Paige POV
Paige sighed with relief as she finished her painting. The painting has took a lot of time, attention, it was like my little baby. I had an upcoming art exhibition, and my studio was filled with the vibrant strokes of my creativity.
Taking a moment to survey my small apartment, I thought about how I was going to move my paintings to the gallery in the next two days. The exhibition held a special significance for me as the proceeds would go to charity.
With a growling and hungry stomach, I entered my bedroom and reached for my phone. Glancing at the missed calls from my best friend Kylie, I dialed her number.
"Paige, how dare you not pick up my call?" Kylie's shouted angrily through the phone.
"I'm so sorry, Kylie. I lost track of time in the studio," I explained, guilt evident in my voice.
You know how it is Kylie, ones I start painting, it’s like I ascend to another realm, so I am very sorry, love.
So we both agreed to meet up at our usual cafe. I quickly freshened up, opting for a simple outfit and letting my hair down freely. I headed out, greeting my neighbors along the way.
Upon reaching the cafe, Julie, the owner, welcomed me with open arms. The rich aroma of coffee and cocoa filled the air. I shared a warm hug with Julie, apologizing for my infrequent visits.
Julie, slightly heartbroken, pouted, "Paige, I'm mad at you. You haven't visited me for a whole month."
"I've been caught up with my painting and the exhibition. But don't worry, I've booked your tickets for the event. And where's Mason?" I inquired.
He went on an errand. Julie replied me.
My eyes roamed for Kylie and it didn't take too much time because she was sitting at our usual table with her back facing me. I went towards her and propped on the seat in front of her.
"Hey Kylie." I said with a smile.
I can sense that she was really angry at me because I have been avoiding her calls for a couple of days.
"Don't hey me Paige. I have been calling you for the last two days. You didn't even attend one call. At least one call." She said angrily.
I was going to reply to her but the waiter placed our orders in our table.
I sighed. "Listen Kylie I know I have been a shitty friend. But I was been busy with my painting and didn't have the time to attend your calls nor other's. Sorry." I said showing my puppy eyes. I know she will fall for my gesture.
She smiled. "Ok I have forgiven you. But you have to make it up for me."
"Done." I smiled and agreed to her condition.
"You should come with me for shopping." She said.
She knows how much I hate shopping but for her, I will do anything.
"Ok ."I said with half mind. I hope I don’t end up regretting my decision, I thought to myself.
"Yes." She shouted causing everybody present in the cafe to turn towards our direction.
Oh Kylie do not make me regret my decision. I finally said it out loud
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Dragging myself through Saturday shopping with Kylie, I wondered why I agreed to this instead of being snug in my bed. It's been an hour, and Kylie, true to form, had taken me from one shop to another without making a single purchase.
"Why do you need a new dress, Kylie? We shopped last month, and you practically bought a whole wardrobe," I complained.
"It's not for me, Paige. It's for you," she said, scanning through dresses.
"For me? Why do I need a new dress? I have plenty," I argued.
"Yes, you need it. Next week is your art exhibition. You'll be the center of attraction. You have to present yourself perfectly. So, I'm picking your dress. No lame excuses," she declared, hands on her waist, like my mother scolding me.
Unable to argue with her, I sighed. As I was about to sit on a couch, my phone rang. It was my mother.
"Hey, Mom."
"Hello, Paige baby. How are you? You didn't call me for a week," she complained.
Explaining my busy schedule with the upcoming exhibition, I asked if there was a reason for her call.
"Your father wants to discuss something with you. Join us for dinner. Logan and Rory are back," she revealed.
"What? When did Logan arrive?" I asked in shock.
"This morning."
"Why didn't he inform me?" I complained.
"Dear, you've been neglecting calls," she scolded.
"Mom, don't start again. I'll join for dinner. Love you."
"Love you too, baby."
Turning to Kylie, who was deliberating between two dresses, I pointed to the left one.
"This one."