AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Luke finally had to set her back a step. He sent a playful glance toward the desk. “You better leave now,” he warned, “before things really get out of hand.”
For a second, she couldn’t recall where she was supposed to go. “Oh, yes, the Ninety-Nine Cent Store. I’m on my way.”
It took her a moment to realize nothing had actually improved, but that Luke was smiling as she walked away was all that really mattered. As she left the office, she was startled to find Dave waiting for her right outside.
“Do you have a minute to look at Toby’s house again?” he asked.
“Sure. We ought to take some before pictures of whatever site we choose. I’ll have to remember to bring my camera.”
“Good idea. You could photograph the entire process. If the mural is any good, it will generate some interest from the media, inspire some new volunteers, and even better, create a flood of donations.”
Catherine had been concentrating on the mural itself rather than the results from the community. She was now struck with the belated realization that reaping the benefits of the project would surely be Luke’s chief concern. She didn’t want to let him down, and that increased the pressure to achieve a good result enormously.
When they reached the corner, she was planning more logically and took note of the window placement. “It’s a beautiful house, isn’t it?” she said.
“If you look beyond its present faded glory to its potential, it surely is. I can already see the angels flying upward. The kids are going to love this.”
“I hope so, but I wish Luke were more inclined to agree.”
Dave laughed and rocked back on his heels. “If you put your mind to it, I’ll bet you could sweet talk him into accepting Toby’s house.”
His teasing jest had struck too close to home, and she ignored his suggestion and turned away. “I need to get those colored pencils.”
He hurried to catch up with her. “I’m sorry. That was a stupid thing to say. Luke’s ex is giving him such a hard time that he probably wouldn’t notice if you walked through his office na
ked.”
“There’s no danger of that,” Catherine assured him.
“You’re right. He wouldn’t ignore you.”
“That wasn’t what I meant,” she was quick to point out.
“I know. Do you mind if I walk to the store with you?”
“No, of course not.” Dave was a flirt, but in no danger of succumbing to his charms, she felt safe with him. She sent a brief glance toward the auto supply as they passed and hurried on. “I guess I’m just anxious to get started.”
“Me too. There’s always plenty to do at Lost Angel, but not much of it is fun. I think the mural will be a hoot from beginning to end.”
“I hope you’re right. I happen to believe having fun is an important aspect of life.”
“Damn straight it is, especially for the kids. Luke does a hell of a job, but no one would ever hire him to be the activities director on a cruise.”
She kept quiet rather than agree, but she was surprised after all Luke had done for Dave, that he would be so disloyal. “I thought you two were friends,” she offered and pushed open the door of the Ninety-Nine Cent Store.
Dave caught the door and followed right behind. “We are, but that doesn’t mean we don’t butt heads occasionally. I think the art supplies are over here.”
Catherine quickly gathered up a dozen boxes of colored pencils. “We’ll need the little sharpeners too.”
“Here they are. The metal ones are best.” He grabbed a handful.
She paid for their purchases, and they walked back to Lost Angel with Dave again doing most of the talking. When they arrived, he went out to work on the grounds, while she stayed in the office to sort through the latest mail.
Shortly before noon, Luke produced a three-foot-wide roll of white butcher paper from the office supply closet, and walked Catherine over to the hall. “I thought I’d catch the kids while they’re lining up for lunch rather than when they’re full of spaghetti and yawning,” he explained.
“Good plan.” She swung the bag of pencils and sharpeners in rhythm with her stride. “I just hope there are a couple of artists in the crowd. I’m sorry I don’t have any examples to show. I should have gone by the library and checked out some art books.”
“You’re expecting a Renaissance masterpiece?”
