Read Online Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series, Volume 3 by Debbie Macomber - Free Book Online

hadn’t recognized his voice stung his ego. He’d hoped, despite her previous reticence, that she’d been thinking about him, too. Apparently that wasn’t the case.
    Her hesitation was just long enough to be noticeable. “I apologize if I snapped at you.”
    Will was more than willing to forgive her. “I’m guessing I phoned at a bad time.”
    â€œI usually try to work while Tanni’s in school.”
    Tanni was Shirley’s teenage daughter. He’d met her twice. The girl was dating a young man with an unusual first name. Shank? Shiver. Shaw…that was it. Shaw.
    The kid had talent. So did Tanni, although she was the one who’d brought Shaw’s work to Will’s attention. Shaw’s portraits, especially, had a lot of promise. He’d shown the kid’s work to an old friend of his, Larry Knight, who was a successful and influential artist, and who happened to be in Seattle recently. Larry had confirmed Will’s assessment. The way Will figured it, Shirley would be grateful for his help. And Will most definitely wanted to obtain Shirley’s gratitude.
    â€œI understand,” he said smoothly. “I’ll remember to call either early in the morning or closer to dinnertime.”
    â€œI’d appreciate that.”
    â€œYour exhibit’s done well,” he told her.
    Silence.
    Since she didn’t seem inclined to continue the conversation, Will charged ahead. “I wanted to know if it would be convenient for me to stop by later this evening.”
    She hesitated again. “Is there a reason?’
    The question put him slightly on edge; he’d expected a warmer welcome. He was disappointed that he needed an excuse, but then he’d already made more than one incorrect assumption with Shirley. “Yes, a very good reason,” he said. “I have a check for you. The wildflower panel sold this weekend.” The piece, a fabric collage, was a stunning work. Everyone who’d viewed it, including Will, had been enchanted.
    Shirley squealed with delight. “It sold! It really sold?”
    â€œYes.” Will had never heard her sound so uninhibited. “And the woman who bought it is interested in a couple of your other pieces, too.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful!”
    â€œI thought you’d be pleased,” he said. “I could drop off the check if you like.” He didn’t want her to think he was pressuring her.
    â€œAh…unfortunately I have plans this evening.”
    â€œI could visit tomorrow if that would be more convenient.” He was trying not to come across as pushy; at the same time, he was curious to know what her plans might be.
    â€œWell…” she said cautiously. “Maybe it would be best just to drop it in the mail.”
    Will’s head was spinning. She didn’t want to see him, or not at her house, anyway. That was a disappointment. “I have a better idea. Why don’t you come to the gallery and pick it up?”
    She leaped on the suggestion. “Sure…that would be great.”
    â€œWhen would be a good time?” he asked, implying that he was busy, too, and they should schedule this meeting.
    â€œI suppose I could make it into town later this afternoon,” she said.
    They agreed on four-thirty and Will set the phone back in its cradle, smiling. He’d gone out of his way for her daughter’s boyfriend at Shirley’s request—or with her approval, at any rate. Shaw had talent, but talent was cheap. He was giving the teenager a leg up, and he wanted to make sure Shirley valued his effort and the fact that he’d called in a favor from a friend.
    Now that their meeting was set, Will closed the gallery a half hour early, then took the time to comb his hair and change his shirt. Before returning to the main part of the gallery, he glanced at his reflection in the mirror.
    Normally he would’ve been confident he looked