Page 82 of Yours To Hold
My phone rings as I pull a sweatshirt over my head. It’s a Seattle number. One I don’t recognize.
“Hello?” I answer, shoving my feet into my shoes and heading out the door.
“Is this Ivy Connors?” a voice comes over the line.
“It is.”
“Hi. This is Janet from the Layne Gallery.”
My ears perk up at the name of my new employer. “Oh. Hi.”
“I know this might seem sudden, but we were wondering if you could start next week.”
“Next week? I thought I wasn’t set to start until the beginning of September.”
It’s the beginning of August. I still have a few more weeks here in Dixon before I’m supposed to move.
“We have a brand-new exhibit opening, and I figure what better way to start off than working an opening.”
Leaning against my front door, I take a deep breath. This really isn’t what I needed to be dealing with right now. My focus needs to be on Willow and being there for her.
“Can I look at my schedule and get back to you?”
“Sure, sure. This is a great opportunity, and I would hate for you to miss out.”
“Thanks, Janet. I’ll let you know tomorrow if that works?”
“Perfect. Thanks, Ivy.” She hangs up without another word.
I want to shout yes with every fiber of my being. This is exactly why I took this job in Seattle. The Layne Gallery is an up-and-coming gallery that’s known to bring in the big art collectors. Having a place like this to start my career? I’d be stupid to turn down such an incredible opportunity.
For as long as I can remember, moving out of Dixon has been my dream. To put this small town in my rearview mirror and not look back.
So why am I having second thoughts now?
* * *
“Mason? Where is everyone?”
Mason is the only one in the hospital waiting room by the time I get there.
He unfurls himself from the plastic chair. There’s nothing soothing or calming about the small room he’s in. Bright, overhead lights are harsh as paintings of flowers try to calm those waiting here for news on loved ones.
“I told them not to come.”
“And they listened?” I look around, making sure we’re alone, before pulling Mason into my arms.
“I’m as surprised as you.”
“Did they already take Willow back?”
He nods against me.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here on time.”
Mason squeezes me closer to him. “They took her back earlier than planned, so she’ll be out soon.”
“You’re doing okay?” I pull back, rubbing at the wrinkles in his forehead.
