Page 142 of Something Tattered
Joel stared in obvious disbelief. "Just like that?"
Feeling embarrassingly smug, I nodded. "Just like that."
Technically, I might've been oversimplifying things just a little. There was still the matter of the paperwork, but really, that was just a formality. Although Claude was responsible for selecting the final candidates, I was the person who signed the actual award letters. And unlike that sports agent, there was no way on Earth that I'd be backing out.
Feeling insanely happy, I spent the next few minutes going over the basic details. In the process, I also reminded Joel that the award came with a generous stipend. I finished by saying, "So anyway, you'll be getting your first check within the month."
For some reason, this made him frown.
I asked, "What is it?"
He shook his head. "I don’t get it."
"You don't get what?"
"It's a lot of money. How come you don't get any?"
I knew what he meant. The foundation paid generous stipends to six strangers a year, even as the house and everything else crumbled around me.
But things weren't that simple.
I tried to laugh. "Because I'm no artist."
But Joel wasn't laughing. "I'm serious."
Damn it.This washismoment, not mine. Hoping to ease his concerns, I said, "Okay, the truth is, the foundation was set up years ago while my dad was still alive. It was my mom's idea, actually. Anyway, that money is totally separate."
For Joel's sake, I summoned up a smile. "But that's a good thing."
He didn't smile back. "How so?"
"Well, for starters, it means the money won't get diverted into unrelated stuff." I gave a shaky laugh. "Like a new furnace."
If anything, his gaze grewmoretroubled. "That money, you should have some of it."
It was a sweet thought. And I loved him for it. But I hated that my own problems were interfering with what should be a happy moment.
I reached for his hand. "Just stop it. This isgoodnews." I gave his hand a squeeze. "We should celebrate."
And so we did.
We made it a night to remember, with champagne on the patio, and mind-blowing sex afterward. That night, as I lay cradled in his arms, I considered how lucky we'd been to find each other.
He wasn't cursed. He was amazing. And it was long past time that good things flowed his way. I fell asleep with a smile on my face and love in my heart, even if I didn't quite have the guts to say it yet.
I knew why. I wanted him to say it back, or even better, say it first.
But would he?
Chapter 63
"You'll need a studio," I said. "You know, someplace to paint."
We were sitting in the breakfast nook, devouring pancakes and bacon. It was the day after I'd given him the good news, and I was still so excited, I could hardly contain myself.
"Yeah, about that," Joel said, "I've been thinking."
I leaned forward. "Me, too."
