Page 176 of 25 Days in Athens
Rich colours of mauve, white, red and orange blend together, making me look like a golden Adonis, my skin textured to reflect the sunlight in that studio that feels so far away, and so long ago. Hell, I fancy myself.
‘You finished it.’
‘Do you like it?’
I move closer to the canvas, catching the detail, Sam’s signature scribbled in the corner.
‘This is incredible, Sam.’ I hug him, planting a kiss on his lips. ‘I can’t believe you finished it.’
‘It kept me sane when you weren’t here,’ he whispers, his forehead on mine.
‘I’m so glad I moved here,’ I say.
Moonlight illuminates Sam’s apartment, casting a glow on Willow’s legs. The floorboards creak under my feet as I press closer to Sam, breathing in his scent.
‘I’ve missed you, pumpkin bum.’ Sam grins, dropping his hands to my waist.
‘I’ve missed you, dinky donut.’
As we fall onto the sofa, laughter filling the apartment, I understand what it means to be loved, to love another, and to love yourself.
