With a start,Willow sat up.The sun was streaming into the living room.She was still in the same chair where she’d ended up the previous night.With a groan she got up slowly.Her whole body ached, whether from the strange position she was in or from all the crying, she didn’t know.
A loud knock on the door startled her.Her phone had rung a few times last night, the family had knocked on her door, but she simply didn’t have to energy to move.
They were back, as she’d known they would be.Picking up her phone, she walked to the door.Greg had also called and had left several messages.She’d phone him back later.
Her mom and her three sisters-in-law were at the door.
“Willow, sweetheart,” her mom cried as she hugged her.
“I’m making coffee,” Ellie said as she walked past her.
Rose lifted the bag in her hand.“We’ve bought breakfast.”
“I got ice-cream,” Laura said.
Touched, Willow followed them to the small kitchen.“I can make coffee…”
Another loud knock sounded on her door.“That’ll be Jade.”
Willow inhaled sharply.“I don’t want to see her!”
Her mother was already moving toward the door.“Well, she’s here.Like us, she’s looking for answers.”
Seconds later, a much-less-friendly Jade than the one she’d met the previous night, joined them.“Good morning, ladies.”Inhaling deeply, she turned to Willow.“I don’t know what your case is, but I’m so mad at you—you’ve broken my brother’s heart.”
Wildly, Willow looked around but every face turned in her direction had one expression on it—confusion.Jade was clearly also angry.
Her phone rang.It was Greg.“Sorry, it’s Greg, I have to take this.”Grateful for the short respite, she moved to the bedroom and closed the door.
“Hi Greg,” she greeted him.
“Willow!I have news and I hope you won’t be mad.”
She sat down on the bed.“What happened?”
“I don’t how to tell you, but the three paintings you didn’t want to sell have been sold.”
“I told you they’re not for sale!”
“I know but the guy you were with, Eden says it’s the ex-fiancé, showed up here late last night as we were locking up.He simply walked to the paintings and took them down.I tried to call you several times, but you didn’t answer and he… well, he insisted.He paid double what we’ve been offered before.”
For a few minutes, she was speechless.
“Willow?”
“I’m here.It’s fine, Greg.Don’t worry about it.Thank you again for last night, I really appreciate all you and Eden have done.”
“We’ve had so many requests to host you again, I hope you’ll use us again in future?”
“Yes, of course, thank you.I wanted to stop by this morning, but I’m leaving for Montana as soon as possible.Please thank Eden for me too?”
They spoke for a few more moments before she ended the call.Feeling like an old woman, she walked to the bathroom.She had to take a shower.
Ten minutes later, dressed in jeans and a top, her bag packed, she hurried back to the kitchen.
“…probably why she told him to leave.She feels every emotion of the people she loves,” her mom was saying.
Everyone looked up as she walked in.
