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“Definitely weird,” Audrey responded. “She’s back to being the icy woman I first met.”
Jared took Audrey’s hand. “I think she’s nervous.”
“About what?” London asked.
“She doesn’t usually have people over. Not people that she genuinely cares about. She wants to make a good impression.”
“When doesn’t she make a good impression?” Audrey asked.
“Ooh. There’s bread,” Nikki said, jumping up from the couch.
They all migrated toward the table. Everyone was paired off except London, so she sat next to Gram.
Putting a napkin in her lap, Gram asked, “You don’t have a nice guy to bring to dinner? Or a nice girl for that matter?”
“Nope. I’m single.”
“Me, too. We can have a good time together. How did you meet my Audrey?”
“We’ve done some work together, but mostly we hang out at my place and drink cheap wine.”
“You’re my kind of gal. What do you do?”
“I’m an artist.”
“Really? I never met one of them before. You make good money doing that?”
“Sometimes. And other times...well, you’ve heard the saying starving artist.”
Mia and Logan came into the room each carrying a huge tray of food. Jared jumped up and took the tray from Mia as Logan set down a golden-brown turkey.
“Wow, Mia. This looks amazing,” London said.
“Thank you.” She picked up her glass of wine. “Before we get started, I’d like to thank you all for coming. I haven’t had a family dinner party in...well, ever.” She blinked and smiled. “I’ve hosted cocktail parties and galas, but entertaining a small group of people who matter hasn’t happened because of my father and the repercussions of his actions. Thanks to all of you, I finally feel ready to move on with my life, and I feel blessed to have you as part of it.”
Mia raised her glass and they all joined her in a toast. Then the table erupted into happy chaos as food was passed around and people talked and shared stories.
London looked around and felt more part of this family than she had her own.
ChapterSeven
Ezra was looking forward to a peaceful day in the studio. Bronte was still up in Wisconsin and since it was Black Friday, most people were either descending on the malls or hiding in their homes to avoid the crowds. No one would be calling or interrupting him. He considered what he wanted to work on.
He still had several items to make for custom orders, so he should work on that, but he wanted to make some other things for the shop, gifts that would appeal to people stopping in, looking for a quick gift. He took inventory of what was on the shelves and glanced out the window. Bronte had been nagging him to decorate the front window with paint and fake snow to make it look more festive and draw people in.
He’d prefer to just make a display of items for sale. If he took some time today to create holiday-themed items, they’d be ready for the window and maybe Bronte would leave him alone. A couple of candy or cookie plates, some red and green vases, and maybe a tree topper.
That thought led him to think about London again. She was growing on him. She was more serious about the work involved in the art than he’d given her credit for. And she was beautiful. And funny.
He pushed those thoughts aside and began making a vase to put on display in the window. Bronte had been selling things quickly, in part due to the classes she’d held over the last two weeks. She’d been right that students would buy more from the shop.
Now that meant he needed to create more pieces for a holiday display. He decided to make a red vase and a green vase. And maybe one with gold streaming through it. That would look festive. Then, over the next few days, he’d start making ornaments that would be stocking stuffers or special gifts. By the end of the week, the window would be full. Mostly.
He worked and managed to get two vases done before late afternoon. The sun was gone, not that he’d seen any of it today anyway because the cloud cover was gray and dark. Snow was expected and it looked like Chicago weather wouldn’t disappoint.
His phone rang. Bronte. “What’s up?”
“Don’t kill me.”
