‘I have an idea in my head, but I rarely stick to it because a lot depends on the way the glass sits together. Flexibility is the key.’
He watched her select several pale green bits.
‘Petals,’ she announced, then fished a yellow stone out of a drawer. ‘This will be the centre of the flower.’
She played with the arrangement, swapping one piece of glass for another until she was satisfied. Then she started on the next flower, while Rocco marvelled at her patience.
When his phone rang, he considered ignoring it, fearing it was his mother.
It was Claire, however, so he decided to answer in case there was a problem with the purchase. Excusing himself, he went to stand by the door so he could slip outside if there was an issue.
‘Hi, Claire,’ he said softly. ‘What’s up?’
‘I thought I’d let you know I’ve bought the picture.’
He lowered his voice. ‘Thanks, I appreciate it.’
‘If I can do anything, or if you need anything else, give me a call.’
‘I will.’
‘Beverly tells me you’re taking some time off?’
‘That’s right.’
‘Any idea when you’ll be back?’
‘Wednesday, probably.’
‘Don’t enjoy yourself too much, will you? We need you here.’
‘And you’ll have me in a couple of days.’
‘Good, because the place isn’t the same without you.’
Rocco wasn’t sure how to respond to that. ‘See you soon,’ was all he could come up with. ‘Bye, Claire.’
He put his phone on silent and slipped it into his back pocket. ‘Sorry about that,’ he said to Giselle. ‘Where were we?’
‘Iwas making a picture.Youwere asking questions.’
‘It’s the best way to learn,’ he quipped.
‘The best way to learn is to do something yourself, not watch someone else do it.’
‘Are you suggesting I should have a go?’
‘Why not?’
‘I’m not in the least bit artistic.’
‘Give it a go,’ she urged, pushing a blank piece of card towards him.
‘What should I make?’ he asked, pulling up another stool and staring at the card apprehensively.
‘You can make the same as me, if you like.’
‘OK. What do I do?’
