Love Triangle

Chapter 1

I ran towards the art studio where I worked every Saturday and Sunday to help out my bestfriend who owns it, with 2 Starbucks coffees juggling in my hands and my mobile squished between my shoulder and ear.
'Kira, I know, I'm sorry! I'm just around the corner, I promise!' I say to my bestfriend.
'You better be! Did you forget I can fire your ass anytime I please!' Kira shrieks, but I could hear the smile in her voice.
'I'll be there in 2 minutes!' I say, then hang up before she could shriek at me again.

Kira and I have been bestfriends since University. I was studying Bachelor of Arts, Creative Writing and Kira was doing a degree in Visual Arts. I remember like it was yesterday how we met. Kira was sitting in the back corner of the Universities library, drawing an incredible portrait of Marilyn Monroe and didn't notice me standing beside her with my mouth hanging open at the sight of how good she was, until I whispered "Holy shit" thinking I said it quiet so Kira didn't hear, but was wrong because at that point, Kira looked up and freaked out.
'Jesus Christ, you could have given me a heart attack!'
I watch as she scrambles to pick up her papers and pencils and start laughing. Tears started forming in my eyes because I couldn't stop.
'So nice of you to think it's so funny that I could have had a heart attack!' Kira snaps.
'I'm sorry, I'm really not laughing about that. It's just, I've never seen someone jump so high and make the funniest face all at once. Really, it was amazing. Made my day.' I replied through giggles.
Kira glares at me, then starts laughing herself.
'Yeah, I admit, it's pretty funny. My names Kira.'
'I'm Zoe. You're like, extremely talented by the way. Are you studying art here by any chance? Because if you aren't, you should be.'
Kira smiles and looks at her drawing that she has been holding.
'Thanks. And yes, I'm doing a Visual Arts degree. What about you? What are you studying?'
'Bachelor of Arts, Creative Writing.'
Kira checks her watch.
'Shit. I'm sorry for being rude, but I have to go, I'm late for class. It was great meeting you, even if you almost gave me a heart attack.' Kira says, as she swings her bag over her shoulder.
'It was nice meeting you too. And my pleasure, seeing your hilarious facial expression, I might give a few more.' I laugh.
Kira laughs as well, sticks her finger up at me and disappears out of the library. Since that day, we have been inseparable. We graduated university together and Kira opened up her own small art gallery where I help out on the weekends and I'm an editor for Cosmopolitan, a young women's magazine.

My phone rings again. Without looking at the caller ID, I answer.
'I'm walking through the freaking door, keep your pants on women!'
'Hey, sounds like you're having a terrific Saturday morning' A deep voice I know so well says back.
'Caleb hi! Sorry, Kira has been ringing me non stop because I'm late' I tell my partner of 7 years.
He laughs. 'Listen, I'm not going to be home when you get home tonight. The boys want to go out for some beers and a game of pool, but if I'm not back by the time you're asleep, I'll see you tomorrow.'
'Oh okay, what time will you be heading out? I might finish at the gallery early, maybe we could grab something to eat together before you go?'
'Sorry babe, I'm actually walking out the door now and heading over to Luke's apartment. I'll try and be home before you go to sleep okay? Love you.'
Before I could say anything back, he hangs up.
'Yeah, love you too.' I whisper.

I met Caleb 7 years ago at one of my high school friends parties. He was new in town and befriended the guy who was dating my friend at the time. We hadn't spoken much early in the night, but 4 drinks in, I found that we both managed to stumble outside and were laughing at everything each other said. Back then, Caleb had short, messy brown hair that fell over his eyes. He was around 6ft and skinny, wore only black skin tight jeans and a flannel shirt.
I'm not sure how long we were outside for, or how his lips ended up on mine, or how he was beside me at one point and then on top of me at another, but I do know that I didn't want that night to end.
We ended up going on dates and hanging out together a lot after that night and then one day after school, we were walking through the playground that takes us to my house when he stopped me and asked me to be his girlfriend. Ever since then, we have been together, moved into a house together and started a life together.
All that seems so long ago, because now, Zoe can't help but feel like the love between them isn't there anymore.

'Let me guess, Caleb rang and says he's going out with the boys again and you're left over thinking things like always?' Kira says, appearing in front of me and taking one of the Starbucks coffees out of my hand.
'That obvious?'
'Zoe, pull your shit together. He's a guy, and what do I say about all guys?'
'There all a bunch of dicks that aren't worth ruining makeup for' I laugh.
'Exactly, so stop moping and get your perfect butt into my office. I have a surprise.'
I follow Kira into her office and sat on the white chair opposite her. Kira has nicely set up her small office very modern like, with a white desk and chairs, paintings from her favourite famous artists, with off-white colored walls and a weird looking sculpture that I have never been able to figure out what exactly it is, in the corner near the window.
'So, what's the big news?' I ask, looking at my phone to see if Caleb had messaged me apologizing.
'Well, if I had your full attention, I'll tell you'
Rolling my eyes at her sarcasm that I'm use to, I put my phone away and look at her.
'Better! So, you know Jenny Saville?' Kira asks, while pulling papers out of her desk drawers.
When I don't say anything and stare at her with a blank face, she looks up.
'Oh my god, Zoe! She's like, the most talented artist in the world! Do you seriously not know her?'
'Sorry Ki, I'm not an artist remember? I don't know half the famous artists you mention to me. What about her?'
Kira groaned. 'Why are you my bestfriend again? Anyway, Jenny's manager contacted me and told me that Jenny is interested in visiting my gallery and may even be interested in buying some of my art! Do you know how much publicity that will give me? A famous artist, has seen my work and might buy it? Better yet, she is coming to visit my gallery!'
'Oh Ki, I'm so proud of you! All your hard work has finally paid off!' I say, standing up to give my bestfriend a hug.
In all the years I have known Kira, she has never once given up her dream of being an artist, opening her own gallery and having her art be recognized by other famous artists. She has worked day and night, sometimes not sleeping for days, just to perfect her art and to see her so happy and watch how far she has come, it warms my heart.
'We need to celebrate! Since your douche of a boyfriend will be out with his mates, let's call Danni, Rachel and Sarah and go out for a girls night!' Kira says, with a huge smile plastered on her face.
'But, we have to work tomorrow, remember?'
'Ahem, and who's the boss of this place? I give you full permission to get absolutely drunk tonight and bring in as much disgustingly good fatty foods to work tomorrow. Come on Zo, you work 5 days a week at Cosmo, and then here on the weekend. You never go out and have fun anymore. Come celebrate for me, please?'
I look at my bestfriend and smile.
'I definitely need new shoes and a dress then. Care to join me on a shopping spree? Then come back to mine and we will get ready together. Just like old times at Uni.' I say, watching the smile on Kira's face grow bigger.
'Now there's my fun, loving bestfriend! Let's close early and go shopping!'
I laugh as I watch her run to the front of the gallery and put up the closed sign. Then, bag and phone in hand, we head out to get ready for a night of fun.