The smell of paint fills the room as I splash dark blue across the canvas, trying to create another masterpiece. Not to brag—but I totally am—I'm one heck of a painter. If I'm going to be known for something, it'll be my art. It's my pride and joy.
I drag my brush across the canvas, lost in the music playing through my headphones—Bored by Billie Eilish—when my roommate, Emma, suddenly bursts into my room. I don't hear her come in over the music, so I don't realize she's talking to me.
"Ria!!" she yells, right next to me.
I jump in fright, my hand slipping, smearing paint where it shouldn't be.
"Oops, sorry! Didn't mean for that to happen," she says, taking a step back.
I rip my headphones off and stare at my canvas in horror.
"No, no, no! How am I supposed to fix this?"
"Oh, come on, you'll figure it out," she says, making her way to sit on my bed.
I turn to her with a scowl.
"Why are you in my room, Em? I'm pretty sure I put a Do Not Disturb sign on my door." I take the canvas off the easel, resting it against the side of my desk, then remove my apron.
"Yeah, I gave you that sign to use when you're planning to have sex, but let's be real—your room is still a virgin, so—"
I roll my eyes and plop down next to her.
"Whatever. Why are you here?"
"Tasha's off tonight, so let's go out," she says, grinning.
Ugh. I don't want to, but I know if I don't agree, she'll just keep nagging me.
"Go out where?"
"A club! We haven't had fun in forever."
Please. She's only saying that because she and her boyfriend broke up a month ago, and now she has nothing better to do.
"Yeah, okay, fine," I sigh. Hopefully, I can get her to leave early.
"Yes! Okay, I'm gonna go shave, and please, Ria—dress hot." She gives me a pleading look.
"I'll dress appropriately. Now get out."
She grins as she opens the door. "Hey, who knows? You might finally get laid tonight!"
I throw a pillow at her, but she shuts the door just in time. I hear her laughing as she walks to her room to get ready.
I'm going to regret this, aren't I?