Jenna laughed. “You make me believe it. How many more days do you think you need?”
“I think two more days should cover it.”
“Perfect. I’m going to do a deep clean of Bertie over there tomorrow.” She nodded to her espresso machine.
“You named it?” Delighted, I laughed out loud. “How did I not know that?”
Jenna pitched her voice down. “It’s usually a secret.”
“I love secrets.” I grinned and sat back up, then threw my leg over the side to the rungs of my ladder built into the unit. Igathered my materials toward the edge of the plank. “Can I steal some cling wrap?”
“Sure thing.” Jenna hurried over to the bakery case and came back with an industrial sized box.
“Oh, I need to get me some of this.” I hopped down the last few steps and reached up for my palette. Between the two of us we got the cling wrap over the paints.
Even though I didn’t need to scrimp and save for my supplies anymore, it was still ingrained in me not to waste.
“Next time I make an order, I’ll get you one.”
“Appreciate it. Will be a lifesaver in my studio.”
I glanced at the clock over the door. “Guess it was time to pack it in anyway.” I snapped the tops on my cups of paint and made sure they were secure before tucking them into my canvas bag. “I finished up the book pages you wanted to hang over the reading area. I’ll be able to install them this Sunday.”
“I’m so excited to see them.” Jenna clapped happily then linked her fingers together under her chin like a kid.
“I had a lot of fun with this project. Can I come in and take some photos for my website when I’m done?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll make a video you can use on your socials if you want.”
“Oh, really? That would be amazing. I suck at finding content other than building drink orders.”
“Believe me, those are masterpieces.”
Jenna grinned. “You’re really good for my ego. Do you want one to go?”
“No, I’m going to jitter my way home as it is.” I laughed. “I’ll just finish breaking down and get out of your hair.”
“Take your time. They’re talking about a storm, so it might be a slow day.” She disappeared behind the counter and through the doorway to the back kitchen.
It was February. It felt like we got another few inches of snow every other day. I kicked up the locks on my scaffolding and collapsed it enough to prop it against the wall in the corner. I didn’t have any other big projects going at the moment so that saved me from loading all the materials into my truck.
I peered out the big bay window. Good thing, it seemed that another few inches of snow had fallen while I’d been working. Destiny Street was a blanket of white. It was just before six and only a handful of tracks marred the road. The plows would be out soon enough, but for now the snow lured me out. I grabbed my hoodie off the hook by the door.
“See you tomorrow, Jenna,” I called over my shoulder.
She jogged after me and met me at the door. “Stay safe out there.”
I hurried outside and twirled on my ancient Tims, tipping my head back to catch a few snowflakes. “It’s gorgeous.”
Jenna shook her head and rubbed her arms. “I can’t wait for spring.”
“It’ll be here soon enough.”
“Winter has been forever. Stay safe.” She waved and locked the door after me.
I kicked up the fluffy flakes that were rapidly growing on the sidewalk. My breath puffed out in wispy gray whorls as snow quickly stuck to my eyelashes and hair. It was breath-stealingly cold, but I loved it. Winter was one of my favorite seasons—good thing. We were getting it in spades this year.
