“We just wanted to spy on them,” Ingrid said, “and see how they are getting along.”
I took two more deep breaths then shoved a canvas at them. “Go on then. Looks like they’re coming in.”
The door opened, and I had to admit they made a striking couple. Both were tan, fit, and beautiful to look at. I could feel my little green monster stirring in the pit of my stomach.
“How quaint,” Francesca said as she took in the store. “I haven’t been here since moving back a couple months ago.”
Jacob ushered her over to where Kieran and I stood. “This is the owner, Monica Swanson. She does both cooking classes and this wine painting thing.” He looked sheepishly at me. “I’m not exactly sure what this is tonight.”
God, even his uncertainty was adorable.
“I’ve been to these types of things before,” Francesca assured him. “These were all the rage in Portland like—oh, I don’t know, five years ago.”
I bristled at her words. She probably didn’t mean anything by them, but it still felt like a sting. Like wine and painting was no longer a cool thing. Not that I cared what was cool or not. What Ididknow was that my store made just enough to clear the rent and have my bills paid both at the shop and at home. That’s all I cared about.
“Here’re your canvases,” Kieran said. “Go ahead and have a seat. I think we’re about to start.”
I lifted the picture we would paint high in the air and addressed everyone. “Since April is known for bringing rain showers, I thought we’d do this painting of a field of flowers with rain coming down.”
Kieran and I took turns modeling and walking around, making sure everyone was on track and helping when needed. I tried not to stare every time I heard Francesca or Jacob laugh. I failed miserably.
By the time the class ended, my nerves were fried. I was cranky and ready for a drink with Kieran.
“It looked like they had a good time,” Mimi said.
Gilda gave me a critical look. “I guess wearen’tbad at matchmaking.”
“I can’t stand women who laugh at everything a man says,” Ingrid said. “That girl makes me want to take my Saxe to her tongue.”
God bless you, Ingrid.
“You going home or out?” Mom asked. “The girls and I are going to Sparky’s for a drink if you two want to come.”
“Thanks for asking,” I said, “but I’m going to pass. I’m exhausted and ready to go home.”
“Ask that boy how it went when he gets home,” Gilda said.
“Ifhe comes home,” Mimi added.
The girls all squealed, and I wanted to scream. That was not something I wanted to think about.
Kieran followed me home, and a few minutes later we sat next to the pool, sharing a bottle of chardonnay. The sound of the latch flipping open on the fence stopped our conversation. Jacob was home from his date.
“Is this a girls only thing, or can I bring a beer out and sit with you?”
“Bring out your beer and sit,” Kieran said.
I shot her a look, but she ignored me and shooed Jacob into his house.
“What are you doing,” I hissed.
“Thinking about heading home in a few minutes,” she laughed.
“Don’t you dare! It would look obvious.”
A few minutes later Jacob sat down and dangled his feet in the pool. He’d changed into cargo shorts and a t-shirt.
“So how did it go?” Kieran asked. “It looked like you two had fun.”
