Page 18 of Until Then

Laughing, she squats to pet Wonton, who’s stopped in front of her. “I guess I get it.”

“I can’t believe you’re still in your honeymoon phase.”

The words come out a little sharper than I mean for them to. I really am happy for my sister. Even so, I can’t help but wish I could find love like that, too. I’ve yet to find the kind of guy who’s ready to settle down and live out a fairy tale with me.

“I think when you meet the right person, it’s always like that. We disagree and fight at times. But we love each other too much to stay mad for long.”

My sister has stars in her eyes every time she talks aboutReid. I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if he’s planning a proposal soon. He’s just as head over heels for her.

“I promise I’m okay at Derrick’s,” I say when her expression morphs back into one of concern. “You don’t need to worry about me, promise.”

I might not be in the best headspace, but I am okay. That has to count for something.

“As long as you’re sure.” She presses her lips together, studying me like she’s looking for a sign that I’m not.

“We’re doing okay. He works a lot, so I barely see him.”

Though when he’s home, I’m usually trying to shove something green down his throat. He turned his nose up at the green smoothie I had for breakfast this morning and that was before I could offer to make one for him.

“So, what’s your plan while you’re here?”

Shrugging, I wander over to the section of her store where she keeps a wide selection of pottery for painting. “Right now, I’m taking a break and seeing where life takes me.”

“Are you going to vlog?”

I’m studying a pig with wings when the question registers, and my body involuntarily stiffens. I set it back down beside a unicorn horn. I’m sure both trinkets are popular with the kids. “I might, but I’m not going to force myself.”

As I say it, I swear the camera in my tote bag gets ten pounds heavier.

“And today, I’m going to paint one of these, then take a walk through town.” I look back over my shoulder at my sister, hating the worry swimming in her eyes.

I’mfine. Maybe notgood, but I am okay. That has to count for something.

“All right.” She crosses her arms over her chest, stillwearing that concerned expression. “Why don’t we go get lunch? I can close down the store and?—”

“You don’t need to do that.”

Her face falls. Dammit.

Quickly, I say, “But I’d love to have lunch with you. Only if you want to, though. I don’t want my presence in town to negatively impact your business.”

“It couldn’t possibly. We’ll go after you finish your project. Pick a piece.” She flicks her fingers at the wall of pottery and heads back to the front.

I end up choosing a plate. Yeah, it’s a boring choice, but I’ve gotten it into my head that I want to make a collection of dinnerware full of pieces painted by me or by someone I love. An eclectic mix of pure happiness.

I pick out my colors, then squirt dollops of each onto the palette. I might not be an artist like my sister, but I still love the creative break.

When I’m settled on a stool, Wonton skedaddles over to lie at my feet.

I spend the next two hours meticulously painting little flowers around the edge of the plate. Layering the paint so that it will show up once it’s fired in the kiln takes forever, but it’s relaxing. Cleansing. And when I’m finished, I’m impressed with what I’ve created. For a first attempt, it’s damn good.

“Please tell me you’re almost done.” Via wanders over to my side, wrapping her cardigan around her body. It might be hot outside, but it’s downright frigid in here. “I’m starving. Do you hear my stomach?”

She points at her belly, and, as if on cue, it rumbles.

“I’m done.” I angle back from the table. “What do you think?”

Leaning in, she studies it with a soft smile. “It’s beautiful, Izzy.”

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