Chapter 6

The studio key was brass-colored.

It was small, cool against my palm.

When I opened the door, the setting sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling across the empty wooden floor.

It was 480 square feet.

One bedroom, one living room.

No furniture at all.

Standing there, I felt like I could finally breathe again after three years.

I called Olivia, "I've got the space. Can you bring over my art supplies? I'm starting tomorrow."

Olivia asked, "Stella, are you serious?"

I replied, "Never been more serious."

Olivia began, "And Mr. Lewis, "

I said, "Set up a meeting with…