Free Taking the Plunge by E. L. Todd Page B

her poorly, but that didn’t give her the right to hurt him. “It’s okay. I’m tired anyway. Good night.” She turned away before he could respond. Nancy suspected he would try to ask her out or get her number, but when she turned around and looked back, he was nowhere in sight. She didn’t know where he’d gone. She suspected that was the last time she would run into him. It was probably for the best anyway.

9
    Hey, baby. Can I take you out to breakfast?
    Nancy looked at the phone and sighed. I have plans .
    All day?
    She stared at the phone, looking at Derek’s name on the screen.
    I haven’t seen you since we talked. I would really like to spend time with you. How can I keep my promise if you push me away?
    She sighed. I have an errand to run. Can we meet afterward?
    Yes. I can’t wait to see you.
    I’ll come by the apartment.
    Alright. See you then. =)
    She put her phone in her pocket then drove to J and K showcase. The paintings had been reviewed over the weekend and the decision had been made. She would either be accepted into the competition or rejected, picking up her painting and leaving with tears streaming down her face.
    She drove to the house then approached the door. The grounds of the house were beautiful. The grass was a deep green and the trees provided adequate shade. The pristine white color of the walls contrasted against the red door. It was such a beautiful house, different than all the others. She wondered if the building had been specifically designed for its purpose.
    Nancy walked inside and saw the receptionist behind the desk.
    “Hello, Ms. Erikson. How are you?”
    She felt faint. “Good. How are you?”
    “Wonderful. Mr. Adams and I had a wonderful time selecting the paintings for the competition.”
    She swallowed the lump in her throat. There was no way hers was selected. It was too amateur and childish. She felt stupid for even trying.
    “The competition is on Saturday night at seven. I’ll have your painting on display and you can stand next to it and answer any questions the guests may have.”
    “What? Are you serious?”
    She looked at her with a startled expression. “What?”
    “You—selected my painting?”
    She smiled. “Yes. Mr. Adams was very fond of it. He stared it for a long time.”
    She covered her face with her hands. “This can’t be happening.”
    The receptionist smiled then patted her on the back. “You’re very talented, honey.”
    “I am?”
    “Yes.”
    Nancy felt the tears bubble under eyes. She couldn’t believe she was even included in the competition. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get all mushy on you.”
    “It’s totally fine. I’ve seen lot of enthusiasm today, along with a lot of tears.”
    Nancy hugged her. “Thank you so much.”
    She hugged her back. “You should thank Mr. Adams. He’s the artistic genius.”
    “Is he here?”
    She pulled away. “He doesn’t accept visitors unless it’s by appointment.”
    “Oh, of course. Could you just tell him I really appreciate it?”
    She smiled. “I’ll pass along the message.”
    “Thank you.” Nancy walked out the door in a trance, making it to her car without remembering the journey. She sat in the driver’s seat for a long time, unable to believe that it really happened. Perhaps she was talented. Her father didn’t know what he talking about. She started the engine then drove to Derek’s apartment.
    As soon as she pulled up to the house, he came outside with an intense expression on his face. He approached her then studied her face. “Baby, is something wrong?”
    “No, not at all,” she said happily.
    “Then what’s up?”
    “I submitted my painting to a competition and it was accepted. The winner gets to be featured in the J and K showcase room to be sold. I just can’t believe mine was picked!”
    He wrapped his arms around her and smiled at her. “Congratulations. I’m happy for you.”
    She hugged him tightly. “I’m happy too.”
    “I would love to