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Even though I should probably get back to focusing onhihtMe: Do you think I’m an art snob?Luke: What do you mean by that?Me: Like, do I act like I’m better than someone, or maybe internally think that I’eable about art?Luke: No You’re the coo out of your way to sMe: Are you sure? You’re not just saying that because you’re my best friend?Luke: I know for a fact because I don’t know about art, and you never makeso hard on yourself You’re auy who can’t see that or thinks otherwise or makes you feel differently about yourself doesn’t deserve your tiuys any of your fucking energy He doesn’t , Ace On to the nextInstantly, my chest expands at his kind words

Soood about myself or step up to the plate and support me when I need hi and what I need or don’t need Even after I’ve put hierMe: Thanks, LukeLuke: Anyti how vivid the memory of the first time he said that to e I s rin, I slip my phone back into my purse

“I hope you don’t mind, but I spotted a client of mine”

“Not a problem” I smile at hilass he hands off to me “And thank you For the wine”

“So…back to the art, I guess…” he mutters, more to himself than me

But I can’t unhear it, and before we get back to looking at Seraphina’s paintings, I turn to face him “Do you want to leave?”

“Fuck, I thought you’d never ask” A giant, relieved sigh escapes his lungs, and in an instant, seoes poof into thin air “Is it justat all of this shit? Shit that I’-one could do, by the way” He snorts “Like, I think arten”

He chuckles Downs the rest of his wine And then, holds out his hand

“Let’s blow this popsicle stand, aht?”

I look at his hand and then back at him And then back at his hand

Out of irrational friendliness, I’allery, but Luke’s voice chastises me in my head