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He knows what I’m thinking – of course he does. “Zoey, Dad has worked his ass off to get where he is. He may not want this move, but he wants the position he has worked his ass off for. You just heard mom say how many times he’s turned down more money and a chance to take over one of the larger divisions. He’s invaluable to the company. He can’t turn down this offer.”
I hear what he’s saying. It’s selfish of me to want my father to walk away from over twenty years with his company. I don’t say anything though. I just bury my head into Zane’s chest as he pulls me into his arms. “I’m still going to be here, little sister. You’ve got me. Okay?”
Then the tears fall. This shouldn’t be a big deal. I just graduated high school. I’m going to college in a few months. I just always envisioned my parents going to campus with me that first day. Helping me get to my dorm room. Embarrassing me when I meet my roommate.
My relationship with my parents isn’t very typical for a teenager. I love them, and they know everything about me. I’ve always went to them for advice. I’ve told them about my good days and my bad days. My mom and I would go shopping, get our nails done, and act like two teenage girls instead of mother/daughter.
“We will still be here, Zoey,” my mother says softly. “We will be a phone call or a flight away.”
I stand from the sofa, wipe the tears from my face, and try to smile. I know I fail miserably. “I’m just going to go for a walk.”
“Zoey,” my dad says to me with sad eyes, “I’m sorry.”
I pat him on the shoulder and kiss his cheek as I walk by, “it’s okay, Daddy.”
Itwas okay. I cried a lot the day the for-sale sign was placed in the yard. I cried while I helped my mom pack up the house. I sobbed nearly uncontrollably when my dad got on the plane for London, but it was okay.
I knew I would visit them in London, and I was looking forward to that. I’d always wanted to go to London, France, Rome, to go to the museums, see the architecture, visit the places where the great writers, painters, and composers once lived. Now, not only would I get my chance, I wouldn’t be limited to a one-time trip.
I was going to miss my parents, but I was looking forward to visiting them.
It is mid-July. The summer has moved at an insanely fast pace. In just a few weeks, Jax and Zane will be heading for campus to get started with training, workouts, and practices. The house has been sold, but mom and dad have ninety days to close. It gives them plenty of time to get everything packed and shipped, and it means I can stay here until I have to leave for school myself.
I got so caught up in the move, that I’d forgotten about a little secret I’d been keeping. Namely an application I’d submitted to The Waterford Institute in New York. I’d submitted a portfolio of my drawings, photographs, and paintings months ago without telling anyone. It was an opportunity to showcase my work.
I submitted the application on a whim last summer for a showcase this fall. It was unlikely that the organization that was home to so many brilliant up and coming artists would be interested in my work. I still had a lot of discovering to do regarding my own technique. But I wanted to see what would happen.
Honestly, I haven’t thought about it at all since my parents’ big announcement. Until Zane walks into the kitchen with Jax and tosses the big envelope my way.
“What’s that, honey,” my mom asks eyeing the large, fancy envelope.
The Waterford Institute is embossed across the top of the envelope in large letters. My heart races as I look at the package. My hands begin to shake. I’m nervous because of what could be inside the prestigious looking package.
Jax and Zane both lean against the counter all sweaty from a run they just returned from drinking bottles of water. I look at both of them, and, suddenly, I’m nervous for entirely different reasons. Zane looks at the top of the envelope, “The Waterford Institute,” he reads. “What’s that?”
My eyes flash to Jax, and he quirks a brow. He knows exactly what it is. Zane would know too if he didn’t tune me out every time I talked about it. Jax nods at the envelope. “Open it.”
Slowly, I peel back the seal. I pull out a pamphlet, and a very official looking letter. A letter that says they want to display some of my work this October. My eyes dart to everyone in the room as total shock takes over me.
Zane jerks the letter from my hands and begins to read it out loud. “Dear Miss Valen. We would like to cordially invite you to be apart of our showcase October 15 through December 1st for our annual new artists event,” Zane looks up at me with excitement and questions in his eyes.
Jax, on the other hand looks concerned and a little angry.
“Oh my god, Zoey,” my mom says excitedly. “They want to display your paintings?”
“According to the letter they want to display all seven things it says she submitted,” Zane explains. “Where is this place, anyway?”
“New York,” Jax answers never taking his intense eyes off of me.
“New York! Zoey, this is wonderful news. Your father is going to be ecstatic.”
“How did they find out about you?” Zane asks still reading the letter.
Jax quirks another brow at me wanting me to answer the question he already knows the answer to. “I – uh – I submitted an application last summer. It’s how the new artist showcase works. You submit the year before for the following year.”
Zane stops reading to look at me with judging eyes. “You never said anything about it.”
“I – I didn’t really think they’d be interested,” I explain looking Jax in his intense hazel eyes. “I just sent in the application and pictures of a few pieces on a whim.”
