Page 98 of I Don't Need Your Romance

She frowns as she studies her canvas. “Doesn’t look like it.”

“Maybe it takes some time.”

“Yeah, I should probably sit here for the remainder of class.”

“Yep.”

Having her near me as I paint makes me feel a thousand times better. Like I’m not alone. I wonder if she feels the same way.

I’m painting another landscape. I wish I could paint her portrait, but that’s a bit too crazy. Why do I have this need to always paint or draw her? It’s like something is pulling me to do so. Is it because I want to remember her once we go our separate ways?

“See, that’s a painting,” Sophie says as she looks at my finished product. “Not my pathetic attempt.” She gestures at her canvas.

“It’s cute and has character,” I tell her. “Just like you.”

Her cheeks go red. “Thanks.”

Footsteps sound before Miss Moreno steps up to my easel. “This is breathtaking, Damian. Are you sure you don’t want to submit this or another piece to the art contest?”

“I’m sure.”

She nods, but I can see she’s disappointed. I don’t want to show my art to the world. It’s something so private. I don’t want all eyes on me.

“All right, if that’s what you’ve decided.” She turns to Sophie. “Would you like to submit something?”

“Thanks, but we all know my art skills are subpar.”

“That’s okay. All skill levels are permitted to enter.”

“Yeah, and I’ll probably lose in the first round.” Sophie shakes her head. “I think I’ll stick to my studies.”

Miss Moreno nods again and walks off. Sophie’s mouth opens like she wants to ask why I refuse to submit my artwork, but I turn away from her.

We don’t talk about anything else until the bell rings. Then we head for the library together.

Chapter Thirty-One

Sophie

The dress is on, hair and makeup are done, and the nerves nearly paralyze me.

Tonight is Principal Harrington’s birthday party and Damian is on his way to pick me up from the dorm and escort me to his bike.

My friends and I were talking for hours about it. Addie is convinced it’s kind of like a date. Carly, Raven, and I disagree. Just because a guy is picking me up and taking me to a party, it doesnotmean it’s a date. And anyway, Damian told me he doesn’t want a girlfriend.

“I’d better go down and wait for him,” I tell my friends.

All three of them wrap their arms around me. “Have a good time,” Carly says.

“Fall madly in love with him,” Addie adds with a huge smile.

I give her a look. “For the millionth time, Damian and I are just friends.”

“That’s what they all say.”

I look at Raven and Carly. “Tame her, please.”

“We’ll do our best,” Raven assures me.