An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Why We Came to Redding

LENA POV

"I am so glad you made it, my darling. How was the drive?" Denni asks as I had quickly excused myself from Stef to call her and let her know I had arrived.

"Oh, it was fine. We all followed each other, and got here rather fast. I would have called you earlier, but we were settling in and grabbing something to eat." I lie as I play with the phone cord, internally kicking myself as guilt washes over me. Just hearing her voice reminded me of how she made me feel, and how much I really did develop feelings for her as Stef said she saw.

"That is not an issue, my love. I've heard Redding is very beautiful. Wonderful scenery. I can see you sketching some while you are there, my little artist," she teases as I blush.

"So far, yes. The home my friends rented is beautiful, and I do plan on sketching some. You read my mind," I smile softly as Sandra walks in smiling and grabs a plate quickly exiting. "But, I will call you later? We are going to eat dinner and probably have our little talk. I'm just...nervous about it, and it's like a giant elephant in the room."

"Of course. I understand, darling. Call me when you get a chance, and please, if you need me to come and get you, I can Lena. I hate that you are doing this alone." Her soft voice soothes me as I squeeze my eyes shut and swallow hard.

"I know, and I appreciate it, Denni. But I am not alone, per say. These people are my family, and well, thank you. Um, I'll talk to you later then?"

"Of course. Goodbye, my love."

"Bye." I say feeling my heart pound in my chest as I head back into the living room seeing Stef chatting with Trina as she looks right at me winking, handing me my plate.

"Trina was just telling me that they have a bike path not to far from here, sweets."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, and a sculpture museum. Stef said you are an artist." Trina smiles as I blush, for I am not used to announcing to people what I do for a living. It's been so much a part of who I am for so long, that I'm not used to sharing it with others.

"Oh yes, um, I paint mostly, and I sketch. I also do some collages, but I haven't done sculpture."

"Wow, that's amazing. I'd love to see your stuff. I collect paintings and any kind of art." Trina graciously says as Stef beams, looking back at me.

"Well, she is having a show soon. Right, babe?"

"Um, well, yes. I am working on one but not sure of the date yet. Hopefully next month."

"Let me know, Lena. We don't come to California often, but maybe we could check it out. Stef said your work is amazing." She says as I blush now and bite into my shrimp.

"Oh well, I try."

"Ah, she's bashful. Don't let her fool you. Her work is beautiful." I glance at Stef again continuing to blush as we soon hear Julius screaming.

"Lets eat, fools!!!! Are you all deaf or what? Don't want my steaks getting cold!" Julius yells from the table as we all head over and take our seats.

The food looks amazing as usual as we all happily pass the bowls of food around and pour ourselves more mixed fruit drinks.

"I just want to thank you all for coming and driving up here. I know it was out of the way and not ideal." Sandra announces as we all look at her.

"Oh don't worry, baby!! You never ask for A THING! So we knew if you did, it would be something!! But the suspense is killing me!" Julius says as Stef cuts into her steak, clearing her throat as I bite into my string bean. "Spill already! Why did you fall off the planet and stop talking to us? We were kinda hurt!"