that mean Allie was going too? The thought made my stomach twist with anxiety. I'd been trying so hard to avoid seeing her, to keep things professional, and now the possibility of spending an entire weekend with her loomed in front of me.

I barely registered the rest of my goodbyes as I hurried out of the garage, my thoughts racing. By the time I met up with Liam at our usual spot for a couple of drinks, I couldn't hide my discomfort, especially not from Liam.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Liam said as I slid into the booth across from him, his eyes narrowing in concern.

I let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through my hair.

"I'm supposed to go on this camping trip with some guys from the garage," I explained, the words tumbling out in a rush. "But I think Allie might be going too, and I'm seriously considering backing out." The words came out fast and desperate.

Liam's expression shifted, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"And why might that be?" He teased, "is it because it wouldn't be professional of you to socialise with an employee, or.. is it because I was right and you do in fact find her hot?" He finished and I glared at him on that last word.

"I do not find her hot, it's just.. the last time I saw her outside of the studio, it was so awkward and weird" I told him, telling myself I wasn't lying.

Liam leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms as he studied me. "Sounds like you're overthinking it. Maybe this trip is exactly what you need. Get out there, have some fun, clear your head. And who knows? Maybe spending some more time with Allie will help with that awkwardness?" He suggested and I found some sense in his rationale.

I let out a breath, nodding slowly. Maybe Liam was right. Maybe facing this head-on was the only way to deal with it. "Okay," I said, the words feeling like a tentative step forward. "But you have to come too" I smirked and watched his cocky smile disappear.

Liam sighed, raising his glass. "Deal. Here's to a weekend in the wild."