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I have a feeling I know where this is going, so I sit back in my seat, ready to hear her plea. “I’m listening.”
* * *
WREN
I spend more hours in my art studio than anywhere else, and I’ve come to love it here.
It’s made me re-evaluate where I want to be. And what I want to do.
Painting is not only a hobby, it’s my passion. Maybe it’s time to stop hiding behind other’s creativity. Maybe it’s time to shoot my shot.
My eyes glide across the dozen pieces I’ve either completed or almost completed since finding this treasure trove, and a sense of accomplishment fills me from head to toe.
Having tried palette knife painting several months ago, I’d quickly discovered it made the images in my head spring to life on canvas, so I’ve spent this time attempting different subjects.
Flowers and landscapes have always been my preference, but I’ve discovered a joy in portraits I’d not expected to feel.
There is an assortment of people amongst the canvases. Ford, Jules, Lucia, my friends. There is one of Mom, too, but the majority are ofhim.
A booming laugh from across the hall makes me sit up straighter, silently swearing at the owner of that glee. My tactics have amounted to a steaming pile of shit. He hasn’t so much as acknowledged a single practical joke or tried to retaliate once.
I begin to pack up with a scowl in preparation for my walk with Elodie—and Ford—when my cell rings. I check it, and my mood instantly dissipates when I see it’s a video call from Matt.
“Hey, handsome. Where have you been this week?”
Matt’s wide grin lights up my screen, and I can’t help but answer with one of my own.
“You miss me or something?”
“Or something.”
He chuckles as my smile brightens. “I’ve just been busy with work. Doing the job of two people isn’t the easiest; I’ll have you know.”
My smile dims. “I’m so sorry, Matty—”
“I’m kidding, Wren.” He snorts. “I’ve been busy with some family stuff, that’s all.”
Some family stuff is generally code for bullshit with his father.
“If there’s anything I can help you with…”
He shakes his head, blinking heavily. “It’s been handled, Neve.”
His tone is more serious than I’ve ever heard, and when paired with the use of that pet name, I know not to push it. I open my mouth to ask if he wants to join me and Elodie, when Ford walks in, appearing behind me on the screen.
“The car is ready for you, Miss Caputo.”
I glance toward him and nod in affirmation before turning back to Matt. “You know I might not be living minutes down the bay from you at present, but I’m stillhereif you need me. Okay?”
His lips lift in a pursed half-smile. “Talk soon, Wren.”
The screen goes blank, leaving me staring at my frowning reflection before Ford’s movements behind me draw my attention. I shift in my seat, finding him perusing my artistic endeavors with a small smile.
“Your ability to capture a moment and bring it to life is a true talent, Miss Caputo.”
A blush rises on my cheeks as I busy myself tidying up. “Th—Thank you.”
Once I’ve organized the space, I turn to leave as Ford hands me some mail. “These are from your house in South Brook. Vaughn has the ones for your mother in his office.”
