Page 16 of The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean

Dad leaned back in his chair like he was glad to be out of the hot seat.

Course after course, the ache from Mandy’s call with Isa didn’t completely go away, but the food was heavenly, and soon the three were sharing a crème brûlée and sipping port. Mandy always felt so fancy with the tiny glass of sweet red wine.

“Thanks again for all of this,” she told them.

“We really are so proud of you.” Mom had tears in her eyes.

“Best meal I’ve had in ages,” Dad said as he flagged down the waiter, probably realizing that Mom would be in full-on sobs soon—like she had been earlier at the graduation. “I think we’re ready for the check now, but you might have to roll me out of here.” He rubbed his stomach with a hearty chuckle.

“It’s already been taken care of.” The waiter pulled a card from his breast pocket. “This is for you.”

Mandy took the card. Written in some of the neatest handwriting Mandy had ever seen wasNo more frowning. If you want to get to know the unknown, call me.Mandy flipped the card over.

Edmund Prince — International Finance Manager

Mandy couldn’t help but smile.

Chapter Eight

December 2006

Winter in Southern Californiawas weird. Especially after those winters in Europe that were so blistering cold Mandy thought she would never be warm again. But as her flip-flops slapped the pavement of Main Street, the chill in the air didn’t bother her at all.

When Mandy first left for Europe, she had only intended to stay a few months. But three turned to four, which turned to six and then a year and half later Mandy had finally come home.

Being back was surreal in a lot of ways. Everything was basically unchanged, but at the same time everything was different. The trees were taller, and Mandy’s favorite art supply store had moved, leaving her padding along the street in search of its new location. Her time overseas changed Mandy, not just as an artist but as a person. She seemed to see life in brighter colors, and even though Mandy wasn’t sure what she was going to do next, she felt excited for what could be. She missed her friends,especially Sophie, but it wasn’t the ache she’d had when she first got to Europe all alone.

Today, Mandy headed to Grace’s Art and Supply in search of a canvas. She enjoyed stretching her own, but there was something in Mandy’s head and heart that ached to get out, so she couldn’t wait any longer. And she desperately wanted to see Grace too. The middle-aged woman had always been a sort of mentor to Mandy, so coming home would never be complete without seeing one of her favorite people.

Finally, the familiarding-ding-donggreeted Mandy as she walked into Grace’s.

“Look what the cat dragged in.” Grace Chan herself chuckled from one of the registers. “Your mom said you were coming home, and she showed me pictures, but I want to hear it from you. How was it?” Just like every day Mandy had ever come into the shop, Grace was dressed in paint-splattered overalls and a tie-dyed T-shirt. Grace’s had always held a number of art classes, and from the looks of the new larger location, things must’ve been going well. Mandy still needed to set up her own workspace, but that would happen in time.

“Inspiring,” Mandy breathed.

“It is, isn’t it?” Grace tied her long black graying hair around her hand and used a pencil to secure it to the top of her head. “I remember my first trip. I didn’t want to come home either. I thought for sure we’d lose you to the Louvre or Rijksmuseum or the Palace of Versailles”—Grace sighed longingly—“or the pastries.” She winked.

“Oh, Grace, it was so incredible. All of it was.” And from there the conversation flowed as smooth as a cappuccino. Graceleaned in and listened with her whole body as Mandy went on about her favorite places and all the secret nooks and crannies that Europe had to offer. Then Grace would respond and share some of her own. She had a way of understanding Mandy that not even Mom did—although she always tried.

“What did you think of her in person?” Grace set her elbows on the counter and propped her head on her hands.

Mandy closed her eyes, taking her back to the moment she stood in front of Berthe Morisot’s art for the first time. She was one of the first women to break through into the good old boys’ club of Impressionist painters, and she was beyond talented. It was a shame most people still didn’t recognize her by name. “Her work isn’t the same in person as it is printed in books, you know?” she said, and Grace nodded like she knew exactly what Mandy was talking about. “It’s like standing there, you can really see the purpose behind each brushstroke. She wasn’t trying to hide anything or cover it up, it was all right there on the canvas. Crisp. Refined. Intentional. Like she knew she was good, and why shouldn’t she know?” Mandy sighed, and Grace smiled. “I don’t know. I just felt seen. Even if it was for just a moment. Does that make sense?”

“Completely,” Grace agreed. “I’m so glad you got to experience that in person.”

“Me too.” Mandy let out a long breath. “I could talk to you all day about this.” Mandy glanced at the clock on the wall of paintbrushes. “Yikes, I kind of already have. But I know you’ve got other things you need to do, and I have this idea…” Mandy launched into excruciating detail about the depth and scope of her next project. “I’m going to need a canvas. A big one.” Mandy stretched her arms out as wide as they would go.

A sly grin crept up on Grace’s face. “I have just the thing.”

Grace led Mandy toward the back of the store, and just as Mandy had expected, right into Grace’s workroom. “I had the urge to stretch this the other day, and now I know why.”

It wasn’t the standard size that canvases generally came in but narrower and longer, just how Mandy’s mind had envisioned. She had figured she would’ve needed to buy multiples or find a way to make it work with what was available, but this…this was perfect.

“How much do I owe you?” she asked.

“Oh. I know the owner, so I can get you a good deal.” Grace winked. “I’ll bring it up front so you can wander around.” And with that Grace lifted the canvas and walked out before Mandy could argue with her. Not that Grace would allow it.

If Mandy loved Grace’s store before, she was even more in love with it now. There were twice the number of options, which seemed like both a blessing and a curse, but today more of a blessing. She already knew exactly what she needed, but that didn’t stop Mandy from checking out the store’s new layout.

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