Page 22 of A Small Town Spring

I leave lunch with Pete feeling like I’ve actually gained a real friend.I also have Fernanda’s number and Pete’s promise that he’ll broach the subject of my staying at his house with Kingston.

If Kingston says yes, I’ll have to confront the confusing nature of my feelings about him.But that’s what grownups do, isn’t it?

Eleven

I letmyself into my studio after my lunch with Pete, thoughts swirling around in my head so fast I close my eyes just to shut out another sensory input.I breathe in the mingled toxins of oil paint, turpentine, and lead pencils, then go to open a window.This garage-turned-studio is not climate-controlled, and while we’ve had a mild summer so far, the humidity levels are steadily increasing.I’ll need to get a few fans out here soon.

So many paintings fill the space there’s barely any room left to work.Still, I have two unfinished canvases on the easels.One is the barely started painting of the country cottage.The other has the mostly finished portrait of the cottage’s owner.I remove the foam board covering that one, remembering where I left off, noting the finishing work I need to do, estimating it might be completed in another work session or two.

Why did I paint it?Because I couldn’t not.

It doesn’t make much sense, but that’s the only explanation I have.

Ivy’s car wasn’t in the drive when I arrived home, and I’m surprised when she knocks on the open door of the studio while I’m still studying Kingston’s portrait.

I turn to greet her without covering it up, though I selfishly want to keep him to myself for a little longer.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”She gives me a small smile, then shifts her attention to the painting behind me.“I didn’t know you were working on portraits.”

Somehow saying I’ve only been working on this one seems too revealing.“Um.Something new.”

“It’s really—” She moves closer, takes a deeper look.And then she turns to me and her eyes are full of something—regret?“It’s something special.”

“Thanks,” I say, not sure how to interpret her mood.“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, just wanted to tell you I’m going to the city this weekend, so you know, you’ll have the house to yourself.”

“I might have a lead on a place,” I say.“So I could be out of here sooner rather than later.”

“Really?Where?”

Saying I could soon be living at Kingston’s house seems odd when his face is still dominating the room.I pull the foam board back over the canvas and pretend I didn’t hear her.“I’ll keep you posted.”

“What about Luna?”

“What about her?”

“Can you bring her with you to your new place, or do you need me to keep her?”

I try to picture Luna stalking around Kingston’s place and my heart sinks.I highly doubt he’s going to want cat hair on his designer threads or his velvet armchairs.“Um, I’ll get back to you.”

She sighs, a bit impatiently.“Okay, well, when you have everything figured out, let me know.”

“Hey, I am figuring things out, I promise.”

“I’m sure you are,” she says, turning around and walking out without another word.

Kingston’s text comes when I’m deciding if I should get to work or find a nearby pet-friendly motel.

Pete says you need somewhere to stay for a while.You’re welcome at my place.I’m leaving for a work trip to California tomorrow, but Pete has a key, so you can let yourself in anytime.Make yourself at home.Just make sure you put the trash cans out to the curb on Tuesdays.

The offer makes me feel wholly inadequate.And yet I’m in no position to turn it down.

I appreciate this, Kingston.One question—and feel free to say no, as she can stay with Ivy—but can I bring Luna, my cat?

There’s a slight delay before he responds.

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