Chapter 35
Jeanie
“Sometimes life frays us, but it’s up to us to mend and make something beautiful from the threads that remain.”
—Eloisa Hobby
Jeanie cast her ballot for “Creepy Dolls Redeemed” and not just because it was her granddaughter’s project. She genuinely thought the mosaic was the best artwork of them all.
Eloisa had promised to help Jeanie bring the culprit to justice, but she’d wandered off somewhere and Jeanie couldn’t help thinking she’d slipped the whimsical woman’s mind. Was Luna right? Was Nanette the one who’d destroyed their quilt?
What did it really matter? What was done was done. Time to be a good sport and congratulate Nanette. She’d prove to Luna and herself she could let go of grudges.
Jeanie navigated through the bustling art show, her eyes briefly lingering on the vibrant displays and the lively faces of attendees. The air was thick with excitement and the subtle hum of shared appreciation for the arts.
As she approached Nanette, who stood proudly beside her winning quilt, a swirl of dark emotions tugged at Jeanie’s heart.
When Nanette saw her, she looked scared and backed up. She raised her palms. “I won fair and square!”
Jeanie mustered a smile over gritted teeth. “Yes, I saw. Congratulations, Nanette. Your quilt is something special.”
Nanette’s eyes widened in surprise. “You . . . you’re not mad?”
“I’m not a sore loser. You deserve your prize.”
“Thank you! I still can’t believe it. But I heard about your quilt . . . I’m so sorry, Jeanie. It’s just awful what happened.”
The words, meant to be comforting, stung, but Jeanie held on to her composure. “Yes, it was unfortunate. But today is about celebrating the winning artists and their talents.”
Nanette embraced her quilt still hanging from the frame, hugging it tight. “It was my original design. I didn’t steal it from your daughter.”
Obviously, the woman was feeling guilty. Jeanie had to bite her tongue to keep from saying something that would cause a scene. She wouldn’t spoil this day for Artie. “Enjoy your time in the spotlight.”
Jeanie turned to see Sharon hovering nearby. Her friend reached out and gave Jeanie a quick hug. “You’re a class act. Nanette doesn’t deserve your compassion.”
“I’m sorry your quilt didn’t win,” Jeanie said.
“It’s okay. I’ll be coming away from this summer with your friendship. That’s enough for me.”
“Aww, what a sweet thing to say.”
Sharon’s mouth twitched but she didn’t quite smile and gave Jeanie another hug.
Pulling back, Jeanie said, “Well, I better get back to my family.”
“Maybe we could have dinner later?”
“Luna is planning on taking the girls out to celebrate their blue ribbon.”
Sharon looked disappointed. “Oh, yes, you’re right. Sure. Have fun.”
Jeanie gave a small wave and went to find Luna.
Near the ballot box, her daughter was talking to Clare while Artie and Orion were posing for pictures with their artwork.
Just then, Eloisa returned, and she had Paul with her.
Luna’s head immediately whipped around to track Paul’s movements. His face was solemn, and Jeanie noticed he didn’t make eye contact with her daughter. Was he angry with Luna, or did he have something on his mind?
Eloisa stepped up to the microphone. “Folks, one of our category winners has been disqualified. Any votes cast for ‘In a Summer Meadow’ by Nanette Marston will not be counted and the quilting category will not be eligible for the grand prize. The runner-up, Sharon Rooney, will collect the five-thousand-dollar category prize.”
Someone gasped, and murmurs ran through the crowd. Sharon squealed, “Oh my heaven!”
“Nanette Marston,” Eloisa said in a stern voice. “Please return the check you were given.”
“Hey!” Nanette said. “Disqualified? For what? It was my design! I swear it!”
Eloisa’s tone brooked no argument. “Please go with Paul Chance. He’ll explain everything to you.”
Nanette whipped her head around to where Paul was coming up behind her. “What’s going on? Just tell me.”
“Not in front of everyone, Nanette. Please come with me,” Paul said.
Nanette looked panic-stricken, her gaze frantically darting a look at the exits.
“This way,” Paul said kindly and extended his arm.
Eyes wide, Nanette reluctantly took his elbow, and he escorted her from the pavilion.
The pavilion swelled with whispers as Eloisa clapped her hands and raised her voice to be heard above the private conversations speculating about what had disqualified Nanette.
“The votes have been counted by the judges and we have a hundred thousand dollars to give away.” Eloisa motioned to Dot. “The envelope, please.”
Dot walked up the steps to hand it to her.
Eloisa opened the envelope. “Well, isn’t this just the bee’s knees! The moment you’ve been waiting for, our grand prize winner!”
Folks hushed up quiet as church mice. Jeanie, still reeling from the hullabaloo, took several long, slow, deep breaths and crossed her fingers. Please let it be Orion and Artie.
“And the winner is . . .” Eloisa paused for an exaggerated wink. “‘Creepy Dolls Redeemed’ by Artie Boudreaux and Orion Chance!”
The crowd erupted in raucous cheers for the girls. Artie’s eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped open as Orion let out a loud “Woo-wee!”
Luna applauded madly and Jeanie joined in.
The girls hurried up to the stage, Orion pushing Artie up the ramp again. Eloisa presented them with a four-foot check. “Your doll mosaic takes the cake! Congratulations!”
Eloisa handed the microphone down to Artie.
Artie beamed at the crowd. “I wanna thank my mom and Gran for always believing in me. And my best gal pal, Orion.” She smiled shyly. “You saved me out there on Opportunity Ridge and I’ll never forget it.”
Then she passed the mic to Orion, who gave a speech of her own thanking her father for letting her beachcomb to her heart’s content and Artie for being her friend.
Jeanie was so proud of them. Overcoming challenges had brought the girls closer.
As people rallied around the girls offering a fresh round of congratulations, Eloisa walked off the stage and came over to Jeanie.
In a soft voice, Eloisa said, “Please follow me.”