Part 3 | H E R • T H O U G H T S

When Josephine was done painting Mrs. Martin, she took a break by exploring the city.

While Josephine walked through the city park , the sea of trees was seen swaying gently in the whispering wind. Reflections of the stars are shown in the peaceful pond as the rustle of the autumn leaves were softly blown down the road by the wind

Josephine found peace when she's at the park.

One of her favorite things to do besides art is taking peaceful walks through parks. It helped her think clearly.

Josephine loved parks from a very young age. Every Time her parents fought she would sneak out of the house and take a walk to the park that was a few blocks away from her house.

She took a sip of her coffee and fished for her phone in her coat to check the time.

It read 09:42 am.

She sighed when she realized she had 20 minutes before Elijah and Elizabeth dropped by the studio. 

For the first time Josephine felt nervous to meet the couple again, especially Elijah.

There is something about him, something that draws her towards him. Like a magnet.

She shuts her eyes.

Stop it Josephine. She thought to herself.

He's engaged! For crying out loud. Josephine was surprised at how Elijah, a person she barely knows, has an effect on her.

After what happened with her last relationship she promised herself that she'll never commit herself in a serious relationship.

She didn't come out of a toxic relationship; it was more like a 'right person, wrong time.' type of situation.

She still loves the person, Zariah was her first love and no matter how hard she tries she can never forget her first lover. It changes you forever and the feelings will never go away.

Josephine tucked her blonde hair behind her ear and continued walking.

- ❧ -

Josephine sat in her office doodling in her sketchbook as she patiently waited for the couple.

After what felt like hours of waiting she heard the front door open and close followed by a deep voice calling out her name.

An unfamiliar feeling danced in her stomach. She immediately stood up and soothed her off-shoulder beige bouffant dress.

Stepping out of her office, she sucked in a breath when she saw Elijah wandering around her studio, admiring some of her unfinished paintings.

Where's Elizabeth? She thought to herself.

She watched him carefully, his graceful hands and long fingers brushing some of her paintings. Did he play piano?

Each step he took made her heart beat against her chest.

She pursed her lips, considering if she should speak up.

"Your artwork is beautiful, Josephine."

Josephine's stomach knotted, His voice was deep and soothing, The way Josephine's name rolled off his tongue...

Right.

When Elijah turned around and locked eyes with her, her chest started to ache, that's when she realized she's been holding her breath since she stepped out of her office.

She couldn't help but stare at him.

Her throat went dry and she licked her lips, instantly regretting it because Elijah's gaze fell to her lips, he held it for a moment before sliding back up her frame.

He looked more intimidating than last time.

He was dressed in darkness, from his jet black hair to his black suit.

"Good morning, Josephine." He spoke.

"Hello, Elijah." She breathed.

They stood there, five feet apart as they stared into each other's eyes.

Josephine took a deep breath and broke eye contact as her eyes scanned the room.

"Where is your fiancé?" Josephine asked.

She didn't ask out of curiosity or that she cared where she was, she asked because she wanted to remind herself that Elijah is engaged.

His eyes burned into hers, then answered. "She's at a meeting."

Josephine cleared her throat.

"But I emailed you all the details you need from her." He stated as he took slow steps towards her. "Her measurements?" She asked. "Everything you need is all there." he replied and stopped when he was close enough to reach out for her.

He raised brow.

"Are we going to stand here all day or..."

Josephine laughed nervously. "Right, uhm follow me."

She said then immediately walked away and stepped into her office. Elijah followed behind her, shutting the door behind him.

Josephine grabbed a notebook, pen and measuring tape then set it on top of the chair beside her.

"I-I need you to take off your jacket." She told him.

In some odd way that sounded inappropriate to say.

Without questioning Elijah took his suit jacket off and placed it on Josephine's desk. He rolled up both his sleeves , revealing his defined biceps.

Josephine felt weak in the knees when she noticed Elijah's left arm was covered in ink.  

    She met his gaze. "Arms out." She instructed, he obeyed.

Josephine grabbed a small stool then set it in front of Elijah, she yanked the measuring tape of the chair, stepped on the stool and started to measure Elijah.

Most of the time Josephine tried to avoid eye-contact with Elijah, and sometimes she would catch a glimpse of him. 

It felt like torture, both of them in her office with the door shut and haven't said a single word to each other.

It made Josephine uncomfortable, normally her clients are talkative and in some odd way it makes her comfortable.

After taking Elijah's measurements, they discussed about the price, equipment's and ideas on how they picture the sculpture to turn out.

"It was nice seeing you Elijah." Josephine uttered as she rose from her chair, Elijah did the same and they both walked out of her office.

When they reached the front door, Josephine waited for him to walk out but he didn't. It seemed as if he wanted to ask Josephine something but had doubts.

Elijah mumbled something under his breath then turned on his heel to face Josephine.

As she stared at him, his lips quirked, and he tucked on his hair.

"Are you hungry?" He asked, offering her a nervous laugh.

Josephine was amused by his question.

"Y-yes. A little bit." She answered, and she thought he looked pleased by her response. "There is this café, not far from here. They have the best cakes, would you like to join me?" He asked. He kept looking at her, patiently waiting for her response.   

Josephine sneaked a glimpse at her studio then back at Elijah.

She wants to say yes. But something is pulling her back from having lunch with Elijah.

"I just don't want to have lunch alone." He added, hoping it will convince her to have lunch with him.

Josephine hesitated to speak at first but thought about for a second.

It's just lunch. She reminded herself.

"Alright." She said.

Elijah smiled softly then opened door. "I'll be in the car." He told her then walked away.

Josephine nodded.

As she ran back into her office to grab her things, she questioned if this was wrong.

It's just lunch, nothing wrong about that. It's not like his cheating on his fiancé with me... She thought to herself.