“Yeah. It would be nice to chill on the couch and eat girl dinner with you while we watch something ridiculous on TV.”
“That sounds better than nice,” he murmured.
“Did you do anything besides nap today?”
He shrugged, the muscles of his shoulders flexing. I tried not to let my eyes wander, but I couldn’t help it. He didn’t seem to notice though.
“I woke up before dawn and decided to get some work done. I had a piece that I’ve been trying to finish for a couple of weeks, but it wasn’t coming together right.”
I’d never seen anything like his sculptures. Some were small enough to sit on a table. Others were larger, maybe the size of a floor lamp, but he also made larger scale pieces from time to time as well, usually commissioned. He revealed more of himself in his art than he did when he spoke. There was a vulnerability to his work that he never seemed to share with anyone else…except for our lunch of Friday. I saw it then.
“Did you finish it?” I asked.
He nodded. “I’m bringing it to the gallery tomorrow.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing it.”
“Good. It’s for you.”
I knew my eyes were huge. “What?” I whispered.
“You inspired the piece, which means it belongs to you.”
My mouth was hanging open so I closed it as I stared at his face on the screen. Finally, I said, “I have no idea what to say.”
“Thank you?”
A small laugh escaped my mouth. “Thank you.”
“Maybe don’t say it until you see the piece, in case you don’t like it.”
“I’ve liked all your work so far. At least the work I’ve seen.” I cleared my throat because it wanted to close. No one had ever made me anything before. Not like that.
“Good.” He paused and changed the subject. “So, I’m hoping that your offer of girl dinner at your place means that you’re going to give me a chance to spend time with you.”
“It does.”
“Does that mean I can take you lunch tomorrow?”
I bit my lip. “I’m not sure.”
“We’ll take it slowly,” he replied.
“That sounds good.”
“It sounds good to me, too.”
We talked for another half hour before I yawned.
Elijah’s expression was tender as he said, “I think it’s your bedtime, pretty girl.”
“I think so, too.”
“Sweet dreams.”
“You too, Eli.”
For the first time since Friday I slept soundly when I went to bed.
