An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Gallery Walk

LENA POV

The rest of the week seemed to really fly by in some sense as it was already Saturday and the day of the gallery walk with Denni. Our coffee meeting had been very nice, and well, I had to admit she gave me butterflies.

Denni was very sweet, extremely charming and all around a lovely person and I was actually very excited about looking at art with her because she was very encouraging. At work I still found myself a little shy with her, but she had sent me another set of flowers hoping I wouldn't bail out today. Which, of course, I had not.

I was hoping to really just put other things in the back of my head today like Stef and I needing to talk about what we had done in my garage and what we were doing overall. Plus the fact that Frankie had called me to say her brother was being an ass, but that they were having fun on the extra days with Stef which I was happy about. Tomorrow they would be coming to my home which I was looking forward to, but whatever the case, I'd enjoy this day hoping to just soak it all up as it took me two hours to find an outfit.

It had been ages since I dressed up to go anywhere, and it wasn't that I was dressing up but I wasn't going to work, so I wanted to make sure I still looked nice. I knew I was most likely overthinking everything as I threw on one of my sundresses, finally, with my large bangles and chunky necklace. This would have to do because I just couldn't stress it any longer and I'd be late.

Quickly heading out of my small home I made it down to the pier where Denni told me to meet her, and we would head over to La Jolla. I never really went to that part of San Diego and I didn't even know it had an art scene, as embarrassing as that is. It was a more expensive area but very beautiful as I exited my car heading to the pier. Feeling nervous as I reach the pier, I don't see her but I suddenly hear a voice.

"Why don't you look lovely," Denni smiles as I turn around looking right at her as I see she is dressed down in casual jeans, a white blouse and sandals. Of course I feel overdressed but I try to just relax and be myself.

"Thank you. You do as well," I blush slightly as she removes her sunglasses and leans in and gives me a hug which catches me off guard, big time, and I notice she smells so good...like butterflies and sunflowers, and I can feel my stomach flip over and over again, something that does not happen to me unless I'm with Stef.

She pulls back now as she squeezes my hand as she smiles softly. "Are you going to chill with me today? Or blush and be nervous the whole time? Tell me, Lena Adams."

"Oh well, I'm not nervous with you, Denni. You just...I don't know how to explain it," I laugh softly as she searches my eyes, smiling softly.

"I know...me too, sweetheart," she grins as she holds up her keys. "Shall we, beautiful?"

I nod as I follow her to her car and she opens the door for me which also throws me off big time. Not that I'm trying to compare, but I can't remember the last time Stef held a door open for me as I got in and we took off for the pier. It is a really beautiful day as I hear soft classical music play from her radio and we have the windows down just letting all the sea air in as I close my eyes for a second. "Beethoven?" I smile as I look over at her and she smiles back, her sunglasses on.

"Yes. You've heard of his Symphony Number 9?"

"Mmm, I believe so. It was performed in Vienna? I think it took him a good amount of time to write, correct?" I reply as she nods and looks over at me.

"Yes. It took him, I believe 2 years to compose. It's very intricate in detail and the complexity is unreal. You can hear the story being told if you just take a deep breath and relax," she says as she reaches over and takes my hand in hers.