Finding Pride (Pride Series) (17 page)

“Stop! There isn’t a thing wrong with you.”

“
I know, at least I’m beginning to understand that it wasn’t me, it was him. At one point, my self esteem was so low, I thought of hurting myself. Anything to make the pain stop. Every time I would think that way, I would remember my father. Then I would think of Matt’s face and… well… I couldn’t leave him alone.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell Matt what was happening, you know he would have helped.”

“At first it was shame, then, it grew to something else, I don’t know. I guess, I just wanted him to be proud of me, and well. How can you expect someone to be proud of you, when you’re not proud of yourself?”

“I think he would be very proud of you now, you’re a survivor. Just look at what you’ve done, what you have survived through. Not only are you starting your own business, you’re helping market a local artist. You’ve befriended the entire town, you’re not only the smartest woman I’m in acquaintance with, you happen to be the prettiest.” Todd stood up and pulled her up to him, holding her tight against his chest. “It kills me to hear what you’ve gone through; I wish I could take it all away. Don’t ever doubt yourself Megan, you’re incredible.”

Megan held on and smiled. It was nice to have someone believe in her. Life looked better in Todd’s arms. She could feel muscles bunch in his back when she had grabbed on to him. She felt powerful and decided to explore his back with her hands.

“I think you’re pretty incredible too,” she said against his chest.

“Shall we get going? These paintings won’t sell themselves.” Megan pulled away, but before she could move, he captured her lips in a soft kiss. The kiss said so much, that Megan was shaking when he finally pulled back.

As they finished the short drive into the city, she couldn’t help but wonder about him.

He made it very clear that he wants her physically, but she had the feeling that he was keeping a distance between them. Almost like he was unsure he can trust himself with her.

She had only been in two serious relationships in her life, one ended bad and the other ended worse. She knew that relationships could be good, and that there could be mutual gain. At least that’s what most magazines said about them. She’d never seen this first hand. She found it odd that a man could think of a woman as an equal in relationships. Derek had treated her more like property.

They finally pulled up in front of The Blue Spot Gallery. It was set on Main Street in an older part of Portland. The building was a three story brick that looked about two hundred years old. However, it and all the others around had been remodeled so that the old buildings looked classic. It had large windows which covered the entire front of the building. Several large paintings hung in the left window and a large picture of a child holding a tulip in black and white covered the other. All in all, the gallery was very impressive. There were people coming and going through the glass double doors.

As they walked in, an older woman in her fifties walked over to them. She had her hair pulled up in a tight bun and wore a simple brown business suit.

“Welcome to The Blue Spot, is there anything in particular I can help you with today?”

“Yes, this is Megan Kimble, and I’m Todd Jordan, we’re here to see Mr. Derby.”

“Yes, Miss Kimble, Mr. Derby has been expecting you. Please feel free to walk around, while I inform him you’re here.” She walked over to a small desk and picked up a phone.

The art covering the walls, ranged from exquisite to very odd. While Todd and Megan walked around talking about some of the paintings, Ric watched the good looking couple.

So, this was Megan Kimble? She was younger and prettier than he’d imagined. Because of this woman’s genius marketing plans The Blue Spot Galleries had been able to expand all the way to Los Angeles. He had a great deal of respect for her. She’d worked fast and efficient several years back, he imagined her as a whirl wind of energy.

Yet, now actually seeing her standing in his gallery, she looked small and somewhat lost. The broken arm left her looking vulnerable. She was standing next to a thin built man a Mr. Todd Jordan. Ric had heard of him, the owner of Jordan Shipping. Ric used his company to ship paintings and some of the larger art pieces around the world.

But, what was Megan Kimble doing with Todd Jordan? Just then, he saw Todd lean over and whisper something in Megan’s ear, that had her giggling.

Instantly he felt respect for the man, Megan Kimble had been through hell. Ric didn’t know the whole details, but Mr. Martin had explained why she’d not shown up for the conference in New York several years back. Ric had also heard the despair in her voice every time they talked over the phone.

He walked forward to greet the woman whom he owed everything. “Megan?”

Megan turned to see a bronzed man in his late twenties. He was tall about six feet, tan, with blonde hair that was neatly cut. He wore a black suite and a bright blue tie. She’d imagined he would look just like this.

He had a smooth voice that had soothed her during the times when there had been little to no hope in her life. In truth, she’d come very close to this man over the seven months they had worked together over the phone. She had the opportunity to meet him in person once in New York. However, she had ended up not going due to a black eye and swollen lip.

“Ric, it’s so good to finally meet you.” Megan said shaking his left hand. “This is Todd Jordan, my good friend and neighbor.”

