Everlasting (Unrestrained 6)

For the next couple of hours, I amused myself with Sophie, watching television and eating a light lunch. Finally, around two o'clock, I heard water running in the back of the house. Drake was up and was having a shower before he went to work. He emerged from the bathroom, wearing only boxer briefs, his hair still damp, and came right over to where I stood by the island reading my emails.

"I hate to leave you," he said, his arms slipping around me. "I wish we could go and lie down for a while."

"Me, too," I said and turned around in his arms, sliding my arms around his neck.

We kissed and it was a tender kiss that could have become passionate if we let it, but Drake would be leaving in a few moments and so we didn't go there.

The kiss ended and we stood together for a while, our foreheads pressed together, our arms around each other.

Drake sighed heavily. "Two more days," he said softly. "Two more shifts and then I'm all yours."

"I can't wait."

We kissed again and then he pulled away reluctantly and went to the bedroom to finish changing for his shift. When he emerged from the bedroom, he was wearing a pair of blue scrubs that made him look devastatingly handsome, highlighting his deep blue eyes.

"Gotta go," he said and kissed Sophie on the top of her head, running his hands over her hair before kissing me once more. I followed him to the door and watched him go to the SUV and get inside. He slipped on a pair of sunglasses and then backed out of the driveway, waving at me as he did.

Then he was gone.

I busied myself getting my art supplies in order in the office. Sophie played in her chair, grabbing at the toys I placed strategically around her.

The doorbell rang and I picked up Sophie and went to the door. Elaine and my father came in, he in his wheelchair. Luckily, the house was easily accessible for him. Once inside, we all hugged and kissed hello.

"Come in," I said and led them to the living room. I kissed Sophie and went to the door, watching as Elaine took Sophie and placed her into my dad's arms.

"Sophie was just having some playtime. She could have a bottle in about thirty minutes and then you can put her down for a nap if you want. I probably won't be too long."

"Don't rush on our account," Elaine said. "Your father's looking forward to playing with her," she said and I watched as he kissed Sophie's cheek. "We haven't seen our little angel for almost a week."

"I'm on my cell if you need me," I said and went to the door. "I'll see you when I get back."

"You have fun. Don’t rush because of us. Take your time and meet the other artists who work there if you can."

"I will," I said. "I hope the space is as nice as it looked on the website. I can't wait to get started back painting."

She smiled and I waved at her as I drove off, making my way up the coast to San Francisco, through the winding streets to the city and the Dogpatch area to Minnesota Street, renowned for its warehouses used as galleries and artist studios.

The warehouse was directly across the street from a converted building that functioned as a gallery for local artists. I was excited as I met with the building manager and went inside to check out the space that was open. I was lucky that the person who originally wanted the space pulled out at the last minute and so it was available and I was next in line, otherwise I might not have been offered a space. It was so in demand.

We walked through the halls to a studio facing the bay and the manager opened the door to admit me. I walked inside and glanced around. It was basic – a long narrow room with windows at one end and a small area with a sink, cupboard and countertop. We would share washroom facilities with the rest of the building tenants.

"I love it," I said, turning around in a circle and taking it in. The walls were a bit battered and there were marks on the wall where paintings had been hung but I didn't care.

"We can paint it white before you move in," he said. "That way you can start with a clean slate."

"No, that's fine. I like the way it looks. Makes it feel like a real studio."

"Okay, but if you change your mind, the offer stands. Just give me a day to arrange a painter to come in and it's done. We don't usually get people willing to pay for a full year up front, in addition to the security deposit, so we're happy to do it if you want."

"I'll be happy to be here looking out at that view of the bay, especially with the natural light."

We talked about the building facilities and then he handed me the magnetic card that I could use to get into the building and a key to my space. I left, and on my way out, decided to go to the gallery across the street and see what they had on display. I entered and walked around, looking at the paintings and collages and sculptures as well as installations

. It inspired me and I felt giddy as I walked through the building, imagining that one day, I could have my work displayed there as well.

I had to finish my Africa collection and that was first on my agenda when I finally took possession of the studio.

As I was on my way out of the gallery, I passed a wall of notices of upcoming exhibitions, as well as requests for studio space. I saw one flyer, glossy, with a photo of something that looked familiar. At first, I couldn't remember where I'd seen the painting before but then I realized it was Sefton deVilliers.