Page 5 of All I Ask
I shake my head. “I haven’t had much time to paint, but I’m going to head out to the beach this weekend.” My hands have been itching to hold a brush. Painting allows me the time to just…breathe.
“Good. I’m excited to see what you come up with.”
“Me too. In fact, I might head out there a little early.”
Nina smiles, probably happy that the conversation shifted a bit too. “That makes me happy.”
It does the same for me. At least I have something of my own, even if only two other people in the world know about it.
Chapter Two
Teagan
Present
“Teagan, we’re back!” my mother announces as she opens the door dramatically.
“I see that. And soearly!” I say with a smile even though I feel like screaming and throwing a fit. “How was Europe?”
“It was fabulous. Your father was so tired, he went straight home, but I wanted to come see you…and the store, to make sure it was still standing. I’m never quite sure what will happen in my absence.”
My parents are wonderful people. No one can deny that, but my mother has a way of cutting me down. It’s little comments that let me know how much of a disappointment I am.
No one is more disenchanted with the way things have gone than me.
In high school I was voted most popular, most likely to succeed, most outgoing, and best smile. I was captain of the cheerleading squad, dated the captain of the football team. We were the all-American couple that was going to set the world on fire.
Being a single mother with no money, working and living in this town, was never in anyone’s version of my future.
“Why wouldn’t the store be okay?”
She touches my face. “You never know, darling. Things don’t always go to plan.”
“Yeah, plans, daughters, who knows what might’ve happened…”
Mom ignores my jab and walks around. “I see you sold quite a few big pieces?”
I close my eyes, release a breath and nod. “I did.”
“Good. How’s my granddaughter?”
“Going to ask you if she can adopt a cat or a horse or maybe even an entire zoo.”
“I think it would be hard to keep a horse in the apartment.” Her smile is wide as she shakes her head. She may not be the most wonderful mother, but she is the best grandmother. Chastity is the one thing I’ve done right.
“Yes, but you know her, she loves animals more than people. She’s going to be volunteering with Dr. Hartz, cleaning out cages and whatnot. She’s really excited about it.”
My mother clasps her hands together, and her eyes brighten. “Oh, that will be wonderful for her.”
“I agree.”
“And Dr. Hartz is such a good man. He’ll definitely teach her responsibility, how to deal with people, and other great skills. Things that she’s probably missing out on at home.”
Oh, Mom, please feel free to keep telling me what a bang-up job I’ve done so far.
“What does that mean?” I ask, unable to stop myself.
“Nothing, but the girl doesn’t talk to anyone, Teagan. She has no friends, no social life, she doesn’t do anything but read and talk to animals.”
