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We went over the details, and she wrote an order form for her before we left. Marley walked us out. “Are you going to be able to get everything done?”
“I’m painting the ornaments tonight, and I’ll make more icicles tomorrow. I still wanted to try other shapes, but with it being only a short time until Christmas, I could focus on the ornaments for now. I probably need to make two dozen tomorrow.”
“I’ll help however I can,” I say.
Holly’s brow furrowed. “Don’t you have your own work to get done?”
“I’m light on commissioned work. Everything had to be done earlier to be delivered by Christmas.”
“That makes sense.”
“I just love everything you come up with,” Marley said, as if it was a warning. “I know you probably don’t have time to make the glass birds. But I think if you did, you’d be a lock to get in the gift shops.
We stood in front of my truck.
“Did you have a chance to inquire about any of them?” Holly asked.
“They are interested in your stuff, but they said it’s similar to other artists’ work. They like to stock unique options that you can’t find in any other place. I think the glass birds will be the thing that catches their eye.”
Holly’s shoulders lowered. “I’m disappointed that my hand-painted ornaments weren’t right for them.”
Marley touched my shoulder. “It’s not over. They’re interested. They just want to see something more unique. It sounds like you have a few ideas.”
Holly nodded. “I just need time to perfect my skill with the kiln.”
As much as I wanted to spend quality time with her, I might have to be content to help her work instead.
Marley hugged Holly, then me, before heading inside.
Holly’s face filled with regret. “We should probably skip the picnic today. I have a lot of work to do.”
“That’s not a bad thing,” I said as we got into the truck.
I handed her a sub before I drove down the lane and toward her apartment. “I’ll help you however I can.”
“I’m not sure what you can do.”
“I can get things set up at the shop and bring you food so you can focus on what you do best. Create.” I glanced over at her.
Her brow was furrowed. She was worried.
“You don’t have to help me. I’m sure you have a million other things to do.”
“Cole’s helping with the farm, so they don’t need me. I’m free to help you.”
“I really appreciate it. I’ll make it up to you.”
I thought of all the ways she could make it up to me when we had more time.
At the apartment, we made quick work of packing up everything Holly would need for the next few days, including toiletries and a change of clothes. It would be easier to stay in one place.
“I just need to get through the next few days. Then I could think about how to dazzle the gift shop owners.”
“You can do it,” I said to reassure her.
Holly worked the rest of the day. When she was done with the order of icicles, she stopped to stretch. “My arms ache, and my shoulders are tight.”
I massaged her shoulders, pulling a groan from her. “Let’s take a bath and ease those muscles.”
