More Than Love (NG3)

21 - Good news/bad news

A/N Time for a crossover because I can't help myself. A bigger one is coming.

Laney started to feel more settled with her two new friends, old enough to be her parents, who looked at her and made weird faces. She had an appointment at a gallery along Newbury Street in Boston. The gallery wasn't well known, but it had a reputation for supporting emerging artists and giving back to the community.

Laney spent a long time trying to decide what to wear for her meeting. Did she dress artsy or professional? She didn't have a professional wardrobe and Skylar was the wrong size. As adopted sisters, they couldn't experience the clothes sharing tradition.

Eventually, she gave up and called for advice. Sasha tried to hide her excitement, but Laney could tell she was gushing. Friends asked friends for advice, but also daughters asked their mothers. Sasha suggested she dress presentable with an artistic flair. A sleeveless iris shift dress accented with a clunky bracelet and a colorful scarf.

When Laney looked in the mirror, she saw Sasha looking back at her and thought of Reed. Had he seen Sasha in her? Was that what lured them? Why was she attracted to her stepbrother?

At dinner with Davis, she could see the bond between the divorced spouses. Sasha lost everything but was still happy. Laney smiled, thinking of Davis. He was outgoing in a way neither Sasha nor Reed were. It was hard not to think about Reed, who looked like his father. Her heart jumped when Davis mentioned his son as part of his 'Sasha in the cold ocean' story. She resisted the urge to ask about him.

To her surprise, the gallery was large on the inside. In the corner stood a metal spiral staircase leading to a second floor. A nicely dressed girl younger than her eyed her portfolio and told her to have a seat. "Marisa is running behind this morning."

Laney put down her large leather portfolio and extended her hand. "I'll just walk around."

The art was diverse and rather wonderful. There were photographs, watercolors, acrylics, and oils. They included still lifes, portraits and landscapes. There were even some digital illustrations and pen and ink drawings.

Even more remarkable than the art was the price tags. Laney couldn't imagine her painting being sold for that much money. Circling back to the front of the gallery floor, the receptionist looked up from her phone and gave her a weak smile. A postcard on the desk caught her attention. She pointed to the card. "May I?"

The receptionist nodded. Laney lifted the glossy design. It promoted a fundraiser supporting literacy to be held at the end of August. The event featured amateur, as well as up-and-coming artists. She would love to be 'up and coming'.

Behind her, a female said, "I'm so sorry I'm late. My son was sick this morning and... You don't want to hear about the trials of a working mother." She stuck out her hand. "I'm Marisa. Come on upstairs. Alicia, did you offer Laney a drink? Never mind." Under her breath, she continued, "It's hard to find decent help."

Laney smiled. "I love your gallery. The pieces are amazing."

Marisa smiled. "Thanks. This was my mother's vision. I hope I am honoring her legacy."

"I'm sorry." Laney felt guilty for having two mothers.

"Thanks. Would you like something hot or cold to drink?"

Laney smiled. "Just water is fine."

Marisa returned with two glasses and a bottle of Perrier. "Unless you'd prefer flat?"

"It's fine. Thank you. I brought samples of my work."

"In a minute, I like to get to know the artists I consider. I've read your credentials. You graduated from RISD."