Page 92 of Yellow
“For real,” I confirmed. “Forest managers use controlled fires to reduce wildfire hazards and get rid of thick undergrowth.”
“Why?”
“To make it easier for the animals to travel and feed. Fire is also used to control a disease called brownspot, which is common in longleaf pine forests.”
“Huh, I had no idea,” Cia said with a thoughtful expression. “But still, I would love to paint a portrait of you, and it would be amazing if you could help me persuade Cleo to be in the painting too.”
“I doubt it. Her agent probably wouldn’t allow it and besides, neither of us has time to stand still for hours.”
She smiled. “You wouldn’t have to. I could just shoot pictures of you right now and use them as inspiration.” She fished out her phone and tilted her head. “Please.”
I shrugged. “Why not? I’ve never been in a real painting before and you clearly have a talent.”
“Thank you.” She looked down. “The thing is, I really would like you to be bare-chested in my painting to bring out that connection to nature and underline your raw masculinity.”
“So, what? You need me to take off my shirt?”
“Yes, please.”
I pulled off my shirt and I shrugged my shoulders. “Now what?”
She directed me to look directly at the camera. Then she took pictures of me in profile and from behind.
“What’s going on?”
Both our heads spun to the doorway, where Chloe stood with a glass in her hands and her eyebrows creased together.
“Cia is taking my picture,” I explained.
“I can see that. But why are you posing half naked for her?” Chloe asked with an undertone of irritation.
“Adam has agreed to let me paint a portrait of him.”
Chloe’s eyes took in Cia with a critical glance. “Why would you want a portrait of him?”
Cia looked Chloe straight in the eye and said calmly, “Because I find him intriguing.”
Chloe was tipsier now and she swung her hip to the side and placed a hand on it. “And who is this portrait for?”
“I don’t know exactly. I have a list of buyers who are interested in my work. I sell my things through Darren’s art gallery here in Seattle.”
Chloe turned her head to me. “Do you really want to have your image on some stranger’s wall?”
I raised a brow. “Says the woman whose picture is hanging on millions of teenagers’ rooms around the world.”
Chloe stepped closer. “That’s different.”
“Why?”
“Because it just is.”
“I was hoping that you could be in the portrait too,” Cia said slowly.
“Na-huh…” Chloe waved her finger in front of Cia. “You’re just saying that because I caught you two together and now you want to make me an accomplice.”
“Chloe, she did ask if I would help persuade you,” I said and held her gaze. “Look at this painting. Cia did it.” I pointed up at the large painting and saw Chloe take it in.
“You did that?”
