Page 40 of Meet Me on Lilac Lane

“Just you,” she said. “The town council and I have been meeting everyone else via video chat. Of course, they will all be here in two weeks for the meet and greet.” Mia steered her bike around another pothole. “They will all have a chance to see the island, but there will be too many for me to escort around personally.”

Matt nodded. “How many competitors do I have?”

Mia laughed. “I wouldn’t call them your competitors. You’re already a shoo-in for approval. There is one other artist on the list and a total of about twenty applicants who will be coming over.”

“Another artist? I hope that won’t be a problem.” A muscle jumped in Matt’s jaw.

“I don’t see why it would be. There is plenty of inspiration to go around.” Mia gestured vaguely toward the water. “Plus, he mainly works with sculptures. Pretty soon there will be plenty of tourists too.”

They biked the last few blocks without speaking, only the calling of the gulls and the chattering of the people they passed breaking the silence. Beside her, Matt’s head swiveled as he took in all of the shops. Thankfully, the cleanup day had Jonathon Island putting its best foot forward. As much as she loved her little town, she wasn’t sure if Matt would appreciate its charms.

“Here we are.” She kicked down her bike’s stand in front of the storefront she’d been trying not to think about since being there with Cody. Beside her, Matt did the same. “This is the one that would be great for an art space. It used to be a gallery.”

She led the way into the building, being careful to test the doorknob before pulling it shut behind them.

Matt’s head moved as if on a swivel. “I see what you mean. I can see an area for displaying my work over there.” He gestured to the golden wall. “And the lighting in the other half here is perfect for painting.”

“Are you still primarily using oils?” It had been the thing that drew them to each other initially. They’d both taken to staying late after their oil class and working on their projects. “I remember your style as bold and dynamic.”

Actually, now that she thought about it, in college his style was dramatic and edgy, not something you would come to a quaint island village to hone or inspire. Huh.

“I’ve changed it somewhat. Softened the edges. I like to think I’ve matured since college.” He lifted his chin.

“Trying to say something different now?” The fresh paint smell in the building had diminished.

“More like trying to actually sell my works.” He smiled at her, a half-smile that implied a bitterness beneath it. “I decided the world wanted something different than what I was trying to offer it. So, I changed my technique, started painting pastoral scenes, and then my work began selling.” He looked away. “I really do enjoy painting them, but they’re very different than college. Maybe someday I won’t feel like such a sellout.” He crossed his arms and looked back at her. “Anyway, how about you? What are you working on?”

It was her turn to not meet his eyes. “I’ve not been doing much art lately.” Okay. Try not doing any art at all. “With the kids…”

“I get that.” Matt nodded once, a sharp movement that indicated he understood. “Wait. No. Actually, I don’t get that. With your talent, you could go places.”

“I have to be realistic. Keeping food on the table for my kids, single parenting…Having two little kids doesn’t leave much time for creative pursuits.” But still, hearing him remember her work warmed her insides like a cinnamon mocha latte on a winter’s day.

“I envy you, you know.”

“Envy me?” She held back the sharp laugh.

“Absolutely. You have this quaint life in a small town where everyone knows everyone. You have family nearby, kids, the whole package.” He moved closer to her. “Plus, you’re beautiful and talented. I’d love to share a life like that with someone.”

Her breath caught. Did he mean the two of them? She opened her mouth to respond, but he raised a hand.

“Sorry,” he said. “I’m coming on too strong. I’d be lying if I said you weren’t part of the draw to Jonathon Island though. When you said you were single again…”

She started to speak again, but the jangle of the door opening startled both of them.

“Oh. I didn’t know anyone was in here.” Cody stood in the open doorway holding a toolbox. Sunshine burnished his hair to gold, and his customary flannel rolled to his elbows was shades of blue, picking out the color of his eyes. Mia’s fingers itched to pick up her watercolors and find the exact hue.

“Cody!” She took a step toward him, putting space between herself and Matt. “Come and meet my old college friend, Matt Goldfinch. He’s the owner of Goldfinch Gallery in Grand Rapids.”

Matt stepped forward too, standing next to her a few feet from Cody. “We were in several classes together. Our Mia was top of the class each time.”

Cody’s eyes flicked over Matt. They paused on his expensive shoes, his jacket, his hundred-dollar haircut. A muscle flexed in Cody’s jaw.

“Any friend of Mia’s.” Cody thrust his hand out to shake Matt’s.

“Thanks.” Matt nodded once. A beat later, he stuck out his hand and the men shook, their eyes boring holes in each other.

Probably time to break up this little love fest. “I’m showing Matt around town today.” She waved her hand in a circle to encompass the store. “I wanted him to get a feel for where his gallery might go.”

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