Smashed Pianos ~ Liam Gallagher

BEHIND THE FENCE

It's the night of the art show and I'm standing in the girls bathroom reapplying my deep red lipstick. I'm wearing an over the shoulder little black dress with my lace flats; we were told to dress smart tonight because of the art dealers coming. I honestly didn't think it was going to be this big a thing.

Casey stands next to me in her white shirt and pressed trousers, she's dyed her hair red which isn't much of a change from her previous ginger locks, and much to my joy she's finally put some weight back on since dumping her boyfriend last week (proving Isabella's theory that he was making her feel self conscious).

Casey is shaking with nerves. Tonight means a lot to her and she needs it to go well, I on the other hand am not so bothered, it's not vital that this goes to plan but ideally it would.

I take her by the hand and say nothing, instead smile reassuringly and pull her out of the bathroom towards the dinner hall which has been transformed into the exhibition hall. Our stands are right next door thankfully.

My main piece is of Liam. I couldn't help it. I took one of the sketches, the one with him looking up at the sky, and drew it onto a canvas and used watercolour splotches to fill the space. It looks stunning.

The other pieces are of Ruth and by that you've probably noticed that I draw people a lot, mainly because I can't sketch landscapes or objects for shit and profiles come naturally to me. Mum says it's a gift.

We're silent as we set up, propping our pieces up on boards and easels. I've got some Polaroids on display of the process of making this kind of art just as a little something on the side. Ms Lowe thought it unnecessary. I thought it would add a personal touch.

Suddenly, Casey slaps me on the shoulder and looks like she might squeal as she points at the door, where a tall, not-so-scruffy lad stands. His eyes are piercing, hair flopping over them slightly but his thick trademark eyebrows still visible beneath the mob of unruly hair. He's wearing a suit. An actual suit with an actual jacket and an actual tie. I think I might swoon.

I rush up to him and he smirks. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Liam slings an arm around my shoulder and drags me back to my stand. "Thought the people should see how accurate your drawin' is."

I feel my heart sink in my chest. I wanted him to be here of course, but maybe for a slightly more flirty reason? I shake my head and smile, "You shouldn't be here Liam. Where did you even get that suit?"

"It's Noel's. I'm borrowin' it whilst he's tourin' the world and all that."

It makes me chuckle at how envious Liam is of Noel for touring with some band. In my opinion they're not even that great, and what kind of name is 'Inspiral Carpets' anyway? "It fits you well." I bite my lip and look him up and down, relieved he's polished his shoes.

"Careful Arden, someone might think you find me attractive in this suit." Liam prods me shoulder and positions himself beside the easel with the painting of him on.

"Attractive? You? Give me a break." I laugh and almost shit myself when Ms Lowe calls out to remind us that we have five minutes until doors open.

"Why are you so nervous?"

I gulp and speak up, "Because if this goes well tonight my mum will be really proud of me."

"Will be? Arden don't be fuckin' thick. Your mum is proud of you." He rubs my  arm. "And why wouldn't she be? You're great. Anyone can see that. And besides, if this goes to pot then you're still clever and all that." Liam shrugs and the fluttery feeling in the pit of my stomach arises and I can't tell whether it's due to nerves or just how seriously sexy I am finding Liam right now.