"I can—" I started to say.
"Just say thank you," Fiona said. "Trust me, it's not worth getting into. If he wants to pay, let him. He needs to spend his money so badly, we can enjoy it." She picked up her wine and took a big sip. "Remind me to order the expensive stuff next time."
Reluctantly I picked up my bourbon, wrapping my fingers around the glass. It wasn't his money or my enjoyment I was worried about.
It was what he wanted in return.
7
LEAH
"It's a perfect day for a market."Louisa stopped at my table as I put the last of the paintings out on display.
"It really is," I agreed. I only had a handful of paintings, but no chair. Even if I thought to bring one, I didn't have a fold down one I could carry around. Tomorrow was going to suck unless everything sold quickly. Given the way pockets of people were standing around chatting, I suspected buying wasn't their priority.
"These are nice." She squinted appraisingly at my work. "I might have to buy one for the town hall. They'd look nicer there than an abstract cactus." She waved a hand at me. "Don't ask. The previous incumbent had…interesting taste."
I smiled. "Art is subjective, but I'd be honoured to have my work hanging in there. If you don't like any of these, I can paint something different. If you'd like something in particular." I preferred to be inspired, but I took commissions because I also needed the money. Rent was a lot cheaper here than at home, but I still needed to pay it and eat. Not to mention keeping my car running.
"I'd like something that represents the town and shows it in just the right light. Literally and figuratively. Let's discuss thatfurther at a later time." She nodded, her long plait swinging to the side.
"Absolutely, you know where to find me," I said. I adjusted a couple of paintings as she moved on.
"Leah!" Whitney came hurrying over, Fiona and Sarah a few steps behind. "Are you kidding? Your paintings are gorgeous!" She gave me a hug. "I'm never going to be able to decide which one I want."
"There's a simple solution to that," Fiona said.
"Buy them all!" Sarah shouted.
"I can get behind that solution," I said with a grin. I offered the kid a fist bump. She bumped with enthusiasm while clinging to her mother's hand, dragging Fiona to the side.
"Hey, careful kiddo," she laughed. "No one wants to see me face plant on the grass."
"I refute that statement." Whitney's eyes were shining. "But wait until I have my phone out so I can video it." She gave Sarah a 'come on then' gesture with her hand.
"How about you don't?" Fiona said, pulling Sarah back toward her. She playfully scowled at Whitney.
"Spoilsport." Whitney sniffed in pretend indignation, a smile pushing at the corners of her mouth. "Seriously though, Leah, these are amazing. I wish I could paint like that."
"Me too," Sarah said. She touched one of the canvases carefully and gently with the tip of her finger. "I feel like I can smell the trees and feel the wind."
"That's what I was going for," I said softly. I liked when people got what I was trying to say through my work. For me, it wasn't just about making something pretty, although that was part of it too. I wanted people to feel like they were right there. Like they could step into the canvas and be in the exact spot I sat and painted.
"You're talented," Fiona said.
My face was still heating from the compliment when a couple of shadows stepped into the corner of my sight.
"Talented?" Connor scoffed. "Let me see, Whit." He all but elbowed his sister out of the way to stand in front of my paintings. The way he looked at them made me want to hide under the table.
I couldn't read what he was thinking, but my mouth was suddenly dry and I swallowed hard.
"I think she's pretty good." Riley stepped over between Connor and Whitney.
"You wanted to buy one the other day," I pointed out.
Connor looked at him sharply.
Riley shrugged. "Maybe I felt sorry for you. Sitting there all by yourself for hours."
