“Does he know you’re giving this serious consideration?”
“Of course. I promised him I would.”
“Have you considered how it would work? Would the artists own it? Would you? Who’s going to find the right location? Rent the spaces?”
“All things on my list to discuss with Wade and figure out,” Gabi said. “Any thoughts?”
“Well, as much as I like the idea of something owned by the artists, I have a hunch it would be impossible to get them to agree on which toilet paper to stock, much less the big decisions. My gut tells me, if you have the financial capability, you ought to start this as your own business and simply let them rent spaces to show their works or studios where they could do their painting, sculpting or whatever. If you also run the gallery, that would entitle you to a cut of sales, as well.”
“Good points,” Gabi said. “I can understand how operating this kind of business by committee could be tricky. Wade and Sally are both reasonable people with some business background, but I suspect there are artists who aren’t especially business oriented.”
“Oh, honey, you have no idea,” Meg said. “They walk through the door of my shop all the time with the most outrageous ideas about pricing. If some of them had their way, I’d sell their pieces without taking any cut at all. If they won’t listen to reason, I send them away, even if I’d kill to have something of theirs on display. If you can deal with them, more power to you.”
Meg turned to study her. “Have I scared you to death with all these warnings about artistic egos?”
“Not at all,” Gabi assured her. “I’m actually getting excited. All these ideas are starting to bounce around in my head. I’ll sit down later and try to organize them into some sort of plan. In the meantime, what’s going on with you? How’s your daughter?”
Meg immediately frowned. “Now you’ve gone and spoiled my hard-won serenity,” she said with a dramatic sigh. “I swear that girl could test the patience of a saint. When she’s not dragging home the most inappropriate boys in her class just to torment me, she’s not coming home at all and I get to spend my evening tracking her down. She must think I’m part bloodhound, because she makes it all but impossible. When I finally do corner her, she acts like my sole goal is to ruin her life.”
“You’re making me start to wish I were having a boy,” Gabi admitted.
“I don’t know that they’re any less of a worry, just different,” Meg said. “I talk to other moms, and we all seem to be at the same stage, praying that we can get through the teen years with our kids in one piece and preferably not in jail.”
Gabi thought of Jimmy and how different he was from the teens Meg was describing. “Do you know Jimmy Templeton? He graduated last year. He wasn’t able to go to college because his family needed him here, but he’s mature, responsible and smart, not at all like what you’re describing. Of course, maybe he cleans up his act around Wade and me, but we both like him a lot. In fact, my dad’s trying to help him get a scholarship.”
“The name’s not familiar, but I’m a comparative newcomer to the area and Analeigh’s a couple of years younger. She’s a junior this year.”
“One of these days when the weather’s warmer, maybe I’ll throw a barbecue at Cora Jane’s and invite Jimmy and you guys. I think he could be a good influence. I’m not suggesting a blind date, just that he’s the sort of responsible kid that might offer her a different perspective.”
“I’m ready to try anything,” Meg said with evident frustration. “I’m certainly not getting through to her. I thought it would be easier here, but I guess kids are kids wherever they are, and if the opportunities for getting into trouble exist, any kid can find them.” She gave Gabi a chagrined look. “Please don’t get me wrong. She’s not a terrible kid. She’s just testing the limits and my last shred of patience.”
Gabi regarded her with sympathy. “Something tells me one of these days you’ll look back on this period and laugh about it, especially when she’s all grown up and turns out to be just like her mom.”
“I’m not entirely buying that, but I live to be proved wrong,” Meg said, her tone heartfelt. “And now I’m starved. Do you still have time to grab a late lunch?”
“Absolutely. Breakfast was a very long time ago. Baby and I are more than ready for a big juicy burger, though I will probably settle for a nice healthy salad.”
“Good thing,” Meg said, “since I intend to take you to a cute little vegetarian place run by a friend of mine. You’re not going to find any burgers on the menu, but the food is excellent and healthy.”
“Lead me to it,” Gabi said, following her back to the car.
A glance in the car’s mirror showed her with bright patches of color in her cheeks and windblown hair, but she felt better than she had since arriving at Cora Jane’s. She finally had a plan for the future that made real sense, one that she could envision turning into that fulfilling career she truly wanted. That it blended her professional talents and the artistic leanings of her heart made it even better.
As for Wade and what might be ahead for the two of them, well, that might be coming together, too. She just had to get past these nagging doubts that she was filling in for the woman he’d lost.
20
After his conversation with Gabi, Wade practically held his breath for a couple of days waiting for her to make a decision. He had to force himself not to call
