“It’s not anything like that,” J.P. quickly amended. “We drew the face painting booth for the Sunshine Days Festival. I can’t speak for Nora, but no kid wants me painting on their face with my current skill set.”
“I love the dedication,” Chloe said, that smile now full-fledged. “I’ll see you both at six.”
He wasn’t aboutto call her, so around noon, J.P. texted Nora with the plan, fully expecting her to shoot it down. To his shock, she had replied with a simple,Meet you there. In a way, J.P. was proud of himself for taking some initiative with this face painting assignment. If anything, it took the focus off the misplaced bees for the time being. Every time he felt like they were making some sort of progress, those dang insects would get in the way. He understood now why bugs were called pests, and as much as he tried to understand why Nora liked them so much, he just couldn’t see the benefit.
He purposefully made good use of his day off. Did some laundry. Started reading a book on uses for reclaimed wood that he’d been meaning to dive into. Stopped by the community garden to check on his mom and see if she needed anything tended to there.
By five o’clock, he’d showered and shaved and placed an order for pickup at the Campfire Café. He’d forgotten to tell Nora to bring something to eat, and he didn’t risk more communication about the evening. He had a gut feeling it would only provide her with an opportunity to cancel at the last minute. So he ordered two French dips and curly fries with extra seasoning and crossed his fingers that she wasn’t a vegetarian. Another thing he could simply text and find out the answer to, but he thought better of it.
At five-forty-five and with a piping hot bagged dinner in his grip, he toed open the door to Love Letters.
Chatter met his ears, the joyful voices of women he recognized from around town. Most were his mother’s age, with the exception of a younger mother-daughter duo at the end of one long folding table wearing matching pink sundresses. Chloe had rearranged her displays in the shop to make room for two banquet tables in the very center. Mason jars filled with water and palettes with dollops of brilliantly colored paints were spread out over the tables, meant for sharing.
“J.P.,” Chloe greeted, shuffling over. “I have your spots reserved right over here.”
She moved toward an empty table and tugged out a chair for him to sit.
“Thank you, Chloe. Appreciate it.”
“We’ll get started in about ten minutes, but feel free to dive into that food while everyone is still getting settled. Smells amazing.”
He offered a smile of thanks and unrolled the top of the bag. Would it be rude if he started eating without Nora? It wasn’t like this was a date. She didn’t even know that he’d gotten dinner for her. But the imaginary eggshells he’d been walking on around her lately scratched at his feet, and he folded the parchment back down, deciding it best to wait.
Five minutes later, when he lifted his eyes from the paints and brushes in front of him, he caught a glimpse of her outside the large storefront window. Her hair was swept into a bun at the top of her head, secured there with a blue bandana that matched the cornflower blue tank top under her denim overalls.
She looked like a painter, ready for a day of work.
When she came into the shop, her quick perusal landed fully on J.P., mouth lifting when his hand rose in a small wave of acknowledgement.
“This was a good idea,” she said after taking the seat next to him. “I forgot Chloe offered these classes. I’ve actually been meaning to sign up for one.”
He just nodded, then pushed the bag toward her with his index finger. “I picked up some food from the Café if you’re hungry.”
“I’m starving.” The emphasis on the last word wasn’t just for dramatic effect. “I couldn’t stomach much this morning, but my appetite is finally back in full swing. Thank you, J.P. That was really nice of you.”
He made quick work of divvying out the sandwiches and small containers of au jus, careful to keep their workspace free from crumbs. Chloe gave a little speech and welcomed this week’s newest participants to the class. Nora’s mouth was full when the greetings came around to her, and J.P. introduced them both, careful to keep things short and sweet.
The first half hour was mostly review for the other attendees. They went over how to use outlines and grids when drawing animals and even people. J.P. struggled with proportions, but found Nora was a natural. The teddy bear she sketched belonged in an illustrated children’s book with its detailed stitching and beady button eyes.
If any other person had to pull the face painting paper from the bucket, he was suddenly grateful it had been her.
Chloe moved about the room, peering over shoulders to offer her critique and help when needed.
“Next up, and I really think you’re going to appreciate this one, Nora”—Chloe gave a little wink as she moved toward an easel near the far end of the tables—“we’re going to work on something that should keep you busy for the rest of the evening. Or should I saybuzzy?”
The cute pun garnered an appreciative laugh from the others, but suddenly J.P.’s throat became thick with dread.
“Honeybees!” Chloe flipped the blank page over on the easel to reveal the black and yellow illustration previously hidden underneath.
There was a hum of excitement coursing through the room, a familiar drone that made the hairs on the back of J.P.’s neck stand on end. The sound was eerily similar to the buzz of an actual bee.
“You arranged this.” Nora cut him a questioning look.
“I assure you, I did not.”
Her tense mouth denoted her doubt. “What are the chances?”
He shrugged. He didn’t have a clue, but figured they were slim.
