Page 92 of Yours To Hold
She waves me off and pulls me into a hug. “And I was over it by the time I got home. You just didn’t give me a chance to apologize.”
“I can’t believe you’re here. Why are you here?” My voice comes out all watery.
No matter how much I try to convince myself I’m okay, I’m not. Not even close.
Gemma squeezes me even tighter. “Because I saw Mason.”
This time, I can’t help the tears that leak out of my eyes. “How are they?”
Because it’s not just Mason I miss. I miss Willow and spending my days with her just as much.
Gemma pulls back, clasping my cheeks in her hands. “Honestly? Kind of terrible.”
I grab her hand and pull her into an unoccupied corner of the gallery. People are still everywhere, and I don’t want them to hear this conversation.
I cross my arms, almost like a shield for this conversation. “It’s not like we could’ve been anything. This is where my life is.”
“Are you happy here though?” Gemma quirks a brow at me.
“Does it matter? I’ve never wanted to live in Dixon.”
“How many times have you told yourself that since you got here?”
At least once an hour. But I don’t tell her that.
“Gemma. Running a gallery like this is what I’ve always wanted. To live in the city and travel.”
She grabs my arms. “But are you happy?”
“I can be. I just need to get settled. It’s a big change from Dixon.”
Gemma shudders. “I’m pretty sure I saw three cop cars go by on my way here. And that was one block.”
That gets a laugh out of me. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to all the sirens. And all the football fans. They are crazy here.”
Gemma makes a disgusted face. “There’s only one team as far as I’m concerned.”
“Shh! I don’t want you getting into a fight here.”
“I’ll take ’em. Mountain Lions are the only team anyone should cheer for.”
“God, I’ve missed you.” I wrap my arms around her.
“Come home.” She squeezes me even tighter to her. “It’s not Dixon without you.”
“Ivy. There’s an interested buyer on theSummer Nights in Bloompiece. Would you talk to them since you’re familiar with it?” One of the other gallery attendants finds me.
I smile back at him. “Sure.”
He smiles back at me. “Show us why we brought you here.”
“How long are you here?” I ask Gemma. Seeing her is the first time I’ve felt settled since I got here.
“Until Sunday.”
“Good. I’ll come find you when I’m done.” I give her a quick hug before heading over to the piece in question.
An older woman with a short, bright blue pixie cut is standing in front of my favorite photo in the new opening.
