Opulent Obsession – Breaking Belles

“I remember how you always loved to paint,” I said as I moved the materials to a spot near the fire.

“You got these for me?” She followed closely to where I began setting everything up for her. I wanted for her to have her own space, and this was near the fire as well as by the window for plenty of light.

“I think you’ve read every magazine in this place, and if you’re feeling anything like me, then you’re about to go insane with all this time on our hands.”

I stopped to glance over my shoulder at her and felt a sense of pride with the huge smile on her face I knew I caused. Her happiness lit up her entire face, and it had been the first time I had seen her look like this in a very, very long time.

“Rafe… this is so thoughtful.”

“I figured that with how long we’ll be here, you can paint a gallery full of paintings. At least get something out of this entire experience besides just… well… money.” Realizing I was turning something good into something bad, I quickly veered directions. “I figured you’d miss painting while here.”

“I actually haven’t been able to paint anything since I’ve returned to Darlington.”

I stopped cold and looked at her in disbelief. “Why? You always loved it. I don’t think I ever saw you without paint all over your hands.”

She shrugged, but sadness flooded her eyes. “Life. I’ve just been really busy and… I don’t know. I’ve just lost parts of me, and—”

I redirected my attention back to setting up the art area, and said, “Well, then it’s about time we get to finding that lost part. You need to paint. I may not know you well now… or at least the adult you… but I do know that you have a talent that shouldn’t be wasted.” I cast her a smile. “And what else do you have to do while sitting in this room?”

“What about you? What are you going to do while I paint?”

“Watch you,” I stated simply. Our eyes caught and I knew we were both remembering the way I used to sit and watch her paint when we were in high school. I wondered if she ever did anything with art. She was always so good, and I could get lost in the way she swirled the colors on the canvas with little effort and yet a true masterpiece would come from each flick of her wrist.

“All these supplies…” she said, as she came up beside me and lifted the paints and brushes, examining them with wide eyes that sparkled in glee. “They must have cost a fortune.”

“I have it to spend.” Realizing that sounded pretentious and instantly wanting to take the words back, I added, “It’s the least I can do since you’re helping me earn my place as CEO of my family’s business. I couldn’t do it without you.”

She picked up a paintbrush and stood before the easel the minute I had it in place. “Can I paint something now?”

“I was hoping you would.”

Not wasting another second, Fallon dove in headfirst. I made myself comfortable in the chair she had been sitting in by the fire which gave me the perfect view of her work. I honestly could sit here all day and watch her paint. Yes, it was a gift for her, but just as much for me.

Comfort.

Familiarity.

Memories.

“Did you go to school for art?” I asked, hoping I could get a little more out of her now that she was back in her element.

“Yes.”

She kept painting and said nothing more. I suppose I should have taken that as my cue to be quiet, but I was stubborn and determined to break the wall that Fallon had clearly built around her heart.

It was me. Her friend. We used to be able to tell each other anything.

Was it this place? The Trials? Was it that we had had sex and now things were just plain awkward? Yes, we had lost touch, but it wasn’t like so much time had passed by that we couldn’t reconnect… or at least try. Why was she acting like we were complete strangers?

I watched her squeeze haint blue onto her palette, and I instantly knew she was going to paint something reflecting the Trial we’d endured. I couldn’t wait to see what she came up with.

“How long have you been back in Darlington?” I asked.

“Not long.”

“Is your mom still living here?”

“Yes.”

“And you’re working at a catering company?”

“I was.”

Jesus, it was like talking to a brick wall.

“Why is talking to you like pulling teeth?” I asked, trying to remove any annoyance in my voice.

My intention was not to fight, and I just wanted her happy, but at the same time, I had a million questions.

Not giving up, I continued. “So, what is it you get in the end? If we pass the Initiation, what was the dream you asked for?” I figured I should know since we were a team and working on this end goal together.