Page 19 of Paint Our Song

“Yeah! I’m going to show Calvin.”

He doesn’t wait for Gabby’s reaction to that. Turning toward the elevator, he’s relieved to see Calvin waiting for him. The elevator doors open and Miles steps in, gesturing for Calvin to follow him.

Chapter Six

“What’s that for?” Calvin asks, staring at the keys in his hands. Miles presses the button for the fourth floor.

“It’s the keys for the rooftop garden.”

Calvin’s eyebrows raise. “There’s a rooftop garden?”

“Yeah.” He watches the arrows on top of the elevator move as it ascends. “It’s my mom’s and has a gorgeous view of the lake. We keep it locked since my mom doesn’t want her plants to get trampled on, but it’s an awesome place to relax. I go there to clear my mind.”

“… Oh.”

The elevator door opens, and Calvin doesn’t budge. He turns his head down a bit, eyes narrowed, and that’s when it occurs to Miles he’s basically kidnapped him. He didn’t even give him a choice.

“Do you want to see it?” Miles says with a huge grin. “Lots of privacy. You can work on your music there, and nobody will disturb you.”

“Would it be okay?”

The key dangles in Miles’s hand. Yes, it’s more than okay. He’d let Calvin have the entire world if he asked.

“Yes, just don’t trample the plants,” Miles teases. “Don’t expect much, though. It’s literally a… rooftop deck. With plants.”

“I want to see.” Calvin’s voice is so soft, hesitant, and… hopeful. “I, um. I like quiet places.”

Miles grins. “Right this way.”

He leads the way to the staircase that’ll take them to the garden. There’s a single flight of stairs upward, and a locked exit on the very top with an off-limitssign hanging on the door.

“Will Dahlia really be alright with this?” Calvin asks. “I don’t want to intrude.”

Why do you know my mom’s name?Miles wants to ask. “She won’t mind.”

He unlocks the door and holds it open for Calvin, who gives him a look before stepping outside. His shoulders stiffen, and he slowly looks around. It’s dark, and he doesn’t seem impressed.

The door closes behind them, and Miles reaches for the light switch. The hanging lights that are tied to the walls and posts illuminate the garden, as well as Calvin, and Miles is suddenly very aware of how romantic this would seem if it were anyone else.

Mom’s always said the garden is only a simple hobby, something she tends to in her free time. However, it’s clear how much love she puts into it. There are rows of different plants and bushes, gorgeous flowers, and a wooden deck that Dad had built for her. On the deck is a table and three chairs.

Calvin walks toward the chest-high parapet and leans his arms onit. He stares at the view of the lake, and Miles follows his lead.

To their right, there’s Camilla Hotel, and Miles frowns at its majestic exterior.

“You okay?” Calvin asks, catching on to the way Miles is practically glaring at the hotel.

“Yes,” he lies.

After a beat of silence, Calvin says, “It’s nice.”

“Yeah, so, welcome to our inn’s best kept secret.”

“You’ve painted this place.” It’s a statement, not a question.

“Oh. Yeah.” It’s one of the paintings framed in the lobby, and also one of his favorites. Dad had been so proud of it he had put it up almost immediately, telling anyone who would listen that his son was going to be a famous artist one day.

Calvin must have a really good memory, if he could recognize it that easily.