“I’m sure she wouldn’t have contacted Desiree if she’d known about what happened before.”
“Look, it doesn’t matter. I didn’t want to be in the show, anyway. And whatever was happening between Amanda and me? Or what was starting? It had no future. She lives in NewYork. And I’m perfectly fine with my life here on Magnolia. Nothing would make me move back to New York.”
Megan eyed him closely. “Nothing?”
“Nothing.” He nodded his head roughly. “So I’ll go to the festival because of Brooklyn. But we’re not going to the art show.”
“I really think you should talk to Amanda. Explain it to her.” Megan pushed off the chair and walked over to him, jabbing her finger at his chest. “And I don’t think you should have pulled out of the show.”
“Megs. This is my decision.” He said the words more sharply than he’d intended. “Please, drop it,” he added more gently. She was just being a protective sister and wanted the best for him. He knew that. But her constant opinions and advice just opened old wounds he wasn’t ready to face.
Connor sat at the table long after Megan took Brooklyn out for a walk on the beach with the hopes of burning off some of Brooklyn’s energy after their long drive. Megan’s words looped through his mind, an endless chorus he couldn’t silence.
And as much as he wanted her to back off, to give him space to process his own feelings, he couldn’t deny she was right about some things she’d said. And it did annoy him that he was still dancing to Desiree’s tune, still letting her get under his skin and influence his decisions.
A sharp rap at his door brought Connor out of his thoughts. He got up from the table where he’d been shuffling papers, pretending to do paperwork. Why was Megan knocking? And why was she back so soon? She’d promised to take Brooklyn tothe ice cream shop after their walk. He tugged the door open and his eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected visitor.
The woman people called Miss Eleanor stood on his front step, a determined expression on her face. WhyMiss Eleanorand notMrs. Whatever-her-last-name-waswas beyond him.
“Mr. Dempsey. I’d like to speak with you.” It was clear she wasn’t asking his permission.
“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded, his manners kicking in automatically. “Would you care to come in?”
“No, this is fine.” She stood perfectly erect, a firm set to her shoulders. “We haven’t even been formally introduced.” She shoved her hand out. “Eleanor Griffin.”
He shook her hand, then slipped his hand back into his pocket, unsure of what to expect from this impromptu visit.
“Now, what is this I hear about you pulling your artwork out of the show?”
“I… uh…” He stammered, taken aback by her directness. Why was it any of this woman’s business? Was everyone going to be on his case about things that were his decisions to make?
She waved a hand. “I know you like your privacy. I get that,” she continued, her voice softening slightly. “I admit I like mine too. But I saw that carving you did, and it was… exquisite. You’re very talented, Mr. Dempsey. Your work has a unique quality that captures the essence of our small little town.”
“Thank you.” But it still was his decision to show his art or not. Even if everyone thought they had a say in it.
“That Desiree woman doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” Miss Eleanor said, her tone sharp. “She obviously doesn’t appreciate the real talent that went into all the work in the show. I don’t think you should let one review cause you to withdraw from the show. Your art deserves to be seen and appreciated by the community.”
“It’s more complicated than that.” He didn’t feel like delving into the personal reasons behind his decisions, especially not with a near stranger.
“Is it?” She arched a brow, her expression skeptical. “You’re a local artist. We need local artists to display their work at the festival. The festival is a celebration of the town. And our history. And what we’ve become now. Our local art is an important part of that. It showcases the talent and creativity that thrives here.”
“But I?—”
She waved her hand again. “You can make excuses if you want. But the town needs you. And you should want to show your work. It’s lovely. I saw it once on display at a gallery in New York City when I was visiting there.”
“You did?” The fact that she remembered seeing his work in the city years ago and remembered him caught him off guard.
“I did. You have a great talent, and it seems like a shame to hide it. It’s beautiful and you should be very proud of your work. I want you to at least think about putting your work back in the show.”
He nodded slowly, unable to resist the force of her impassioned words.
“And I know you’ve been dating Miss Kingston.” The change in subject was so unexpected he could hardly register it before she continued. “It would be unfortunate to let this situation jeopardize your relationship. She’s a remarkable woman, and she’s done so much for this town. We should all be supportive.” She gave him a meaningful glance.
“I… I’ll give it some thought.”
She turned to leave, paused, and then faced him once more. “And you’d be a fool to let one person’s opinion change the course of your life.”
With those parting words, she descended the stairs and marched off down the sidewalk.
