‘I’ve said enough. The rest is up to you. Make good choices.’
Her mother ended the call and Skylar sat for a moment, staring out of the window.
Make good choices.
Her family had never understood that, for her, art and the process of creating something tangible and beautiful, whether a pot or a necklace, wasn’t a ‘choice’. It was a need—maybe even an obsession. It came from deep inside. She had images clamouring in her head, ideas crowding her brain. Inspiration was everywhere, and there were days when she was dizzy and dazzled by possibilities.
Choice wasn’t part of it.
She could no more have given up what she did than she could have given up breathing, but her family had never understood that. Their approach to life was analytical. Their appreciation of art limited to its cultural significance or financial value.
Growing up, there had been days when she’d wondered if her parents had brought the wrong baby home from the hospital. They were good people, but she felt as if she was in the wrong house.
The phone rang again. This time it was Brittany and Emily, her friends, who were both back home on Puffin Island in Maine.
‘What are you wearing?’
Brittany’s voice came down the phone and Skylar grinned.
No doubt about it—without her friends she’d go insane.
Friends were like solar power: bringing warmth and light to dark corners.
‘The silver dress with the white coat. Totally impractical.’
‘No burgers, no ketchup, and stay away from red wine. I bet you look like a snow queen. We rang to wish you luck, because after tonight you’ll be too famous to talk to us. Are you excited?’
Skylar tried to forget the conversation with her mother. ‘I think so.’
‘You think?’
This time it was Emily.
‘Sky, this is huge. You should be so proud. We are.’
‘Drink champagne, take photos and we’ll celebrate when you’re home.’ Brittany’s voice echoed down the phone. ‘Wish we could be there with you. You shouldn’t be alone.’
Skylar hesitated, not sure whether to tell them or not. ‘I won’t be alone. Richard is coming.’
There was a brief silence and then Emily spoke.
‘That’s great.’ Her voice was just a little too bright. ‘We thought he wasn’t going to make it.’
‘Last-minute decision.’
‘Why the change of heart?’
Sky wondered why the question should make her uncomfortable when she’d asked herself the same thing. ‘He shifted his schedule. I guess that’s a sign that he cares.’
‘Right. Well, we’re glad he came through for you.’ Brittany’s tone was warm. ‘I hope having him there makes tonight special.’
They didn’t say anything more. They didn’t have to.
She knew they were worried about her relationship with Richard.
Now that he’d won his senate seat she needed to persuade him to spend more time with her friends. She was sure that if he knew them better he’d love them as she did.
‘I have to go.’