“I even took a class.” He added.

“Excuse me,” Daisy quickly said, walking towards an elderly couple. I watched her greet them jovially before returning my attention to the ongoing conversation.

“Oh, really?” Jacob was also surprised. “I never knew you had some artsy spirit in you.”

“Well, I guess it’s fun to try something new.” Jason chuckled.

“I’d love to see your work sometime,” I offered.

“Our Clara is an artsy one.” Jacob asserted, glancing at me with knowing.

“Really?” Jason asked, intrigued.

“But I do not paint.” I immediately rejected the title.

“She is more of a natural art connoisseur or a keen art enthusiast. She sees things deep.” Jacob smiled.

“I see,” Jason smiled.

“Yeah,”

“I wonder if you could analyze my paintings, I want to see if you will see what I imagined that manifested on the canvas.”

It sounded like a challenge to me.

“I can try,” I chuckled.

“I will hold you to that. You know, you are quite an impressive woman.” Jason complimented.

“Thank you.”

“Can I have your number or the address of your coffee shop, so we can arrange for you to analyze my artwork?”

“Let me know when you are ready and I will arrange the meeting,” Jacob said before I had a chance to respond.

“I wonder if she could analyze me too, I believe I’m a worthy artwork.” Tom joked.

I chuckled.

“Oh, Wendy!” Jason exclaimed, looking sideways.

“Wendy?” Tom immediately traced his gaze with unparalleled urgency and then, both Jacob and Jason burst out into laughter. I figured they had played a fast one on him.

“Who is Wendy?” I whispered to Jacob.

“Tom’s wife.” He responded.

I excused myself and went to the restroom.

As I stepped out of the restroom, I gave my dress a smooth tug and flicked my hair behind my shoulders, settling it into place. I took a deep breath, ready to return to the party. However, as I turned around, my eyes fell on the woman coming out of the restroom.

Mrs. Bradley.

Though I had seen her earlier, I was still surprised to see her up close.

“Clara?” She raised an eyebrow, clearly as surprised as I was.

“Hello, Mrs. Bradley.” I greeted her, feeling a wave of conflicting emotions rush through me.