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“I’d prefer you save that for home.”
Ben laughs. “Good. I’ll see you in a bit, then.”
“I love you.”
“Love you more.” He hangs up before I can respond, and I roll my eyes as I get out of the car. Crazy man.
I walk down the awning-covered sidewalks of Main Street, making a mental list of all the shit I need to get done today.
The first stop is Quinn’s store, Paint and Paper. She manages the gallery while also creating jaw-dropping paintings herself. I need to find a birthday gift for Ben’s mom, and I know she loves all things handmade. Then I have to pick up a few things for the fundraiser before grabbing lunch with Ben. Which wasn’t on the agenda until now.
The door chimes as I walk through, my eyes adjusting to the shade of being inside. Quinn looks up from the reception desk with a smile that grows wider when she recognizes me.
“Hey, I didn’t expect to see you here,” I say as she comes around the desk to give me a hug.
“Normally true, but Kendra has a stomach bug.”
“Yuck for Kendra; score for me. I need help to find a gift for Ben’s mom.”
“Oh, Mrs. Crawford is hilarious.” Quinn grins. By the tone of her voice, she knows all about Sybil’s quirks. “Let’s take a look at what we’ve got.”
Quinn and I walk around the gallery, discussing the different pieces she has on display. The place looks like it could fit in on a street in New York with its oak wood floors, brick columns, and perfectly placed pedestals showing off the different art pieces. Each one is made by local artists, which I love.
Along the walls hang a multitude of paintings. Each one seems so different from the last but fits together when looked at as a whole. Quinn is a genius, I swear.
I find a sculpture of a man and woman that, at first glance, seem to be turning away from each other, but when you shift, the piece almost moves, and the couple looks like they’re embracing. It’s beautiful and mesmerizing. It’s also incredibly fitting for Dr. Charles and Sybil’s relationship.
There were a few moments during dinner the other night when I thought they were going to get into a full-on fight. But then I’d see a little twinkle in their eye as they looked at each other, and I realized that’s how they kept the spark, the liveliness, in their bond. Thinking back on the words they used, I realized they weren’t really fighting, even though it sounded like it.
“This is perfect,” I say to Quinn as I continue to stare at the sculpture.
“I love that piece. I’m almost sad it’ll be gone, since I won’t be able to look at it every day.” Quinn laughs.
“I’d imagine you feel that way about most of the art in here.”
“Too true.” Quinn grabs the sculpture and takes it up to the counter. She wraps it up to keep it safe, and I head out with a quick hug and asee you later.
Dropping the box off at my car, I head back down the sidewalk to finish my errands. Things have settled since the break-in. I don’t feel quite so on edge anymore, but that’s probably because of Ben being at my house full time. As weird as it was to have someone in my space, I’ve gotten used to it. So used to it, I’m not sure I ever want him to leave. I’ve kept that thought to myself, though.
Digging through the decoration bin at The Treasure Trove proves to be fruitless, which is annoying. I love my small town, but there are times when it would be nice to have the bigger box stores for some additional options.
I shoot a text to Ben, giving him an update.
Me:Decorations were a bust. Any other ideas?
Ben:You in a bikini.
Me:Not exactly what I was thinking.
Ben:But it would be hot.
Me:Focus, please.
Ben:We could take a trip to Greensboro. Get you some Lucky Charms Marshmallows while we’re there.
Me:I think I fell in love with you again. Is that possible?
Ben:Yes. Now, about that bikini? ;)
