20. Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty
T he next morning, I awoke to the soft chime of my phone. Blinking sleepily, I reached for it, surprised to see a message from Elias.
Good morning, Lydia! I hope you slept well. I was wondering if you'd like to meet up at the farmer's market this weekend to discuss some ideas for the seasonal gift sets?
I felt a flutter of nervous excitement in my stomach as I read his message. Part of me wanted to retreat, to maintain the safe distance I'd grown accustomed to. But another part— a part that was growing stronger with each interaction— yearned for more connection.
Taking a deep breath, I typed out a reply:
Good morning, Elias. I slept well, thank you. Meeting at the farmer's market sounds nice. Saturday morning?
His response came almost immediately:
Saturday morning is perfect! You can meet at my stall and can sit with me and we can go through ideas as I work? Are you going to open the store Saturday?
I bit my lip. I could have the store open later that day around noon instead of the normal nine in the morning.
I can put a note on the door saying I am opening late on Saturday. I just would like to be back to open my store around noon.
I sat anxiously in my apartment, staring at my phone as I waited for Elias's response. Opening late on a Saturday was not something I normally did, but the idea of spending the morning with Elias at the farmer's market was oddly appealing. Finally, my phone chimed with his reply.
That sounds perfect, Lydia! I'm so glad you're able to make it. We'll make sure to wrap up our discussion in time for you to open your shop. I'm really looking forward to seeing you and hearing your ideas!
I felt a warm flutter in my chest at his enthusiasm. It had been so long since anyone had been genuinely excited to see me or hear my thoughts. I typed back a quick reply:
I'm looking forward to it too. See you Saturday morning.
Before I could even set my phone down it went off again.
Soren wanted to come by before you leave to officially meet you too. Would that be okay with you?
I hesitated for a moment. I knew this was the last of his pack, so I knew it was going to happen eventually…and so far I have liked the other two, Finn and Lucian.
That is fine. Will he be there the whole morning with us or just after... or did you want to stop by my store after the farmers market is over?
I waited anxiously for Elias's response, my fingers tapping nervously against my phone. Meeting Soren felt like another big step, one that both excited and terrified me. When my phone chimed with Elias's reply, I took a deep breath before reading it.
Soren was thinking of stopping by your shop after the market, if that's okay? He's excited to meet you but doesn't want to intrude on our planning session. Maybe around 2pm like last time?
I felt a mix of relief and nervousness at the suggestion. Meeting Soren at my shop felt safer somehow, like having him in my space would give me a sense of control.
That works for me. 2 pm at my shop sounds good.
Elias's response came quickly:
Perfect! Soren's really looking forward to meeting you! I will be with him so if you want him to leave just tell me!
I gave a smile at his words before giving a last replay.
I will. See you Saturday.
As I set my phone down, I caught sight of the sketchbook I'd left open on the coffee table. The abstract drawing I'd created last night stared back at me, a visual representation of the complex emotions swirling inside me after dinner with Elias, Finn, and Lucian.
I picked up the sketchbook, studying the warm honey-gold swirls representing Elias, the strong earthy lines for Finn, and the bold steel-grey strokes for Lucian. My fingers traced the lines gently, remembering the feelings that had inspired each stroke.
A sudden idea struck me. I flipped to a fresh page and began sketching rapidly, my pencil flying across the paper as I tried to capture the image forming in my mind. Seasonal gift boxes, each one a miniature work of art that captured the essence of a particular time of year.
For autumn, I sketched a wooden box stained a deep, rich amber color. The lid featured delicate carvings of falling leaves and acorns, with hints of warm orange and red peeking through. Inside, I imagined jars of Elias’ preserves— perhaps a spiced pumpkin butter or a cranberry orange marmalade— nestled in a bed of dried autumn leaves.
Winter's box took shape next— a cool silvery-blue stain on the wood, with intricate snowflake patterns carved into the lid. Tiny crystals of "frost" sparkled along the edges. I pictured this box holding jars of winter inspired preserves, maybe a mulled wine jelly or a spiced apple butter.
As I drew, I felt a sense of excitement building. This was more than just a business collaboration— it was a chance to create something truly beautiful.
Spring blossomed on the page as a light, airy box carved with delicate cherry blossoms. Pastel colored jars of preserves peeked out from among pressed wildflowers and sprigs of fresh herbs.
Finally, summer emerged as a golden-hued box carved with sunbursts and waves. Bright, sunny jars of preserves were arranged with dried citrus slices and sprigs of lavender.
I paused when drawing the lavender, but I pushed it away and finished the last drawing. I went back and made comments on each drawing of the ideas of the preservatives. They were just small notes, but Elias was the expert when it came to flavors and such. He would have the say in that but I couldn’t help but write my ideas down. If I didn't it would bother me until I did anyway. He could just ignore my scribbles when I show him these.
I didn’t know how long I spent on the drawing, going back with watercolor pencils to add the coloring touches for each one with great detail. I made sure to show the different angles of each box in different angles.
“Perfect” I muttered, setting down the pencil with a smile. I just about jumped out of my skin when my phone alarm went off, telling me to start getting ready to leave for work. I blinked before sighing and putting the sketchbook on the table to get ready for the day.
I glanced at the sketchbook once more, excited for Saturday to get here quickly.