42. Victoria

42

VICTORIA

My head followed Sarah leaving the room. But as soon as she left, my eyes flicked back to the gorgeous table in front of me. The piece was everything I'd dreamed it to be.

I walked closer to it, letting my hand run along the surface. It was polished and smooth but not so much so that you'd lose the grain of the wood. My gaze caught on the legs, where small carved wood pieces decorated each support.

Kneeling down, I ran my hands over them. It could've been tacky, the leaves designed on the table. But they had a surrealist quality to them that Bri had nailed.

"How did you know I liked surrealists?" I tilted my head as I examined each detail.

Bri shrugged. "Well I didn't. Sarah mostly showed me your favorite pieces. I just got a sense that you would appreciate it. But really, the leaves are white ash leaves. So in some sense, the cut down tree is still in tact"

With a chuckle, I stood. "Brilliant." Crossing the room, I stopped in front of Bri. "A part of me wants you to stop sculpting forever so this piece stays this special. But I have to be honest: I think the art world misses you."

"It'll always be special because it was made for you and this house. It won't look right in any other space." Bri looked past me and to the table. Buried behind her eyes was a sense of sadness, like she was leaving her baby at sleepaway camp forever.

For a moment, we both looked at the table. I wasn't sure if Sarah had told her that we ended things or if Sarah would be annoyed if I were to say anything. But as we stood in my dining room together, I felt a sense of connection to this woman.

But tapping my foot against the newly refinished floors, I sighed. "Bri, I don't know if it's weird but…"

"Maybe a tad." Bri smirked.

"Right," I joked before continuing, "But I'm going to say it anyway. Sarah is one of the most special people I've ever met. And I really hope you take good care of her."

Bri's forehead wrinkled with confusion.

Well I guess that answers that question. They must not have spoken yet.

For a moment, Bri's mind scrambled to catch up. But once she did, her chest rose as she took a deep breath.

Nodding, Bri patted my arm. "I will. Thanks for getting her out of town, she deserved all of that."

Shaking hands, we seemed to reach an unspoken understanding. Sarah was always going to be in New Winford, and I wouldn't.

"Well, I should get moving. My guests will be here any moment. Feel free to linger as long as you'd like, I'm sure everyone is going to want to see the incredible artisan of this piece." I patted her back as I walked past her and headed back into the rest of the house.

My chest ached slightly, still trying to let go of Sarah. But before I could get too wrapped up in the feeling, the front door swung open and in walked my agent Tommy.

"It feels like every lesbian from here to the Pacific lives in this town." Tommy shook her head as she pulled me in for a hug. We'd met once Pop took off and as much as she was my agent, she was also a great friend.

I started to show her around the finally finished house. Each room felt like my vision had been ripped straight from my mind and into this magnificent house. And now I was standing here with my dear friends.

A part of me would always be grateful to Sarah for helping me feel at home here, but it was time for my next chapter. And I had a feeling it would be a good one.