“It’s not too bad,” Harper told him with a shrug. “It’s been a little more difficult since I increased my hours at the clinic, but we manage. Granddad’s neighbors and friends are wonderful. They take him to some activities during the week and pop in to see him when I’m not there. Where did you learn about glassblowing?”
At some point, Harper was bound to ask him that question. Even though he’d practiced what he’d say, the words didn’t come any easier. “A friend invited me to a retreat. One afternoon, we visited a glassblower who tutored classes for beginners. I enjoyed his demonstration and enrolled for his next set of workshops. I did those and then moved on to the advanced classes.”
“I remember you enjoying art at school, but I never thought you’d own something like this. You must enjoy glassblowing more than being a police officer. “
Owen started to say the same thing he told everyone when they asked why he’d left the police force, but it didn’t feel right. “Has Daniella told you why I moved here?”
Harper frowned. “The only thing she told me is that you’d left the Detroit Police Department.”
He picked up a pair of large tweezers and placed them with his other tools. “Eighteen months ago, someone shot ten people in a shopping mall in Detroit. My best friend died in my arms. We were called to the mall to talk to someone who was caught shoplifting. The teenager had a gun and…” He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart.
Harper placed her hand on his arm. “Are you all right?”
He nodded and refocused his thoughts. “Afterward, I couldn’t sleep. I wasn’t interested in eating, and I was terrified of going back to work. I did some counseling and changed to a desk job for a few months. Nothing helped until I started the glassblowing course.”
Harper’s eyes filled with a sad, faraway look. “It’s good you found something to help. I was struggling with everything after the last wave of COVID-19 hit New York. Everyone at the hospital was working long hours and there were so many heartbreaking moments. I tried finding other hobbies to take my mind off what was happening, but there weren’t enough hours in the day. All I did was make my life even more stressful.”
Owen watched her face closely. “Is that why you came back to Montana?”
She nodded and sent him a wry smile. “I stayed with Mom in Polson for a few months and visited Granddad during the week. My mom’s great, but I wanted to be more independent. When Granddad’s mobility became an issue, I moved here. I was only supposed to visit for a few weeks, but we got along so well that he asked me to stay. Now that I’m working at the medical clinic, I finally feel as though I’m getting back on my feet.”
He looked at the dark circles under her eyes. “How’s the sleeping?”
“Not that great. I’ve tried everything, but nothing stops the nightmares.”
Owen moved across to the annealing oven. “When I can’t sleep, I run until I’m exhausted. It seems to help with my nightmares, too.”
“I enjoy bicycling, but I don’t go out at night. I need to be home for Granddad in case he needs extra help.” Harper pointed to the oven. “What does this do?”
He showed her the annealing oven and the steel table where the glass was shaped. He found himself talking more than usual, explaining every detail, perhaps overly conscious of Harper’s gaze on him.
“The colors in the finished pieces start here,” he said, guiding her to the colored glass rods and powders. “Choosing the right combination can really bring a piece to life.”
Harper was intrigued by the small chips of glass that added texture and color to each piece he created. It was a relief to see her genuine interest as he explained how he used them.
Her eyes landed on the collection of glass balls with flecks of pink, red, black, and white inside them. “These are beautiful. What inspired you to make them?”
His nerves eased as he shared the story of the paperweights. “When I was younger, Dad would take Daniella and me on adventures around the lake. We had competitions to see who could collect the most colorful pebbles. We even found gemstones. I wanted to incorporate all the color and beauty of the lake into something my customers will like. I made them as paperweights, but they could be used for a lot of things.”
“They’re gorgeous. Can I hold one?”
He nodded and watched Harper gently cradle a paperweight in her hands. “I’m hoping the tourists who visit Sapphire Bay will love them. They’d make amazing gifts. Ben, the owner of the gift shop at the Christmas tree farm, wants to sell them, too.”
“Are you selling them at the festival?”
Owen studied Harper’s face as she looked at the other paperweights. “That was the plan, but Ben saw them yesterday and wants me to keep at least two dozen for his store. I won’t have many left for the festival.”
Harper replaced the paperweight. “They’re gorgeous. I can’t believe you’ve only been working with glass for a short time.”
“It was a steep learning curve.” As they talked, Owen realized he was enjoying sharing his studio with Harper. When she checked her watch, he felt a twinge of disappointment. “Do you need to leave?”
Harper nodded. “Granddad’s neighbor will be leaving soon. I’ve really enjoyed myself. Thanks for showing me around.”
“You’re welcome. If you want to learn how to make a glass vase or a bowl, I could show you another time.”
“That’d be wonderful.” Harper pulled on her jacket and walked toward the front door with him. “Good luck with everything for the summer festival.”
“You, too,” he replied. “Thanks for texting me about the shelves. Jackie’s picking them up tonight.”
