"I already talked to Saylor about creating a website, and I want to start filming videos right away."
"Oh, I videoed some of what you did yesterday. You think we can use it?"
"Let me see," I asked as she got out her phone and showed me the clips.
There were many clips of me talking to students and teaching from my easel while I painted. "This is perfect."
"You want to do it now? We can create social-media profiles, and this could be your first video. We'll caption it My First Class or My First Love, something like that."
"I love it." I got out my computer, and we spent some time creating online profiles and debating what my online persona should be on the various social-media sites. Then we edited the video into several different clips that could be posted daily.
"You could do so many things. But it would be cool if you shared your inspiration too. Like, do you see sea glass on your walks on the beach, and the color inspires you to paint something?"
"I'd have to think about that. But it's a good option." Now that we'd made a substantial first step into this new business, I was excited in a way I hadn't been all summer. It was the combination of that class and Hazel's and Brady's encouragement that pushed me this far. "Thanks for helping me."
"You're welcome. I'm so excited for you. Now, when can Saylor get to your website?"
"She said she could do it in the next few days. But I'd be spending my savings on it."
Elena lifted her hands like a scale and said, "Which one feels better? Going back to school or starting this art business?" She raised and lowered her hands while she waited for me to answer.
"I want to do the art business. It might not be successful, and I could always go back to school."
"Or it could take off, and you'll be making tons of money and enjoying your life doing something you're passionate about."
"That feels like a dream right now." It was scary to think about my videos being viewed and shared, but what if they inspired someone? What if they made someone's life better? Wasn't that what I always wanted?
Elena got up and washed her cup in the sink, setting it on the drying rack. "I'd better get back before someone asks where I am. Hudson's covering for me."
"Does Dalton know you're here?" I walked her to the door.
"He doesn't. Hudson wouldn't tell him that." She hugged me tight. "Let me know how many views you get with your first post."
"I'm sure it will take a while for it to gain traction."
"You never know. Post one a day, and start making more. I'll send you a link to a stand you can get so you can film by yourself."
"Thanks for stopping by and helping me out."
Elena winked at me. "That's what friends are for."
I was creating a life here on the island, and whether things worked out with Dalton didn't matter. I'd be okay, even if everything inside me wanted to stay right here in this house. It might not be what Dalton wanted.
Elena was just backing out when Dalton pulled up.
Confused as to why he was home so early, I stepped toward the door, wondering if Lilliana wasn't feeling well.
When he opened the door, I asked, "Is Lilliana okay?"
"Yeah, she's with my mom." His words were clipped.
Now I was really confused. "Are you not feeling well?"
He threw a thumb over his shoulder. "Was that Elena leaving?"
"She helped me with a few things." I wasn't sure I was ready to share my plans with him yet. Yesterday, he hadn't seemed supportive of my desire to start a business.
"Are you moving out?" Dalton asked abruptly, and I startled.