Page 11 of Painting Her Fate

“Earth to Lili, come back to me.” She interjects by waving a hand in my attention.

*Drowsy* “Sorry, I seem to be in Lala land this morning.” I give a sleepy smile and blink away my thoughts.

“Well,” she begins on a laugh, “any longer and I would’ve thought you wanted a kiss.”

I let out a giggle too, her mood extending my way,“Tu es très belle.” (You are very beautiful)I say in flirty French.

Imay not like receiving compliments, but I have to give credit where credit is due. Sheisvery beautiful and as her closest platonic friend, we can get away with telling each other about our truest feelings without fear of backlash or disgust.

Tamara cups a cheek, taking the piss (mocking),“Je t’aime aussi, madame.” (I love you too madam)She winks knowing I’ll catch the double entendre. I’m too tired to think of a retort, so she continues, “so, why is it I scare you? It’s obvious my outfits are not to blame.” She leans against the counter waiting for the toaster to pop.

How shall I put this? I sigh and rub away the sleepiness in my eyes, “you seem to always know what I need and when I need it. For instance- no matter what time of day I wake, you have coffee ready for me. It’s a bit scary you know me so well.”

Tamara huffs a laugh as Arctic Monkeys,Do I Wanna Know?croons from the speaker now. Tamara taps her mobile resting on the counter and the music ceases.

She eyes me knowingly, “sweets, it was the way you were dragging your feet down the corridor that gave you away,” she waggles a finger, “you were not being very stealthy.” We laugh but mine holds no humor as I pinch my brow.

“You can thank the sleeping pill for that.” I take another long sip as the burn lends me a momentary reprieve.

Tamara hums approvingly at my admittance of taking my meds.

The toaster pops and she begins dressing the bagel, waving the butter knife around as she speaks, “and, I’d hate to break it to you, love, but I know you better than you know yourself.” She took a sip of her sugary drink as I sat there in silent agreement.

Tamara knows everything about me, right down to the size of my undergarments. I wonder what else she knows that I don’t. She would tell me if I needed to know, so I’m not going to worry about it.

“Seems a bit like a stalker, don’t you think?” I jest as she eyes me with contempt.

Then her maternal cards show, “you have run yourself ragged, going here and there, late nights helping at Tally’s, and way too many benders at the easel. I’m surprised you’re not in bed sleeping the day away.” Her eyes fill with sympathy, “you could use it.”

“Thanks for that.” I scoff then rub at my eyes and let out a yawn.

“Oh, you know what I mean,” she sat in the stool next to me then nudged my shoulder as she placed the plate of food in front of her. Her tone softens, “I worry about you taking on too much, you need a break.” She begins bouncing in her seat then claps her hands together excitedly, “Oh, maybe we can use your stepfather’s villa, take a short holiday to the French coast?” Her hand squeezes my forearm, “we both need out of London!” She begins, “how about we take a relaxing day on the beach, check out a few clubs,” her tone turns suggestive, “sample the French cuisine, and you know as well as I do, I’m not talking about their baguettes.” She winked and we both burst into laughter.

After a few minutes of spouting French come-ons to one another, we settle, the energy in the room lighter now. That is until Tamara touches on the elephant in the room as she points to the folded paper between us.

“So, what didZanehave to say? I heard him leave about an hour ago. Spill.”Before I knew it, she snatched the note from the counter the same time I tell her his good news.

“His band received a record deal. They’re going on tour.” I state blandly then set the mug down and rub at my temples.

She folds the paper after reading it and slides it in my direction, then she picks up a slice of bagel and gestures with it in her hand, “Well, what are you going to do about that?”

There is no judgment in her tone as she takes a bite. I wait for her to swallow, giving me time to think about my response. She gives me that telltale lift of her brow, silently asking for me to get on with it.

Yeah, I tend to over analyze from time to time.

“I’ll call him later.” Eyeing the other half of her breakfast, I make quick work to steal it off the plate. “Yoink!”

Tamara glares, “Oi! You’re lucky I love you!”

“Love you too!” I sing-song and take my own bite.

Her face softens in a grin telling me she was going to give it to me anyway. I’m off the hook. She takes a bite, the gears whirling in her head at how nice she should be on the subject of Zane. Knowing Tamara, it could go either way.

“Do you think the tosser is going to ask you to be his?”

“Without a doubt.” I sigh, a bit uncomfortable about this topic, but I know it’s needing to be said. “He all but confessed- before I zonked out.”

Tamara’s face scrunches in disgust. This is the first time a fling has confessed their love.However, shall I handle this?

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