Page 128 of Igniting Sparks

It’s time I do the same.

“That’s a wonderful likeness. Your technique with the female form has come a long way in the last month.”

Sarah pauses beside my easel, her eyes dancing over the drawing. “Well done, Braden.”

“Thanks, teach.” I grin, leaning back in my chair to study the sketch from a new angle. “Might have something to do with the instructor.”

“Doubtful. Your talent is yours alone.”

After class, I help her collapse the easels and stash them in the closet.

“Thanks for the help,” she says, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “I’d ask you to grab a drink, but I’m guessing you’d decline.”

I lean against her desk, meeting her gaze. “You’d guess wrong.”

Her brow arches. “Really? You want to get a beer?”

“Not just a beer. How about a burger, too?”

A smile breaks across her face as she locks the door. We stroll into the parking lot.

“Look at you, throwing me curveballs,” she says. “Flipped Buns okay, or do you have someplace else in mind?”

“Flipped Buns is always a safe bet. I’ll follow you.”

She pauses, blinking like she’s still catching up.

“You okay?” I ask.

She nods, keys jingling in her hand. “I am. See you there.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket as I watch Sarah walk across the parking lot toward her car. “Hello?”

“Hi Braden, it’s Kiki. I have great news.”

“I love great news. What’s up?”

“You have a very interested renter for the studio space.”

My breath catches at her words.

Mina’s studio. Or it would’ve been, if she’d stayed in Sparkwood—a tribute to a woman who’s gone for good.

It took me a week to visit the place after Mina left, and even then, I could barely muster any enthusiasm. Eddie and Kiki did an amazing job, turning the old craft store into a dancer’s dream.

I spared no expense—it had to be worthy of Mina. But now it sits empty, and she’d hate that.

Life needs to be lived, and if there’s a potential tenant who wants to breathe new energy into the space, I’m all for it.

Plus, it alleviates me having to cough up the rent money every month. Hey, there has to be a silver lining somewhere.

“That’s amazing news. When do they want to move in?”

“Not so fast. She insists on speaking to you in person first.”

What the hell?

“Why me? You own the building.”