Page 25 of Finding Hope

“Well, I think he was looking at a lot more than your wares if he makes that kind of offer,” tamara said.

Claudia wanted to say something, but the truth of the matter was she kind of agreed with Tamara.

Tanya held up her hands.

“Okay we all know that Claudia is way talented. So, I’m Okay with not suspecting Austin of being a fraud. In this case he just recognized great talent. My thought is if he recognized great talent it must really be unique. Maybe we are short selling ourselves by going with the first pretty face that comes along,” Tanya said wiggling her eyebrows.

Tamara reached out her hand and covered Claudia’s on the table.

“You do know that at the end of the day the only thing that matters is what you want to do?” Tamara said looking deeply into Claudia’s eyes.

Claudia looked around the table and saw Tamara looking caringly and Tanya with the glint of ambition in her eye.

“If I were honest, I would say I was honored that he asked me. You know I’ve always been making patterns and sewing items as a hobby. It helped me to create beautiful things when I was in ugly places. It brings me a peace and a joy that isn’t like anything else. I also love watching people wear things that I made.”

Tanya put down her cup and then looked at Claudia.

“With all of those good things what’s the hesitation?” Tanya asked.

“What if – “Tamara interrupted her before she could even finish her sentence.

“Don’t start with the what ifs Claudia. None of us can know what the future will bring. We hope for the best and then what happens happens. I want you to know and I know I can speak for Tanya too when I say, if you want this? We want you to grab ahold of it with both hands and give it everything that you’ve got. We totally support you.”

Claudia had to blink back the tears stinging her eyes.

“I’m going to go for it. As crazy as it sounds. I’m going to go for it.”

Chapter Ten

Caroline knew she wouldhave to find some patience when dealing with Jess, but she didn’t’ know how much. When Jess arrived, she called from the farthest airport an hour away. When Caroline and Mark arrived, Jess claimed she couldn’t stay in the back seat because it made her sick.

Caroline realized that Jess was pregnant but her saying she was in the second trimester wasn’t really a date as far as Caroline was concerned. On the car ride back the only thing Jess could talk about were the good old days when it was just her and her father. She spoke about how lucky her baby would be, but her dad would take care of this baby just as well as he had taken care of her.

Every once in a while, Marc would look in the rearview mirror to see how Carolyn was doing and she would just turn her face away. What could she possibly say? saying the truth wasn't an option. They thought just was coming to find a place to rest but it seemed as though just had come to tell everyone how she was going to move in

Every time any mention was made up, she quickly changed the subject. Jess was coming home, and she didn't want to be questioned about how she got in this situation, but she wanted everybody to celebrate it as if it were the baby of the century.

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