Chapter 12 City Lights and Country Dreams
Chapter 12: City Lights and Country Dreams
Emma
The days that followed the first painting became very busy days. We had placed the painting on the front porch as agreed, and like I had predicted, it drew the attention of the townspeople. A man had paid instantly for the piece of art, on the agreement that it would stay on the front porch for at least another week to give us our desired audience until the next painting was ready.
So, I took my time creating more paintings. We had cleared out the basement to set up a permanent drawing room. Jack was more than supportive. He took over most of the cooking, and surprisingly, he did very well with just a few directives from me. He also went to the mall more regularly to fill our art supplies and all our other necessities.
We purchased a display board for the new paintings. It stood on the front porch. Flora supplied the store with attractive flowers and soon, there was a need to expand the space as we had more visitors dropping in.
Unlike the grumpy Jack I had met on my first arrival to Serenity Springs, Jack now had learned to warm up to people. He welcomed the customers with a smile that surprised them. He interacted freely, telling them the history of each antique that was in the store. He was no longer furious about the framed picture of Meg and Tess that now hung on the wall.
And when he was asked who they were by curious visitors, he didn”t hesitate to answer without a hint of sadness that they were family that were no longer with us. He refused pity; he told them it was in the past now.
I was proud of how much we were building together. I was living my best life: painting like I had always wanted to in the past, living with the sweetest man in Serenity Springs, and making changes in his antique store that had now become the town”s favorite place for sightseeing.
I tried reaching out to Sandy to talk about my newfound happiness, but she didn”t sound interested. Her responses were cold and short. I reasoned it was because of the last argument we’d had before I’d left. But then, I didn”t really owe her an apology. I was for once doing what I really wanted to be doing, and the least she could do was stand by me and support me as the friend she claimed to be.
My parents tried reaching out as well, but each time they called, it always ended in arguments about my reluctance to come home. What they refused to understand was that I had found peace. Just like the name, Serenity Springs offered a kind of oasis that contradicted my city girl”s life.
“We”re grateful to you for this development in our town, Emma,” Zain said. We were strolling through the newly laid foundation at the sides of the building for the expansion of the antique store.
“I”m glad I met you that afternoon when I left Jack”s store. Who knows? I would probably have left angrily and missed all of this.” I smiled.
“I did nothing. This was all you. And trust me, girl, you did a great job with your man and the entire Serenity Springs.” She tugged at my arm.
“Thanks, Zain. You and Flora have been very supportive, and I really appreciate it.”
“We”re glad to help. How long do you think it will take for the expansion to be completed?”
“We want it done before summer, so we”re looking at two months from now,” I told her as we got to the front of the store.
Jack was crouched down low next to a child. They were laughing happily as he crafted a balloon dinosaur for the young boy. It gave me a wild thought of how fulfilled I”d be if I gave birth to my own child. The mother of the toddler came out of the store to meet Jack. She retrieved her child from him and smiled appreciatively. I was lost watching the warm smile that lined his lips, jaw, and forehead.
“Cute,” Zain said beside me.
“What?” I questioned.
“Look at you! Admiration is drooling all over you,” she teased.
“Shut up.” I slapped her playfully.
Jack had turned towards us. He winked at me. He was wearing khakis and a white long-sleeve polo. He looked handsome as always.
“See you around, Zain.” I waved at her.
“Go, girl. Go get your man.” She laughed.
“Hey, babe.” He spun me around before dropping a light kiss on my lips.
“People are watching.” I beamed.
“Good, I’ll let them know how precious you are to me.”
“You”re just too kind.”
“You deserve it.”