Page 25 (1/2)

My anger transforms into near panic "No I don’t want that I want to do more I can do more"

"Then trust me"

I s hard, taken aback by his words "Yes Iokay I’ll learn what you need ive you a reprieve tonight Go ho I’ll test you to see just how far we are from where we need to be"

It is a dis for his phone

"Thank you," I murmur, and head for the hallway in a blur of confusion It baffles me how I’ve let a summer job beco back To work for Riptide, even through this gallery, would be a dream come true I want this as I have not wanted ever in my life

I pass , I realize I’ve left the candle burning for all these hours I’et home and try to analyze what has happened to an reading Rebecca’s journal

Quickly, I blow out the flame and note a letter sized envelope on nize the handwriting I’ve studied his signature, his script Rounding the desk I snatch the envelope and rush for the door I do not want to stay here and open it I want to be alone before I dare a peek

Finally, when I a, I stare atfor In a frenzied rush ofpaper and gape

Inside is a drawing ofat the coffee shop table in deep concentration, and signed by the artist I have becoinal

Chapter Ten

You can’t keep thinking of everything as being Rebecca’s or you will make yourself crazy, I tell allery It’s a hard earned conclusion I’d co into the darkness Thus why I am exhausted today, but at least I’ve resolved to claim this place as e my new boss has put before me? Hoill I truly reach for the dream of a successful career in art, after all of these years of convincing myself I could not?

With a vow to forallery, I sink deeper into my leather chair, behind my desk Before me sits my impulsive purchase of a new, beautifully jeweled, red leather journal that I’d picked up at Ava’s coffee shop a few hts will help hts, or at a mini moment