Eden’s eyes widened when the school bell rang. It was hard to believe she’d been here for two hours.
Excited chatter filled the air as the students hurried back to their chairs. After Diana reminded them about their homework, they rushed to their parents and caregivers waiting in the corridor.
“You did it,” Diana said with a wide smile to Eden. “How do you feel?”
“If I said amazing, it’d be an understatement. I enjoyed every minute.”
Diana looked at her thoughtfully. “I can see why you enjoyed teaching so much. The children already adore you.”
Eden blushed. “Thank you. It feels good to be back in a classroom.”
Diana’s eyes softened with understanding. “After you told me what happened in Boston, I can’t imagine how difficult today must have been.”
Eden nodded, taking a deep breath. “I was worried too. But it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Being here has made me happy.”
Diana reached out and squeezed her hand. “You’re doing an amazing job. If you ever need to talk, I’m here for you.”
“Thank you,” Eden said, feeling a lump in her throat. She glanced around the empty classroom, her eyes landing on a board filled with photos of the students helping in the community. “This school is special. I can see how much everyone cares about each other.”
“That can be a good and a bad thing,” Diana whispered with a smile. “Especially when someone in the community disagrees with something we do.”
Eden didn’t mind a little controversy. It was good to push people’s boundaries and try new things. Especially when the outcome could be better for everyone.
Steve was choosingsome pieces of metal to weld together when Owen walked into his workshop. He was holding two mugs of coffee and looking far too relaxed for someone who was organizing another exhibition.
“Hey, Steve.” Owen looked at the model of the piece he was creating. “Nice sculpture.”
“Thanks. It’s supposed to be finished by the end of the month, but I’m not sure if I’ll make the deadline.”
Owen handed him a mug of coffee. “Have this. It won’t make you work any faster, but it tastes good.”
Steve took a sip and sighed. “It’s the new coffee blend from The Starlight Café.”
Owen grinned. “As well as being a talented sculptor, you’re a coffee connoisseur. It’s no wonder you’re my best friend.”
Steve frowned. Owen only brought coffee to the workshop for two reasons. “I know Harper’s keeping you busy with wedding plans,” he told his friend. “So, you can’t be bored. That must mean you want something.”
Owen placed his hand over his heart. “I’m here with the best of intentions. I’ve been thinking about your work.”
Steve’s eyebrows rose. “What about it?”
“I know you don’t want to have a full-blown exhibition of your work, but have you considered doing a smaller display?”
Steve took another sip of coffee. He knew Owen was trying to help spread the word about his sculptures, but he had enough work to keep him busy for the rest of the year.
Undeterred, Owen continued. “If you’re worried about having to talk to potential customers, you could combine your display with my next glass exhibition. We could have a common theme, make it an immersive experience for the people who come to see it.”
Steve put down his coffee. “An immersive experience?”
Owen grinned. “Harper gave me a subscription to a fancy arts and crafts magazine. I read an article about increasing visitor satisfaction in art studios and thought of you.”
“I don’t think exhibiting my work is a good idea.” As if on cue, Steve’s phone buzzed. Seeing his dad’s name on the screen, he hesitated before answering. “I’ll just answer this, Owen.” Before he missed the call, he slid the green telephone icon across the screen. “Hey, Dad.”
“Have I caught you at a good time?” his father asked.
“It’s fine. I was just talking to Owen. How can I help?”
Trevor cleared his throat. “I wanted to thank you for the glass bowl. I’ve put it on the coffee table in the living room. It looks great.”
