Page 58 of Always the Baker

He blinked at me. “Wait, you’re the artist? Billie Hopkins?”

“Uh, yeah. That’s me.” I tucked a stray hair behind my ear, suddenly self-conscious of my paint-splattered overalls.

“I’m Marcus Chen, from the City Arts Commission. We’ve been looking for fresh talent for our Public Spaces Initiative.” He thrusted a business card at me. “How would you feel about painting a mural in Town Square?”

My jaw dropped. Town Square? That was prime real estate, seen by thousands daily. This had to be a joke.

“Are you fucking serious?” I blurted.Real smooth, Billie.

Marcus laughed. “Dead serious. Your work is exactly what we’re after. It’s vibrant, unique. It would brighten up that concrete eyesore. I know it’s known as our concrete jungle but it needs more color and life.”

My mind raced. This was the break I’d been dreaming of since I was a kid doodling on barn walls. But could I really pull it off?

“I, um… Wow. I mean, yes. Absolutely!”

As Marcus rattled off details, I felt a giddy lightness bubbling up inside me. I couldn’t believe I was going to paint a mural in the heart of the city.

Maybe I wasn’t such a nobody after all.

I clutchedthe business card like a lifeline as I paced around in Brax’s penthouse. My mind was a whirlwind of excitement and doubt. This was my shot, my big break, but the enormity of it was overwhelming. What if I screwed it up? What if everyone hated it?

My phone buzzed.Brax.

“Hey, pooh,” I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Sweetheart! How’d your day go?” His deep voice filled my ear. It was warm and eager.

I took a deep breath. “I met a guy today. He wants me to paint a mural in Town Square.”

“Holy shit!” Brax whooped. “That’s incredible. I knew you could do it!”

“I don’t know, Brax,” I mumbled, twirling a paintbrush nervously. “It’s such a huge project. I mean, the mural I did in Jasper Lane was a big deal but nothing like this. What if I’m not good enough?”

“Hey, none of that,” he said firmly. “You’re amazing, Billie. Your art speaks to people. This is your dream, remember?”

I sighed. “Yeah, but…”

“No buts. You’ve got this. And I’ve got you. Whatever you need. Supplies, coffee runs, a cheering section? I’m there.”

A warmth spread through my chest. “You’d do that?”

“In a heartbeat,” he replied without hesitation. “This is your moment, Hopkins. Grab it with both hands.”

I looked at the blank canvas on my easel, imagining it blown up to mural size. Maybe, with Brax as my own personal cheerleader, I really could do this.

“Okay,” I said as a smile curved my lips. “Let’s do this.”

Two Weeks Later

I stoodin front of a massive concrete wall in Town Square, paintbrush in hand. My sketch had been approved, my supplies were ready, and a small crowd of onlookers had gathered to watch. Since I figured that would be the case, I made blueberry and banana nut muffins for them, which led to a lot of people asking about my baking services. As much as I enjoyed it, I made it clear I was only available for wedding cakes… but I loved that they loved my treats.

“Deep breaths, Picasso.” I turned to see Brax grinning widely and holding two cups of coffee. Him and that gold diamond grill.My man, my man, my man! “Thought you could use a boost.”

“My hero,” I said, gratefully accepting the cup. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

Brax laughed. “Nah, you’re going to demolish this.” He nodded toward my sketch. “That design is fire. The Hills won’t know what hit it.”

I took a sip of coffee, letting his confidence wash over me. “Thanks for being here.”

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