Page 12 of The One You Want

I tried to picture it. Standing in front of them all, showing them some simple beading techniques…I supposed it could work. I mean, it would at least be as good as the time Libby tried to make a game out of us helping her takeinventory.

So why did I have such a funny feeling in my tummy when I thought aboutit?

I had never really showed anyone on the island my pieces. When I first started, back when I had no idea what I was doing, I’d given a few bracelets and earrings to Libby to try to sell in her store. I’d made a whopping thirty dollars over the course of one summer. I doubted anyone even remembered that I had doneit.

Whenever I mentioned working on my pieces to Riley, she smiled at me in an indulgent sort of way. She often asked me how my “crafting” was going, like the jewelry was just another silly activity I messed around with to fill my empty, trust-fund bratlifestyle.

She didn’t get it, what my work meant to me. And the thought of trying to share it with anyone, let alone the Libbies, filled me with the strangest mix of both excitement anddread.

“Okay,” I finally whispered. “Maybe Iwill.”

Grant looked genuinely pleased with my answer. “That’s a girl,” he murmured, patting my hand. “You got this,Hillman.”

I managed a small smile for him. He really was a good friend. I hoped this flower shop of his did well enough for him to stay year round. It would be nice to have another real friend on theisland.

“I guess I should get going,” I said, picking up the bouquet he’d made with a drawn outsigh.

“You make it sound like you’re about to face theguillotine.”

I just shook my head. “You haven’t met mygrandmother.”

He tapped the top of the bouquet. “Well hopefully these will help to put her in a goodmood.”

I couldn’t help but smile as I looked down at the flowers. They really were gorgeous. Grant was a talentedguy.

“Hang on,” I said, a brilliant thought striking me. “What if we tossed the whole jewelry making thing and I brought you to the meeting instead? You could show us how to do flowerarrangements!”

He leveled me with a stare. “Aren’t you the one who just told me that those meetings are a hotbed of sexual harassment and all men should takecover?”

“Yes, but I’m sure they won’t grope you if you’re with me.” I paused. “Well, pretty sure. Or maybe slightly sure. Regardless, that’s a chance I’m willing totake.”

He gave me a mock glare but the tilt of his lips told me he was trying not to laugh. “You would throw me to the wolves like that to protectyourself?”

I grinned. “Every day of the week,buddy.”