Free Whispers of the Heart by Ruth Scofield Page B

to the entry, with Buttons cradled securely in her denim carryall, Autumn made a few selections. She didn’t stay long and she had one hand on her bag the whole time. She started for home, proud of herself for staying with her purpose, but she couldn’t deny the welcome relief once she turned onto her own street and found it nearly empty.
    Still, a small victory was still a victory. She felt like celebrating.
    She stole a glance at the parking lot next to Brent’s building. Five cars parked there, including Brent’s, but Laureen’s was nowhere in sight. Letting out her sigh, she wondered why she didn’t like the other woman when they’d had so little discourse.
    She could do with another of Brent’s smiles—counting it as another reward for facing the shopping crowd. Would he want a coffee break about now?
    But she couldn’t interrupt his work day uninvited, could she? Unlike Laureen, that kind of courage eluded her altogether.
    Instead of following her first inclination, she rushed upstairs. She had to tell someone about her unusual morning or she’d burst.
    Her instinct to call Spring left her with flat disappointment. Her sister wasn’t in, and had even forgotten to turn on her answering machine.
    Curtis Jennings, though, would welcome her call.Calling her old friend and mentor didn’t leave her with shy feelings or mixed emotions. Not like talking to Brent did, even when she wanted to talk to him.
    Then she realized she really liked talking to Brent. A lot, actually. She loved watching his eyes light, and the way he smiled at Timmy. Why, her heart sometimes leapt at the sight of him!
    The thoughtful realization hit her just as Curtis gave his soft greeting, “Mirror Images. Curtis Jennings here.”
    â€œUh…Curtis…” She dropped her troublesome thoughts and doubts over Brent and eagerly told Curtis all about the church, the minister’s vision, the huge blank wall, and the enormity of the project ahead of her. She also expressed her concerns to properly execute the painting. “What do you think, Curtis?”
    â€œI think you should thank your lucky stars Brent Hyatt is a friend of yours and likes your work. He does, doesn’t he?”
    â€œHe seems to.”
    â€œMy girl, I’m green with envy at the possibilities you’re describing. It’s a golden opportunity—for you personally and for you as an artist. This minister trusts Brent’s judgment, you say? And he’s taking the sketches to his board, isn’t he? I don’t think they’ll turn you down.”
    â€œYou believe I can do it, then? You don’t think I’m taking on more than I can handle?”
    â€œYes, of course it’s more than you’ve done before, but you can handle it. I’ve been telling you as much for a couple of years, now, haven’t I?”
    â€œI s’pose. Wish Spring were here.”
    â€œAutumn, honey,” the exasperation rode high in his tone. “I like your sister as much as most men of your acquaintance, but you know you don’t need her around to express your talent. Don’t underestimate your own worth, girl.”
    â€œNo, you’re exactly right.” She pulled in a heaving breath. As much as she loved her sister, she didn’t need Spring to be there when she painted. When she gave herself over to an inner vision, she lost all sense of herself and anything around her; only her work mattered.
    â€œOkay, Curtis. Now, tell me what I shall need….”
    She went over her supply list with Curtis and he promised to order what she didn’t have. Afterward, she sat down and made a list of what must be done to prepare the wall to give Brent and David.
    About halfway through the afternoon, the phone’s insistent ringing startled her. She grabbed it, hoping to hear her sister’s voice. They hadn’t talked for a couple of days, the longest they’d ever gone