Page 9 of Making A Mess of Things

She bit back a smile. She quite liked what he thought of her, “beautiful,” which was a total shock.

“I have a hairstylist.” He handed her a business card. “She can fit you next Friday morning at 11 sharp. You must be there on time, or she won’t take you.”

“But—”

“I know you don’t have much money, but Megan has provided a nice budget for you, and you can’t wear your hair to the event like that.” He looked worried. ”Not to make you cry or anything.”

She laughed. “I’m not that fragile. It just seemed overwhelming, and I was thinking about my mom.”

“You must miss her.”

“I do. Megan said you lost yours, too. I’m sorry—"

He abruptly stood. “I think this will do for the morning. I know you have classes to teach. Thank you for coming in. Leave your portfolio here so I can review it. I’ll be in touch.” He strode out of the office without a backward glance.

She stood. What had just happened? Maybe talking about his mom was too painful. Or her time with him was simply done. Too bad she was starting to kind of like him.

Daniel Wilson was a puzzle. She still wasn’t sure what to think of him as she walked through the art gallery admiring the pieces. They were all so different.

She stopped in front of a large one in the gallery's center. It had bright, bold red flowers against a black background, and its signature read Bethany Wilson.

She bit her lip and remembered Megan saying Daniel’s mother was an artist. He didn’t like talking about her much, but he had given up his college education to come home and care for her.

The piece was stunning yet haunting. She wandered through the rest of the gallery. Wouldn’t it be astonishing to have her work displayed here?

She pushed through the door into the bright sunshine, softly humming. Her phone buzzed. Megan.

“Hey, Sis,” she said.

“I see you didn’t kill each other.” Her sister laughed. “Unless I’m talking to your spirit.”

Suzy rolled her eyes. Megan loved the paranormal. She was always up for a good ghost story.

“It went well,” she said.

The line was silent.

“Megan?”

“Yes, I’m here. I’m surprised that’s all. You two seemed like cats and dogs.”

“Hey, some cats and dogs get along quite well.”

“But most don't,” her sister replied. “I am happy you two are warming up to each other, but keep your relationship strictly professional.”

“Don’t worry, he doesn’t even like my hair. He set me up for an appointment.”

“That’s wonderful. Now we must go dress shopping. We’ll get you something fabulous,” Megan said. “It’s on me.”

“You don’t need to.”

“Trust me, Brent loves you, but he definitely doesn’t want you or Stinker sleeping on our couch anytime soon. Besides, when you are a famous artist, you can pay me back or, better yet, take me on another trip to Paris.”

“It’s a deal. Thanks for this push. I appreciate it, even though I didn’t initially.”

“Are you free tonight to go dress shopping?”

“After my class, yes. Won’t Brent miss you being gone so much this week?”

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