“Mr. Jordan,” They shook hands as well, but Megan could see something spark in Ric’s eyes. “It’s a great pleasure to meet you. I’ve used your company for the last couple years, with no complaints.”

“Thank you, it’s a lovely place you have here. Megan tells me you have several other galleries.”

“Yes, one in Seattle and two in California. Won’t you come up to my office, we can have some refreshments?”

“Oh, that would be fine. I’ve brought those paintings we talked about, they’re out in the car.” Megan said.

“I’ll just go grab them.” Todd said starting out.

“So, Megan, tell me more about this bed and breakfast of yours.” Ric gently cupped her left elbow and started walking towards the stairs, knowing that Todd would be along. He listened as she spoke softly about her business.

By the time they reached the landing, Todd was starting up the stairs with several paintings tucked under his arm.

Once in the office he ushered them to sit. Taking the paintings from Todd, he set them down on an easel. He then called down to Mrs. Barns for her to bring tea up.

“So tell me about this artist,” he said looking at the first painting of Allison’s. It was a smaller portrait of a pixie that sat hunched over on a rock in a pond. Her wings were tucked down and she was staring at her reflection in the water.

Megan thought she looked remarkable like Lacey.

“Well, she’s from Pride, she works with oil, water colors, charcoal and pencil. I’ve only known her since I’ve been there, and well, I’ve purchased several of her pieces for my bed and breakfast.”

Megan sat while Ric moved from painting to painting. When Mrs. Barns came in with the tea he continued to look at the one of the pixie Lacey. He hadn’t spoken and the room sat silent for a few minutes, then he abruptly sat behind his desk, his eyes still on the pixie.

“She has some talent, I won’t deny that. I’d like to meet her, and see more of her work. I’m very interested in putting her work up. Does she have an agent?”

Megan was taken back. “Really? I mean, wow, yes, no I mean she doesn’t have an agent. Maybe you can point someone out for her?”

Ric smiled, “Yes, as a matter of fact, I’ve several. First off though, I would like to reimburse you for these paintings, that is, if they are for sale?”

“
Oh, well, you will have to take that up with Allison; I’m just borrowing these.” Megan looked over at Todd. “You see, she doesn’t think anyone would be interested in her work.”

“I can assure you they will be. Actually, I would like this one,” he said pointing to the pixie on the pond. “For myself. I think I know a buyer for two of the other oils, and as for the watercolor I’m sure it would sell within the first week. Do you happen to have Allison’s number; we’ll just give her a quick call?”

By the time Todd and Megan walked out of Ric’s office her head was spinning. Allison sounded shocked and excited over the phone. She’d agreed to meet with Ric next week, at her store. So, he could take a look at the rest of her work. He’d given her several names and numbers, for some local agents and assured her that he would have them contact her before next week.

Somehow they ended up walking out with not only a promise to have Allison’s art work on show. But another local artist, a photographer, by the name of Brad Stone, would be stopping by this week to take professional digital pictures of the cabins for them. Ric had also suggested that when she had her brochures for her bed and breakfast done, to ship some to him and he would post them in each of his galleries.

Because they no longer needed to hit the camera stores, Todd thought to show Megan around to some of the local sites. They spent the afternoon walking around Portland, hitting some of the local shops. When they came to a little book store, Megan pulled Todd inside.

“
I’ve been meaning to find some books.” Todd thought he would end up on the romance isle, but instead they ended up in the home improvement section.

By the time they walked out, he had a stack of how to books for gardening, painting, deck and hot tub care. She had also picked up a few books on local culture. One was a picture book that she would put in one of the cabins, and a beginner’s guide to sign language.

Megan had never felt so free, never had she spent a more relaxed day. Todd was great company, and he didn’t complain about any of the little stores she had dragged him into. By the time they headed back to the Jeep, they both had their hands full of bags.

T
he drive back was peaceful, they chatted about everything and nothing. The sun was just setting when they finally drove up to the house and Todd parked the Jeep in the garage.

“When do you get your cast removed?” he asked, helping her into the house with her packages.

“It should come off in a few days; I’ll need to find a local doctor to remove it. Do you know of anyone?”

“Yes, Dr. Stevens has been the town’s doctor since before I was born. He patched up Iian and myself more times than I can count. His office is just across from the Library. If you set an appointment, I can drive you down there.”

They’d walked into the house, and were halfway across the living room, before they realized that Iian was sitting at the dinning room table with a pile of papers spread out.

“
Oh no, Iian! I’m sorry, I forgot about our meeting.” She looked over at Todd. “We were going to go over the new menus for the Bed and Breakfast.” Iian took one look at Todd and shoved up from the table.

“It’s alright. I understand.” He said walking to the door, halfway there Megan had caught up with him, pulled on his arm until he turned around.