Page 21 of Meet the Teacher

We both shake our heads. I find relief knowing he also hasn’t done one of these classes before.

“Well then, consider this the perfect date night for you two,” the artist offers with a smile. “Come. Follow me.”

Zayn and I exchange quick awkward glances while the woman leads us to our seats with the canvases already set on the table. All paint materials are readily available to the side of them, too.

“This is so cute,” I admit.

“It is, actually.”

I get close to my chair and say, “By the way, this isnota date.”

“I know. Don’t worry.”

Relief washes over me. It is starting to feel like a date, but I need to relax. He’s helping me knock off some items on the WOLO list. That’s it. Nothing more.

We both notice the bar simultaneously. “Would you like some wine?” he asks.

I hesitate for a moment, glancing around the room full of paintings before nodding. “Wait, do you think I’m in the clear now to drink? The doctor said to give it a week, but I don’t know if I should wait longer.”

“Let’s just not get wasted, but I think if you have just a glass, it’ll be fine. No pressure though,” he says. “Truly, no obligation. We don’t have to have alcohol to have a good time.”

“Very true. And I appreciate the no pressure thing. Believe it or not, being around big city life and snobby people, I’ve built up some tough skin to be able to say no. Well, you already know I’ve never been a big partier. Liam on the other hand,” I say, stopping myself before saying more about him. He’s already ruined so much for me. I don’t need him continuing to ruin things by bringing him up.

“Yeah, no I get that. When you’re around people who do nothing but alter their state of mind, it gets easier to turn them down though,” he offers.

I’m a bit startled by his statement, but it comforts me. I tuck my hair behind my ear. “You know what, I’d love just a glass of dry red.”

“Exactly what I was thinking,” he says. “Go ahead and have a seat. I’ll grab it.”

While Zayn is over at the bar, I decide to use the restroom.

When I make it to the bathroom, I stare at myself in the mirror for a moment.

“Autumn, this isn’t a date,” I say out loud to myself. “Stop being so nervous.”

Another woman walks in, and I’m hoping she didn’t hear me giving myself a pep talk. She flashes me a polite smile and heads into a nearby stall. Turning on the faucet, I splash some water on my face, wash my hands, and leave quietly.

I spot Zayn glancing down at his phone near our section.

“You bored already, Mr. Mitchell?” I tease. “We just got here.”

He looks up at me and his jaw drops slightly. “Oh, there you—”

“Wait,” I say, pausing to look around and back down at his phone. “Did you think I ditched you?”

His lips move to the side of his mouth, and he raises his hands. “Guilty.”

“Don’t be silly. You, uh, well . . . you’ve been a huge help already with the list and I’m glad we’re here.”

We’re interrupted by one of the artists.

“Okay, ladies and gentlemen. Hopefully by now, you’ve gotten your drinks and found yourself a seat. For those of you who’ve been here before, welcome back. And for those who are new to us this evening, welcome. And no worries. We are our own worst critics, and I’ll be sure to go through everything step-by-step. But remember, just have fun.” She does a quick check of everyone in the room, flashing a heartwarming smile. “As you know, tonight is quite a fun one. Everyone, meet Allie the Axolotl.”

I bite my lip, feeling extremely nervous to paint an axolotl for the first time.

“Told ya,” he whispers.

“Where’s the narwhal?” I chime back.

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