Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“Yeah.” There’s sadness in his response.
I’m tempted to ask him what’s wrong, but I know we don’t have time for a deep conversation right now.
As I finish getting ready, Finn cleans the mess in the kitchen from the breakfast he made this morning. While he busies himself, I shoot my sister a quick text. After I told her about my extended stay, she asked if I’d made a decision about moving to Florida. I’m still undecided, and while I’d love to be closer to her, too much was going on in my head right now.
Oakley: We’re leaving for the festival soon! I’ll send pics later!
Tatum: Awesome, can’t wait to see! Your painting is gonna turn out so good.
Oakley: I hope so! I don’t want to let them down.
Tatum: You don’t ever have to worry about that. You’re so meticulous. I’m sure it will look like the real thing.
Oakley: Fingers crossed.
Tatum: How’s everything else going? You and Finn still “pretending”?
Oakley: Until I leave, we are. It’s easier.
Tatum: But?
Oakley: But what?
Tatum: You’ve been hooking up. So that’s not really “pretending.”
Oakley: We agreed that it was just a fling. Nothing serious.
Tatum: And that’s still the case?
Oakley: As far as I know, yeah. We both know I’m leaving in a few days.
Tatum: Maybe you should tell him how you really feel?
Oakley: What difference would it make?
Tatum: You never know, it could change your life. But at least you’d know and not have to wonder. Maybe he’ll even offer to visit you in California.
Oakley: What’d be the point? He’ll never permanently leave his family’s farm. I doubt long distance would work.
And I wouldn’t want to ever make him feel like he had to choose between me and his family or change who he is. The orchard means the world to him.
Tatum: I think you’re both setting yourselves up for heartbreak.
Oakley: Sis, I’ll be okay. I agreed to this arrangement, and I’m not going to make it more complicated by turning it into something it’s not. His path is to work here and start a family.
Tatum: And would starting a family be so bad?
Oakley: Maybe when I’m old, like 30.
Tatum: Excuse me!
I burst out laughing because that always gets a rise out of her.
“Levi’s here. You ready?” Finn pokes his head into the bathroom.
“Yep.” I set my brush down, realizing I’ll need to pack my shit soon. Right now, it’s scattered all over his house.
“You look beautiful.” He scans his eyes down my body before pulling me into his arms. “Not sure how I’m supposed to keep my hands off you all day.”
Before I can respond, Levi stalks inside. “Well, you’re gonna have to because I’m not third-wheeling.”
I snort as Finn shakes his head.
“You better close your eyes because I’m about to kiss her.”
“Ooh, a free ride and a show?”
Finn presses his mouth to mine, but I can’t stop laughing. Every word Levi says agitates Finn more.
“We better go. I’ll grab your stuff.”
I cup his face and smack my lips to his. “Thanks.”
“I’m not sitting bitch!” Levi calls out, opening the door and strutting out.
“Thank God,” Finn shouts when I realize I’ll be squished in the middle of them. I don’t mind, though. Levi cracks me up as he helps Finn carry my art supplies to the truck. He’s well over six-feet and is built like a lumberjack yet is so bubbly. They’re complete opposites that it’s a wonder they’re even friends.
“So, California, have you met any movie stars?” Levi asks, and I snort at his new nickname for me.
“A few, actually, but not super famous ones. You have to have connections to get invited to the big events. I pursue a lot of local and independent galleries, and not a lot of A-listers go to those. However, I interned at a highly reputable gallery in LA for a semester, and James Franco came in with his entourage. It was wild.”
“What was he looking for?” Levi asks as Finn drives us into town.
“From what I gathered, a gift for someone. He only said a few words to me, but once he found something he liked, he bought it and left.” I shrug. “There have been a few others, like Megan Fox and some TV show hosts, but I don’t get starstruck easily, so I stopped paying attention.”
“I would literally shit myself if I saw Megan Fox,” Levi exclaims. “Is she as hot in real life as she is on TV?”
“Jesus Christ,” Finn mutters, shaking his head as he focuses on the road.
I glance over at Finn. “Oh yeah. She’s gorgeous. I’d lose my lesbian V-card to her in a heartbeat.”
Levi chuckles, slapping a hand on his leg. “Maybe we should take a trip to LA? Let Oakley give us the proper Cali tour.”
“They’d eat you up and spit you out,” I tease. Finn’s jaw is firmly clenched, and I can tell he’s not enjoying this conversation. “But really, I only go into the city when I have a commission or an interview. Normally, I’m at home painting and listening to audiobooks.”