Hannah’s eyes darted to Brett.
“Congratulations,” he said quickly. “I don’t know what being an artist-in-residence involves, but anything that gives you more time to paint would be worth it.”
It was almost as if his words extinguished Hannah’s excitement.
She looked at her sister. “What about Perfect Staging? When I first looked at the residency, we didn’t have as many clients. You can’t run our business on your own.”
“I could hire someone to help me.” Claire held onto Hannah’s hands. “This is a huge honor. Artists from around the world want to be part of this program. A lady from the university left a message on our answering machine. They’re really looking forward to having you on campus.”
Brett focused on Hannah. She still didn’t seem convinced that the residency was for her. “Where is the university?”
“It’s in Vancouver. It’s a twelve-month program.”
His heart sank.
“They need to know if I’m accepting the position by the end of January.”
“That’s not far away,” he murmured.
“I wouldn’t start the residency until mid-April. At least that would give Claire and I time to find someone to help her.”
“Exactly,” Claire said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity.”
It probably was, but Brett couldn’t find anything exciting about Hannah’s news. “I need to go back to work. It was nice seeing you again, Claire.”
“Same here. Let me know if my truck is in your way. I can move it somewhere else.”
“It’s okay where it is.” He left the attic, walked out of the house, and called himself every fool under the sun. Keeping away from Hannah wouldn’t be a problem in a few months because she would be gone.
***
“What have you done to Brett?” Claire asked.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you do. The man practically ran from the attic when you told him the residency program is in Vancouver.”
“He has a thing about Vancouver at the moment.”
Claire smiled. “Are you sure he hasn’t got a thing for you?”
Hannah didn’t answer her sister. She didn’t need to. The heat in her face flamed hotter than the worst sunburn she’d ever had. “I’m not getting involved with anyone. Even if my application for the residency hadn’t been approved, I still wouldn’t have time for a relationship.”
“Of course you have time. Just because mom and dad hated each other, it doesn’t mean every relationship is bad. Look at Holly and Daniel. They can’t live without each other.”
“That’s different. They both have successful careers. They know what they want out of life.”
Claire crossed her arms. “And you don’t?”
“What I want is complicated.” Hannah carefully placed a wrapped painting into a wooden storage frame.
“It’s only as complicated as you want to make it.”
Hannah sighed. “I’m not like you. I can’t go with the flow and see what happens.”
“Thank goodness you’renotlike me. Perfect Staging wouldn’t be where it is today without your business plans and event schedules.” Claire leaned against the table. “But you can’t choose who you like and don’t like.”
“Yes I can,” Hannah said stubbornly. “All I have to do is focus on what I really want. If I let myself get sidetracked, I’ll never achieve anything.”
