Page 138 of Five Days to Be Mine

I ignore the ache in my fingers and keep going, vowing to make an appointment for a good hand massage. It was Sabrina, my old boss, who told me to get hand massages by a massage therapist to protect longevity in this field.

I kind of miss Sabrina and Kyle, even though they were toxic.

But you can miss someone even if they aren’t good for you. I know that from my dad.

Thankfully, I have Arthur and Miranda for Evan to meet, well properly, and my mom and Bryan. I can’t wait to tell my mom the story of how we met and I know she’ll laugh and say that instant love, whirlwind romances are hereditary.

Lost in putting on the finishing touches of this fish, I have no idea what time it is but see that it is darker outside.

I’m covering the last eye with an orange hibiscus, when I feel Evan at my side.

“That’s the prettiest fish I ever saw.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh yeah. You’re very good at this, Mara.”

I am blushing to the roots of my hair.

“Thanks,” I whisper, concentrating on getting the last of the mouth covered.

I put down my tools, circle the fish and take a picture. It’s an array of colour and I love it.

I text Steff a picture and five minutes later my door bursts open.

“This is better than I could ever have imagined! Thank you! My client is going to be so impressed!”

“I’m happy you like it.”

“I love it! Is there a way to pack this up for transport?”

“We can find something.”

I have a couple of utility shelves that aren’t all that organized, but I rummage through and find some cardboard and foam.

“Can you hold that piece there?” I ask Steff.

Evan comes around and between the three of us, we’ve wrapped this awkwardly shaped sculpture.

“Open it from the sides and you’ll be good,”

“I can’t wait for them to see it! I'll tag you in all the photos.”

“Thanks.” I smile.

“Got to get this to them! Have a good night.” Steff dashes out the door, holding the box away from her.

“It’s going to make it, right?”

Evan laughs. “Yeah. Steff always comes through for her clients.”

“Good.” I’m smiling wildly at him and I don’t know why, other than it feels very good to have him in my workspace. I giggle and Evan raises a cool eyebrow at me.

“I was thinking that I like having you in my work space. But I might like you being here better when I’m not working.”

“Oh yeah?” He pulls me against him and kisses me, his tongue twirling with mine.

“Hmm-hmm.”

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