Page 21 of Rivals

“Revna, we—“ I lift my hand, stopping him. His eyes darken, and his jaw ticks.

I ignore Lachlan and look back at Ryan, who also looks like he wants to run the other way. “Ryan, I would love to go out with you.” Honestly, he’s really attractive and nice. I don’t know him that well, but that’s alright, I guess.

He smirks. “Cool, um, I’ll pick you up. What’s your number?” He hands me his phone and I call myself. “Awesome, I’ll see you later.”

I smile, and I actually sort of mean it this time. “Cool,” I say in the cheeriest voice I can muster. He winks and saunters away. Ryan has the broody but approachable thing going on with a sleeve of black tattoos that go up his arm. A few dot his fingers, yeah, I could get into that. Lachlan huffs and mutters something under his breath before returning to his seat. The professor calls attention to the class, and I look at the front. This might be a good thing for me.

Chapter 19

Lachlan

Ican’tbelievethiswannabe Ryan asked Revna out. She’s out of his league, and he knows it. I’m sure she’s being friendly because she didn’t want to crush the guy.

At the end of class, I couldn’t take it, so I played nice. “Hey, Ryan. So, you and Revna?”

“Hey, man. Yeah, why?”

“Oh, no reason. I was just surprised you had the balls to ask her out.”

“Uh, thanks?” he says.

“Yeah, so do you have something planned, or are you going to wing it?”

“Oh, well, I had something in mind, but you seem to know her better than me. Maybe you can give me your two cents?”

Easy. “Yeah, sure, what’s up?” I ask him carefully, trying not to come across as eager.

“Well, you know about that speakeasy in downtown Brooklyn?”

I try to hide my surprise. It’s a good idea, right up Revna’s alley. At least, I think it is. “Oh yeah, I’ve heard about that place. It’s one of those word-of-mouth things.”

“Yeah, so I was going to take her there. It seems like something she would like.”

“I think so, too. Good idea.”

“Really? Yeah, ok. Thanks, Lachlan.” I fake a smile and pat him on the shoulder. “I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah, see you later.” Ryan walks away, and I head for my other class.

Surprise, Revna, looks like it will be a table for three.

***

We present in a few minutes and Revna has done nothing but ignore me on the other end of the wall where our painting hangs. I keep glancing at her, and she keeps avoiding my gaze. The little song and dance that we seem to be spinning to is pissing me off.

There are only ten students here, so it didn’t take me long to look around to see what everyone else has come up with. Some sculptures, some mixed media, and others did paintings like us. I still think we are the best out of all of them.

I want to say something to Revna, but I don’t know what to say. I’m still a little mad about what she did when Ryan asked her out. I don’t care that I have no right to feel this way. I wanted her to say no and tell her we have work to do because I am confident we will get into the next round. It’s obvious she’s mad at me, and I could think of a few different reasons why that might be. What we experienced together is overwhelming and confusing, and I want to talk to her about it. I just don’t know how to bring it up.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen,” Professor Tate claps, drawing my attention from the woman who seems to capture all of mine. “You know the drill. The judges will have their viewing and ask questions if there are any. If you make it to the next round, you will have four weeks to complete a series of three coordinating works. The showing will be at the famous Plaza Hotel, so you will all meet the artists from other schools. The showing at The Plaza will be like you have had before, except there will be an extended invitation list for gallerists and potential buyers. Temporary walls will be erected to create the full gallery experience. You will get more information after this round if you make it.”

Wow, this could be great for me. The Plaza is also the side of the city where my father lives, so maybe he will hear about me. Maybe if my name is associated with the MoMA and the Plaza, he will see that I’m not just a child with finger paints, but I’ve made a name for myself. I won’t hold my breath even though anything is possible.

The judges come by, and their stoic faces give nothing away. I glance at Revna, and she’s staring back at me. Her eyes are wide and unsure. I nod, hoping she gets my attempt at reassurance. I wish I was holding her hand. I startle myself with the thought and look away. This might all be for nothing anyway. It’s unusual for me, but I’m confident in this piece. Nevertheless, who is to say one judge won’t like our work and then we don’t make it? Then, the fake confidence will be useless.

Chapter 20

Revna