Page 103 of The Maverick
“You made it?” Ellen asked.
“I studiedbotany when I was in college. I love plants, and these give me a reason to work with them again. I hope you like this one.”
Ellen’s terrarium was inside a round glass bowl with an opening on the side.
“I’ll be back in a moment.” I walked back into my office, grabbed my laptop, and brought it back to the table. “Would you like to see the wedding pictures? We just got them.”
Ellen nodded eagerly. “I’m dying to see them.”
I placed the laptop in front of them. “Take your time. I have to help Willow with something.”
“Don’t worry about us. Do what you need to do,” Gigi said. “Thank you for the terrariums. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I wanted to. Thank you for the flowers. I need to go get a vase for them.”
After speaking to another customer who wanted to meet me, I got a vase, added water, and placed the beautiful flowers inside. The white daylilies and lilac irises looked stunning.
I placed the vase on the desk and sat down at the table next to Gigi.
“The pictures are mesmerizing,”Gigi said with tears in her eyes. “He looks so happy. I’ve never seen him like this.” She reached for my hand. “You brought him back to life, Nessa.I’m sorry if I was angry or cold with you.”
“No worries.” I smiled. “You’re his mom, so you have every right to worry. You and I didn’t know each other well then, but that’s going to change.”I placed my other hand on top of hers. “Know that I won’t hurt him. I love him.”
My heart thundered at the admission. The power of the words filled the space with immense joy.
Gigi cried and embraced me. “If his mom were still alive, she would be so happy.” She drew back and looked at me. “Susan and I were good friends.”
“You guys make a gorgeous couple.” Ellen dabbed her eyes. “My li’l bro is all grown up.”
I didn’t know what had changed from last week, but I welcomed it. I was sitting with my mother and sister-in-law, having a wonderful conversation. This day had turned out better than I could have imagined.
While Gigi examined the terrarium from different angles, I said, “You know my real name isn’t Nessa, correct?”
“That’s your artist’s name.” She lifted a shoulder. “Kind of like an author’s pen name. How would you like us to address you?”
“Nessa is best for now. Thank you.”
“This terrarium is stunning and so unique,” Ellen said. “Have you thought of making them to sell?”
“Great minds think alike.” I beamed. “I thought that just now in my office.” With hope thrumming inside me,I stood and gestured to an area by the wide window. “I could set up a display there for people to see when they walk by. The gallery could offer unique plants and other art besides paintings. What do you think?”
“That’s a splendid idea,” Gigi said. “I know many people who love terrariums and plants. I’ll send them this way. Just let me know when you’re ready.”
“Not everyone can afford expensive original art, but they can buy plants in unique containers,” Ellen said.
“Or smaller works from various artists,” I added.
“Exactly.” Gigi smiled. “People love unique things. You can sell these terrariums for a higher price than other places because you’re the artist.”
“I agree.” Ellen held hers up. “I love this so much. It’s like a little world.”
“Thank you.” I clasped my hands together. “I’m excited about this new addition.” I’d reach out to Shauna Casey, the artist who made the glass containers, for a quote for more orders.
“Thank you for having us,” Gigi said. “I know Attikus will travel for business soon. When he returns, come over for dinner.”
“I would love that.”
They stayed until they had to leave to meet up with some friends.
