Team Storm
Remmi
Mom and Cindy spent the morning shopping in town. Shopping local is a passion of mine. I know how hard it is to make a go of a small business, and so many of the stores in town are fighting to stay alive. The bakery is always full, and so is the diner, but shops like Dina’s boutique have to compete with the big-box stores. Dina carries quality clothes and is an in-house seamstress herself, to make sure the customer leaves happy. She added a children’s selection a few months back, and that seems to have brought more traffic to the store. Carly’s place was the first shop to carry my pottery. When she called me a week later to tell me she’d sold every piece, I was so happy that I shouted for joy right in her ear. She didn’t mind and told me to bring her more.
Since then, my business has expanded, and Carly’s shop is very popular. I make sure never to let Carly run low on stock.
Jackson opted out of shopping and stayed back with Wolfie and me. He joins me in the workshop and watches me work, entranced by seeing a lump of clay turning into a serving tray. He asks a million questions. “How do you know how much to use?” “Why do you put your hands inside?” And when the piece I was working on slanted and I had to start over, he said, “No one would have noticed.”
“Would you spend two hundred and fifty dollars on an uneven tray?” I ask with a giggle.
“No offense, Remmi, but I wouldn’t spend that on a lump of clay,” Jackson returned, looking a little guilty for saying what he thinks.
I wipe my hands clean and take him over to my finished products, which are glazed and ready to go. He hasn’t seen this part yet, and when he does, his eyes light up. “This is the finished product. You see, there’s a long process in getting a piece ready to sell.” I jerk my head back to the pottery wheel. “That’s stage one, and it’s much more involved than just shaping clay. After that, the clay is fired and baked to make it strong and sturdy. I worked hard on my first vase, but because there were air bubbles I didn’t know about, it burst in the kiln. I was devastated that the work I’d put into it was gone just like that.” I snap my fingers, then pick up a jewelry box I made, painted in the majolica technique. “My favorite part is making them look pretty and knowing that I created something beautiful. This alone can take me hours.”
Jackson takes the jewelry box from my hands and feels the smooth lines of the surface. “It’s beautiful, Remmi. Thanks for reminding an old man how difficult it is to pour your heart and soul into your work and not get the recognition you deserve,” he says quietly.
“Hey, this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s cool. I’m only telling you because I want you to know that I can take care of myself financially. I created something I’m proud of, and I want you to know more about the person I am.” I nudge his shoulder with my own. “Besides, most guys aren’t into this stuff anyway.”
Jackson puts his arm around my shoulders. “You’re a good person. And very talented.”
I want to give him a big hug because I know he’s still feeling embarrassed, but the door opens, and Mom and Cindy come in to join us.
“Oh my God, look at this place!” Cindy exclaims with glee. “I saw some of your stuff in town, and I was blown away.” Cindy sees Jackson holding the jewelry box. “Honey, is that for me?”
“Sorry, Cindy. That piece is earmarked for an order I’m putting together. I was just showing Jackson around,” I say, letting Jackson off the hook.
Jackson adds, “I’m hoping Remmi will make one for you.”
“You don’t have to?—”
“You put a lot of love in what you create. I never realized how much goes into making a gift like this. Thanks for explaining it to me,” he says. “Plus, I can’t say no to my wife.” He gives me a wink.
“If that’s the case, I’ll pick out a few more items,” Cindy jokes with a laugh.
I’m showing Cindy some of my work when my cell phone rings. “It’s Wire,” I tell them, then go off to the side to have a little privacy.
“Hi, honey, are you okay?” I ask.
“Hey, baby. I’m good. I wanted to check in. We came across a solid lead, and I’m going to be gone a few more days,” Wire responds. “Are you doing okay?”
“I’m fine. I was worried about you, and I’m glad you called. Your dad’s been with me today. He’s learning all there is to know about pottery,” I kid.
Wire chuckles. “I’ll bet he’s loving that.” His voice gets lower and more serious. “Phoenix, Rebel, and Bull are joining us. Phoenix doesn’t want Kailyn left alone. He’s going all daddy crazy on us, and the kid hasn’t even been born.”
“She can stay with us,” I say without hesitation.
“It’ll be a full house, babe. Maya and Sadie?—”
“We’ll make it work. It’ll be like a slumber party,” I tell him. “Maybe even Gertie can stay.”
“Gertie’s going to visit her son for the week. But next time for sure,” Wire responds. “I need to talk with Dad for a second. Can you give him the phone?”
“I love you,” I whisper.
“Me too, Remmi,” he returns. “Be back as soon as I can. Promise.”
“Holding you to that,” I respond. I walk over to Jackson and hold the phone out to him. “Wire needs to speak with you.
