Chapter 45. Potpourri

Liesl was studying her canvas as Janka approached her in the workshop of the gallery. She had let herself in earlier and opened up so Janka could sleep in a bit.

“Wow. Your restoration work on this piece is impeccable. I can’t tell where the water stain was.”

“Thanks.” She smiled as she drew a brush stroke over the spot she was fixing.

“How was your first night alone in the house without Isaias?”

“Good but he’s called me seven or eight times since he left yesterday afternoon.”

“Really? Why?”

“He thinks I’m going to leave the minute he’s out of the country. He knows I’m reluctant to move in with him.”

“I don’t know why. It’s clear the man is enamored.”

She bit her lower lip and sighed, “I think I’m in love with him,” she whispered to Janka.

“Really? Those are big words, Liesl.”

“I know.”

“Did you tell him?”

“No. I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I’m scared once he knows how I feel he’s going to run.”

“Why?”