Page 107 of If My Wishes Came True
Marie greets me with a hug first. “What an exciting night for you, Jenna, dear. You’ve worked so hard this year, and look at how far you’ve come.”
It’s true. Since I wrapped up my design work, I’ve been devoted to painting. And I’ve earned enough money from commissions to believe this can be a sustainable career.
“Thank you, Marie. Taking your class was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
She wipes a tear from her eye.
“Yowza,” Odette exclaims before giving me a kiss on the cheek. “You’re a knockout.”
When she steps away, I look down at my dress again—midi-length and metallic gold, featuring a dramatic plunging neckline and flared skirt. With my red lips and blonde hair, I feel like Marilyn Monroe.
“It’s not too much? I don’t normally question my style choices, but I don’t want to take attention away from my art.” I glance at Christy, who looks incredibly chic in her black sheath and a tailored jacket. “Maybe I should borrow your blazer.”
My sister shakes her head. “First of all, you look stunning. Second of all, I need the blazer. I’m in ‘art agent’ mode, remember? That’s why I’m here—to get you sales,” she teases.
“Honey, your paintings are as stunning as you are,” Odette tells me, “so keep shining bright, and stop worrying.” She winksat me. “Besides, you already have guests.”
I look toward the opposite end of the room and spot a tall man in a baseball cap, dark jeans, and a gray long-sleeved shirt. He’s facing away from me, and I’m guessing he didn’t hear us walk in over the merengue music coming from the loudspeakers. Or maybe he’s just distracted by the adorable baby he’s wearing in a carrier.
“Dex Oliver,” I say as Christy and I walk toward him.
When he turns around, eight-month-old Stella squeals and claps her hands. She must just be a happy baby, because there’s no way she’d remember me. I met her once, about four months ago, when Charlie and I drove up to Beachwood for Sunny and Dex’s belated housewarming party. The Dexters have been living in their newly constructed dream home since before Stella was born, but decided to wait to celebrate, so their friends and family could meet her.
“Hi, little doll,” I say, grabbing one of her teeny, tiny feet.
“We came early so we can get Stella down for bed at a reasonable time. I hope you don’t mind,” Dex tells me.
“Of course not. I still can’t believe you guys drove all this way.”
“We wouldn’t miss it.” When Dex leans down to hug me, Stella giggles into my hair.
He wraps an arm around my sister next. “Hey, Christy. Good to see you.”
“This is the most beautiful child I’ve ever laid eyes on,” my sister gushes.
Dex half-smiles, then kisses his daughter’s head. “She gets it from her mother.”
“Speaking of Sunny,” I begin to say, but just then, I follow the sound of high heels clacking, and turn to see her walking over to us from the bathroom.
She looks more beautiful every time I see her. And it’s not like she’s changed much physically—it’s just the happiness she radiates. She’s married to the love of her life. They have a gorgeous baby girl. And she’s published two romance novels, which are flying off the shelves of every bookstore.
“I had spit-up on my dress…I think it’s all gone now,” she says, eyeing her shoulder before hugging me and Christy. “It’s so great to see you both. And congratulations, Jenna. Your paintings are breathtaking.”
“Thank you so much. That means the world to me.”
“Sunny can’t decide which ones she wants for our house,” Dex says, smiling at his wife.
“These Italian landscapes are just so beautiful,” she tells me. “We’re trying to narrow it down to three, but it’s tough.”
“Three?” I say in disbelief. “Wow. You guys are too kind.”
“Andyou’retoo talented,” Sunny quips back.
“Speaking of talent,” Christy chimes in, “if you ever need a literary agent, Sunny?—”
“You’ll be the first one I call, trust me,” she promises. “Your reputation precedes you—you’re the best in the business.”
Smiling, my sister shrugs one shoulder, as if to say, “She’s not wrong.”
