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“As you know, there are many shops where we can pick up whatever we need. I’ll just grab my bag, and we can be on our way.”
“Levi, wait,” she said when I exited the room.
I turned toward her, holding my breath and hoping she wasn’t about to tell me she’d changed her mind.
“Thank you,” she said, closing the distance between us, leaned up, and kissed me.
“I’m the thankful one.” Our lips met once more, then I went to get my bag.
“By the way, I contacted my solicitor. He said everything seemed straightforward, but if he had questions, he’d ring me,” she said once we were in the car on our way to the airport. “I can’t believe that by tomorrow, the studio will be mine.”
I squeezed her hand. “Congratulations, El. I have a feeling you’re going to create beautiful and amazing art there.”
She beamed. “You know, I think I will too.”
“What will you make first?”
“Not the one you’re thinking of. I’ll need to get comfortable with the equipment before I undertake something on that scale.”
I glanced over, and she was studying me. “Yes?”
“Two days ago, or was it three? I’ve lost track. Anyway, I felt purposeless. A friend called out of the blue. I’ve known her since I was a teenager. She and friends of hers own a gallery in Manhattan, and after catching one another up on our lives, she asked what I was working on. I told her nothing, and she urged me to get off my arse—not in those exact words.” She chuckled. “My idleness wasn’t related solely to my art. I felt stuck. I took a leave from my position in Edinburgh but knew I wouldn’t return. I’d already moved into the flat I’d let for a few years and was contemplating turning a spare room into a studio, yet staying in London, at least full-time, didn’t sit well either.”
“Go on, El.”
“I’m rambling.”
I shook my head. “You’re telling me about yourself, and I’m fascinated.”
“Nothing felt right, and now, everything does. Even the house that gave me such pause.” Her eyes met mine. “I can see myself there.”
“I can too.”
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “There’s the issue of being away from London, though.”
“Apart from your flat, what keeps you there?”
I glanced over again when she didn’t respond. Her head was turned, and her gaze focused out the window.
“Eliza?”
When she turned again to look at me, her cheeks were flushed. “You.”
“What a coincidence.”
From the corner of my eye, I saw her head cock.
“We have the same reason for wanting to remain in the city.”
“Your work doesn’t keep you there?”
“My work doesn’t keep me anywhere in particular. Of late, I’ve been spending more time in Shere. Although being in Brighton has become particularly interesting to me.” I looked over at her and winked.
“I should probably tell you now. We won’t be flying commercial,” I said when we were a few minutes away from Gatwick.
“No? How exciting!”
Her enthusiasm was infectious. “I love your smile, Eliza.” I squeezed her hand again. “You have no idea how much,” I added under my breath.