Drawn To You (GirlxGirl)

Part 51

Jessie's P.O.V

The hum of the airport terminal buzzed in my ears as I stood in front of Liam, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in my stomach. This was it—the last goodbye before my flight to New York.

It hadn't been an easy decision to make. I'd had plenty of offers from local galleries who all wanted to sell my paintings. But when the call came in from one of the highest ranking art galleries in the states, it was hard to ignore. They were offering me a permanent wall in their gallery to showcase my work, an apartment close to the studio and all travel expenses paid. The career aspect of it was definitely hard to turn down, but truthfully, it felt like someone was holding out a life jacket for me to grab onto. So I did. Hoping that the feeling of drowning would be left here in Glasgow.

I shifted my weight, running a hand through my hair, watching the blur of travellers rushing past us. All around, people were saying their own goodbyes, but ours felt different, heavier somehow.

"So, enjoy New York, yeah?" Liam grinned, but his eyes were softer than usual. "I can't believe you trust me enough to let me run the whole damn studio alone. You're the worst boss I've ever had."

I laughed, even though my throat felt tight.

"You'll manage. Look after it for me ok?" I said, sad that I was leaving my cute little studio behind.

"You know I will, boss" he winked.

We'd had countless conversations about this day—about the New York gallery's offer and my decision to take it—but none of them had prepared me for this moment.

After six months of trying, really trying to move on from Allie, I was still haunted by the feelings I had for her. I thought I was ready for a fresh start, a clean slate, and New York felt like the last thing I could try. A way out.

"I'm proud of you, you know," Liam said, his voice softer now. "Not many people would take a leap like this."

"Yeah, well, maybe I'm just running away," I muttered, kicking at the floor with the toe of my boot.

"Maybe," he shrugged, "but sometimes running's the only thing that makes sense. And sometimes it's how you find out what you're running toward."

I sighed, biting my lip. He wasn't wrong. As much as I wanted to believe this was just about my art, just about my career, deep down I knew it was more. I needed to get out of Glasgow because every corner, every street, every damn brushstroke reminded me of Allie.

And six months later, that was still unbearable.

"You sure you're going to be okay?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Liam gave me a lopsided grin. "I'll be fine. Besides, I've got your studio. I'll sell whatever you've left behind, and who knows? Maybe I'll become the next big art dealer while you're off conquering New York."

I rolled my eyes, but his words eased the tension in my chest just a little.

"Well, try not to mess everything up," I teased, punching him lightly on the arm.

"No promises," he shot back, but there was something raw in his expression. He cleared his throat. "Seriously though, good luck, Jessie. You deserve this."

A lump formed in my throat, and I blinked back the sting of tears. Liam was more than my assistant—he was one of my closest friends, the person who'd stood by me when I'd fallen apart over Allie. Saying goodbye to him felt like closing a door on that part of my life, the part that still hurt.

"Thanks, and don't leave it too long before you come visit" I whispered, my voice wavering.

We hugged, the kind of tight, lingering hug that said more than words ever could. When I pulled back, I forced a smile and grabbed my bag.