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“No. I have the most fantastic news.” Excitement radiates from his voice.
“What is it?”
“I just got off the phone with James Miller, the founder of the Paris Art Collective. His wife attended your art show and purchased the snapdragon piece as a birthday present for James. He’s beyond impressed with your artistic ability and wants to offer you a three-month artist residency at the Collective,” Gavin practically shouts with excitement. “Starting next month.”
“Are you serious?” I dance for joy on the sidewalk, not caring if anyone sees me. “How do you know? Please tell me this isn’t a joke.”
I’ve dreamed of doing a residency at the Paris Art Collective ever since I started painting. Some of the best artists in the world teach there, and it would be an incredible opportunity to improve my technique. It’s a highly competitive program, so I never thought I’d get an invitation.
“James called The Artist asking about you. His team is sending you an official offer via email next week. Babe, this is the real deal,” he assures me.
“This is unbelievable. I’m so—” I stop short when Waffles barks, pulling me out of my daydream. We’re near the marquee in front of Lola’s school.
Who would take care of Waffles if I accepted the offer? What about Dylan and Lola?
In the past, I always picked up and went somewhere new when an opportunity presented itself. Until now, I’ve never had people that I care about to consider.
“Marlow? Are you there,” Gavin asks.
“I don’t think I can go,” I whisper.
“What, why?” he asks, his tone frantic. “Wait… does this have something to do with that GQ hottie of yours and his darling little girl that you showed Matthew and me pictures of at dinner in New York?”
“I think I’m in love with Dylan,” I confess.
“Oh, Marlow. I’m so happy for you but also sad because I don’t want you to miss out on this chance. Do you want to talk more about it?”
“No, not right now,” I say softly. Dylan and I haven’t discussed our future yet, but I don’t want to disappoint him by leaving like Maddie did. It doesn’t matter that I would only be gone for three months. I worry that he won’t see it that way. He trusts me implicitly, and I would never do anything to jeopardize that, not even for an opportunity of a lifetime.
“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me,” I continue. “I would never have gotten an offer from the Collective if it wasn’t for you.”
“That’s not true,” Gavin scoffs. “If they hadn’t seen your work at The Artist, it would have been online or at another gallery.” He lets out a heavy sigh. “Listen, the official offer won’t be sent until next week, so why don’t you wait a few days before making a final decision? I fully support you trading in a life of travel for small-town living if that makes you happy. I just don’t like seeing you put your career and dreams on the back burner.”
“Thanks, Gavin.”
“Of course, babe, I’ll always have your back.”
I can’t find the right words to express how I’m feeling right now. If I accept the offer, it could jeopardize the chance of building a life with Dylan and Lola. And I can’t help but worry how Waffles would adjust to life in Paris after living in a small town like Aspen Grove for so long. This is his home… and it feels like mine too.
The school bell rings, and seconds later, kids spill out of the school’s front entrance.
“Gav, I have to pick up Lola from school now. Why don’t we talk about this later?”
“Yeah, of course. I’m here if you need me.”
I see Lola coming down the steps. Her backpack bounces as she hurries toward me with a toothy grin. I plaster on a smile when she looks my way, not wanting her to think anything is wrong.
I’ll tell Dylan about my offer from the Collective after the play. I’m not letting anything get in the way of Lola’s big night.
30
DYLAN
“HOW’S LOLA?” MARLOW ASKS AS we head to the school auditorium.
“She was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement when I dropped her off. At least we don’t have to worry about her getting stage fright,” I say with a chuckle.
My team at work has been dealing with several major setbacks with the Vanburen project, and I had to go into the office today to address an urgent issue. Fortunately, I still got to the school early, allowing me to accompany Lola to her classroom, where she’ll wait until it’s time for her to go onstage.
