Free Sewing in Circles by Chloe Taylor Page A

“John’s right. We are a strange family. We cry when we’re happy!”
    Zoey laughed through her tears. “I guess I didn’t know I was worried about it until you said that,” she explained. “But now I feel so much better.”
    â€œGood,” Aunt Lulu said. “Now let’s go have some dinner. I’m eating for two, and I’m ravenous!”

    Zoey and Ezra met at the library on Saturday morning to see one of the free movies they were showing in the auditorium.
    â€œHey, did you get a chance to ask the gift fair organizers about including my paintings?” Ezra asked before the movie started.
    â€œYeah . . . about that,” Zoey said. “I thought about it, and I just felt like it would be unprofessional of me to ask them when I didn’t include your paintings in my original submission. The other thing is . . . Well, even though I really love your art, it doesn’t really match my Sew Zoey clothes and accessories, if you know what I mean.”
    She glanced at Ezra anxiously to see his reaction.
    â€œAre you upset?”
    â€œNo, I understand,” he said. “Maybe a little disappointed. I was looking forward to hanging out.”
    â€œWell, we can still hang out. And how about I call the organizers and see if there are any small booths left so that you could have one of your own?” Zoey offered. “That way you could display your stuff, and we’d still get to hang out a little bit.”
    â€œYou’d be okay with doing that?”
    â€œSure. I’ll do it when I get home.”
    Ezra smiled. “Thanks, Zoey. You’re the best!”
    Zoey smiled back as the lights dimmed. Now that she knew Ezra wasn’t upset with her, she could actually relax and enjoy the movie!

    When she got home later that afternoon, she called Mrs. Perry, the gift fair organizer, to ask about the availability of a small booth for Ezra.
    â€œI’m afraid there aren’t any booths left,” Mrs. Perry said. “You got the very last one.”
    â€œOh,” Zoey said, crestfallen. “That’s too bad. My friend was really looking forward to it.”
    â€œDefinitely have him apply next year,” Mrs. Perry suggested. “And tell him to think about having some of his work printed on greeting cards. Those always sell well at the fair.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea,” Zoey said. “Thanks, I’ll tell him.”
    As soon as she hung up, she called Ezra to tell him the news.
    â€œIt’s too bad about the booth,” she said. “But you should definitely try next year. And what do you think about doing the greeting cards?”
    â€œI’ll think about it,” Ezra said. “It sounds great.”
    â€œThat’s what I thought,” Zoey said. “I bet you’d sell lots of them!”
    â€œHey, are you going to be home in an hour?” Ezra asked.
    â€œYeah,” Zoey said. “I have to make more bracelets for the gift fair.”
    â€œIs it okay if I stop by to drop something off?”
    â€œWhat is it?” Zoey asked.
    â€œIf I tell you, it won’t be a surprise,” Ezra said.
    â€œSure, it’s okay,” Zoey said. “But now I’m dying of curiosity!”
    â€œI’ll be there soon!”
    The hour passed really slowly as Zoey tried to concentrate on making bracelets and not wonder what Ezra was bringing over. Finally, the doorbell rang, and she ran to answer it.
    Ezra stood there holding a small painting.
    â€œI brought this for you,” he said. “Thanks for trying to get me a booth.”
    â€œThat’s so sweet!” Zoey said. “I’m really sorry it didn’t work out.”
    â€œWell, I appreciate you making the call,” Ezra said. “I’ll apply next year. Anyway, I better run. I just wanted to give this to you.”
    â€œThanks, I love it!” Zoey called to him as he ran back