Two Hotties Next Door

After another hour of chatting, catching up with the family, Will left, and she stood in her home … alone. She rubbed her arms, took a deep breath, and wondered what to do. Heading back to her studio, she picked up her sketchbook and looked at the few drawings she’d done.

She wouldn’t know if she didn’t ask, and even though Will was being considerate to her, she knew she had to get her stuff together. Time was running out, and she didn’t want to ruin her career.

Picking up a new sketchbook, she was determined to get this over with. If they were willing, she’d make sure it worked. If they were not, then she’d continue to work in secrecy. She could chop their heads out of the pictures so they didn’t know it was them.

Making her way next door, she lifted her hand to knock.

Like so many times before, Ace was the one to answer.

“Well, hello, my sweet little neighbor.”

“I can promise you, honey, there’s nothing sweet about me.” She placed a hand on her hip and pouted. They both laughed.

“Come in. I was just about to eat.”

“What?” she asked.

“Some quinoa.”

“Do you have enough for two?”

“I certainly do. My little roomie doesn’t like my food anymore.”

She laughed. “I’m sure he does. Where is Brett?”

“He’s still at work. He has clients that don’t always come in during the day. They prefer more private times.”

“Oh.” She didn’t like that jolt of pain at the thought of him being with anyone else.

“They’re special cases to him.”

“I guess so.” She pushed some hair off her face.

“What’s with the book?” he asked, pointing at her sketchpad.

“Well, actually, I wanted to ask you and Brett something.”

“I’m here. You can ask me.”

She nodded.

Why did she suddenly feel so nervous?

“So, I’ve been hitting a few snags lately when it comes to my work. Will, my manager, came by today, and he saw some of the sketches I’ve done of you and Brett.” She flicked open the page and pushed the book toward him across the counter.

He picked it up, and her hands got clammy.

What if he didn’t like her work?

Would he laugh?

Her art was a part of her soul. She didn’t like the thought of anyone laughing at her. For weeks before her first art exhibition, she’d had repeated nightmares of being laughed at.

“Wow, this is really good. I look hot cooking.”

She smiled. “I was wondering if you and Brett would mind being models for me. In your spare time, of course. I’m willing to throw in food, and I can pay if I turn the sketches into paintings.”

“I like this,” he said.

“You do?”

“Yeah. I can’t speak for Brett, but count me in. Food and money sounds pretty good to me. To be honest, I’m in it for the food.” He winked at her.

“Thank you.” She felt like he’d just given her a lifeline.

****

“I really do appreciate the both of you doing this,” Meredith said.

They were in her studio and she’d opened up a window. It was nice and cool as there was a through breeze. Her studio seemed to be the biggest room in the house. Brett glanced at the walls, seeing the many different kinds of art.

Fuck you.

Beautiful.

Beauty is only skin deep.

See into souls.

Home.

In between the words were drawings. There was a face with scars down it and a kindness in her eyes. The next was a woman so beautiful and yet within her eyes was evil. It amazed Brett how much he saw. The room seemed to represent Meredith. It wasn’t just one color but a variety. There was nothing that put her into a box. She was a free spirit throughout.

“What would you like us to do?” he asked.

“You could sit. Relax. I know. I hate it when someone tells me to relax, but if you could do it, I would appreciate it.”

He walked toward one of the chairs and sat down. Spreading out his thighs, he was curious about the room, about the woman.

In his world, everything had to be in order. He didn’t like clutter, but when he was around Meredith, her organized chaos enthralled him, as did she.

Her hair was bound up on her head today. No makeup, and she wore a simple yellow sundress. Her feet were bare, and the dress ended just above the knee so he got a glimpse of the thorns coming up her thighs. He loved her ink and had wanted to see it up close and personal for some time.

Ace sat down. “Do you want me to be serious?” He placed his elbow on his knee, resting his chin on his hand and looking serious. “Or cool?” He leaned back in his chair. “Hey, good lookin’.” Suddenly he sat up. “Or completely still.” He held his chair and didn’t move a muscle.

Brett chuckled along with her.