Page 23 of Entirely Yours
I think I fucked up.
BB
Is this about the girl??
Twin
She has a name, Bexy
Is this about Thea??
Yes.
Gabriel
She looked pissed when she got home last night so you probably did fuck up.
I’m going to buy her some paint.
Twin
Is this… a new mating ritual?
Every time we text, I’m reminded why it’s a bad idea.
BB
We love you! Go buy that paint! Have fun with it ;)
After school the next day, I run by Stan’s hardware store to grab a few gallons of “Healing Green” before walking down to thestudio. On impulse, I also pick up a single light pink rose from Harriet as a peace offering. It’s a nice, almost spring-like day, and I feel a renewed sense of determination when it comes to Thea… Thea, whose last name I need to learn.
I come around the corner and peek into the studio. The long line of Thea’s body immediately captures my attention, as it always does. She’s on the wood floor, legs spread wide, toes pointing down toward the floor. She’s bent over a notebook, scribbling furiously as she flexes and points her feet over and over again, in a slow, methodical manner.
Before I get caught staring, I tap gently on the window to get her attention. She looks over and surprise flits across her face. “I told you I’d be back,” I call through the glass.
Thea stands up and unlocks the door for me. I hold up two gallons of paint and ask, “Shall we?”
She reluctantly nods, and her golden waves move ethereally around her face.
“I also got this for you,” I say, handing her the rose. A gentle smile crosses her lips as she twirls the flower between her fingers. Taking a deep breath, I step into the studio and start prepping the paint trays. Thea helps by laying a drop cloth down on the floor and arranging it just so.
We work in silence until Thea blurts, “I think we should play twenty questions.”
“Do you?” Anything to learn more about her.
“Mmhmm. I’ve been thinking about it,” she continues. “We can pass if there’s a question we don’t want to answer, but we have to be honest if we do answer.”
“Deal,” I reply. “But if we don’t get through all twenty today, can they roll over?”
She contemplates that. “Okay, I can agree to that. You first.”
“What’s your last name?” I ask.
A giggle bursts free, and I look over to see her face completely lit up. “Rose,” she replies, casting a glance at the flower lying on the ground near her.
Several things click into place, and I can’t help but laugh right alongside her. “Fickle things.”
I want to kiss the smile that tugs at the corner of her lips. “Yeah…” she breathes. “We are.”
