“Now don’t be silly, Mia. You’re more than welcome to come for dinner. Matt’s Aunt Gigi is well known for her large meals. Woman doesn’t know how to cook for two after having the whole family to look after for so long. Gets kind of lonely with nobody at home these days, so it’d be a pleasure to have you both.”
“Are you sure?” She glanced at Matt who nodded. “Okay, then. Give me time to have a shower and get rid of this grime.” She winced at the dirt under her nails.
His dad stood and stretched. “See you when you’re ready. There’s no hurry.” He tipped his chin and walked out, leaving them standing in the kitchen.
“I feel like a bit of an interloper going to your family’s for dinner and your brother’s for the baby shower. Honestly, just because I’m staying here doesn’t mean you have to drag me along to your family gatherings.”
Matt brushed it off. “Don’t be silly. I’ve told you we’re not like that on the island. Everyone will be thrilled to see you. It’s what we do, and it’ll be good to meet some of my family before the weekend when we go to the housewarming and baby shower.” His family could be over the top compared to what Mia was probably used to. “I’m heading for a shower too. See you when you’re ready. It’s only a short walk up the road. The exercise will prevent our muscles from cramping after today.”
“Slave driver.” Mia grinned as she walked away.
Chapter 8
Mia found it hard to feel like a stranger at Atticus Hope’s house. He welcomed her in, gave her a glass of wine and urged her to take a comfortable chair while his sister bustled around the kitchen like a bright butterfly in her flowing caftan.
Matt had explained the family dynamics on the walk further up the hill. As predicted, when he introduced her to Gigi, Matt’s aunty greeted her with wide open arms. Mia wrapped her arms around Gigi and hung on tight as emotions she hadn’t felt for years rose up and threatened to choke her. The softness of Gigi’s cheek, the lovely way she held Mia close, the delicate and familiar perfume—it all brought tears to her eyes. It was as if the woman understood what she was missing and gave her an extra squeeze before letting her go.
Mia hadn’t had that connection with anyone since her mother passed away and it rocked her to the core. Mia made excuses about being tired and dust in her eyes and moved on, making the conversation about the renovations, not her. Something about this family made her defenses fall around her feet and left her feeling surprisingly vulnerable.
Gigi patted her on the arm and Mia resisted the urge to lean in for another hug, talking to her instead. “You’re an artist, Matt tells me.”
“Yes. I began painting when I lived in New York and slowly made a name for myself.”
“I actually have one of your paintings in our managing directors office. I didn’t connect you to Matt until he told me about you on the way here.” It seemed like fate that she’d ended up on Hope Island. Especially with such a handsome and interesting host.
A smile broke out on Gigi’s face. “Really. Which one?”
“It’s very red and orange and when I look at it I feel warm, happy too. That’s what struck me the first time I saw it, and then I couldn’t resist buying it. I can’t remember the name of it, sorry. But I can look when I get back to the office.” Mia sipped her wine and felt her shoulders relax.
Gigi waved her hand. “No bother. But it’s nice to hear you have one of my pieces.”
“Have you ever thought of mass producing them in print form?”
Gigi tilted her head. “I didn’t think that far ahead, to be honest.” She glanced over at Atticus. “Had you thought of that, Atticus?”
He shook his head. “No, but maybe you should. You have a good reputation to back you up. Could make you some good money if done right.”
Mia sat up straight, the idea taking root in her tired brain. “I’m always looking for good paintings and prints to put in the shops for customers to purchase. If you’re open to the idea, we can talk about it another day.”
Gigi put a handful of cutlery on the table. “Let me think about it.”
Had she gone too far? Mia hadn’t meant to let business slip into what promised to be a casual meal with new friends, but she couldn’t help it. She saw the glances pass between Atticus and Matt and kicked herself. She needed to learn to separate private life and work—something she hadn’t even considered before coming to Hope Island.
* * *
The following day, they started work early. It was mid-afternoon when Matt hammered the final nail into the timber and stood back to look at the shiplap he’d fitted in place. Mia was right. It turned the tired old attic to a whole new space. “That looks amazing, even if I say so myself.”
“I knew it would. I’ll paint it if you like.” Mia grinned.
With an offer like that, he’d be silly to turn it down. Besides, he liked working with Mia. “Sure, but how about this for an idea. Let’s go down to the harbor for an ice cream break this afternoon, and we’ll get an early start tomorrow with the painting. You do the cutting in and I’ll roll the ceilings. Then, if you feel like it, you can grab the other roller and help with the walls. It’d be good to get it done in one day if we can. Then the following day we can decorate the space, if you’re up to it.” It was good of her to help him. In the last week, she’d warmed to him; she’d relaxed and become a
