Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 65862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
“Get it together,” I tell myself in the mirror. This is my first week. I won’t be like my mama and quit every time something isn’t going how I like. I have come so far already. I need to keep pushing on and take it one day at a time. Maybe this job will grow on me and turn into a chance for something else.
I mean, look at Fritz and me. When I first met him, we were just friends, but as time went on things changed. Maybe the same will happen with this job and I’ll end up loving it. Turning around, I give Bear a kiss on the head followed by a few pets before grabbing my bag and heading out.
“Johnny!” I call out when I pass through my gate. He turns and looks at me. He looks different today. He’s in jeans and a polo. He slips a cell phone into his pocket, and I smile at him. “I never see you this time of day.”
“Got a job interview.” He smiles back, but it doesn't meet his eyes. He picks up a bag that’s sitting on the bench next to him and holds it out for me. “Thought I’d bring you something for a change.” He gives the bag a little shake and I walk over to him as he pulls out a large muffin.
My stomach growls, reminding me I forgot to grab something to eat before I left. “You’re a lifesaver.” I definitely need this because I forgot to refresh the snacks in my purse and I don’t have the time run back if I want to make it in a little early. I don’t care that Gemma is going to be pissy about it. I think being her friend is a lost cause at this point.
“Chocolate. You know the way to my heart,” I tease as I take the wrapper off the bottom and take a big bite. I moan as the flavor fills my mouth. “It’s still warm,” I try to say around a mouthful.
Johnny laughs. “Come on, I’ll walk you to work.”
“Where’s the interview?” I ask him after taking another bite of my muffin.
“Just a handyman for some building.” He waves it off like it’s not a big deal.
“You’re going to get it. I know it. You look sharp today.” I wink at him.
He nods. He doesn’t seem as talkative as usual. “Maybe we’ll get to walk to work together every morning if you get it,” I add.
“That would be nice.” He doesn't sound excited about the job at all. In fact, he seems off today.
“You okay, Johnny?” I ask, looking over at him.
“Change is coming.” He gives a small shrug, and I notice he isn’t smiling.
“Maybe, but change can be good,” I try to reassure him. Isn’t this just what I was telling myself this morning? Change can be scary, but it’s part of life. I should know. I hopped on a bus leaving my old life behind in hopes for a new one. “Someone told me once that with change comes opportunity.”
We stop when we get outside of the art studio. “Good luck,” I tell him, giving him a smile.
“You have a good day, Blair. I’ll see you around.”
“Tonight,” I correct. “I’ll see you tonight.”
For some reason that’s important to me. I need to know Johnny will be there when I walk home, just like I know Bear will be at home to greet me when I get there, too.
“I’ll see you,” he says, but he doesn’t confirm he’ll see me tonight. He gives me a nod before turning and walking down the street.
I watch him go, and the feeling of something not being right settles over me again. I look around thinking someone is staring at me, but there’s no one nearby.
I walk through the gallery doors and I feel a bit lighter when I don't see Gemma at the front desk. It’s good when I can start the day without her scowling at me. I don't see Lilith anywhere either, but she’s probably around because the doors are unlocked. I change my clothes before going into the warehouse and getting to work.
Time passes, and I’m alone in the warehouse. The guys left a while ago for a delivery and said they wouldn’t make it back tonight. So it’s just me and my crowbar popping crates. I’ve been through most of what’s in here by now, and I’ve started going through the ones that aren’t labeled. I figured it’s time to make a list and then go over the items one by one with Lilith. I don’t want to have to go back to her a hundred times over each one. I thought doing it once will probably be painful enough.
I go to open my fourth crate of the day, and I pause when the lid comes off and I look down at what’s inside. At first I’m surprised that there’s not much in the way of packaging material, just a framed painting stuck down in the wooden box.