“Don’t mind them, Jalen. Just keep eating.”
Jalen served more food to Hannah. “You should eat too.”
Staring at her bowl, Hannah felt a bit queasy. “No, I’m good, Jalen. Maybe we should try some local takeout next time. I’d like to try what this place has to offer.”
“The local cuisine here isn’t that great.”
Hannah forced a smile, not admitting that even the worst local dish couldn’t compare to her cousin’s cooking.
After they had dinner, Hannah made her way to the kitchen to clean the dishes.
Coming back, she noticed Jalen had moved the paintings around in the living room.
Jalen offered, “Hey, you’re welcome to use my drawing studio while you’re here. We’ve got a few guest rooms. Pick any you like.”
Hannah shook her head. “No, I can’t stay. I’m here on a mission. It’s a long trip from Lightby to this town. I’ll probably get a place downtown or maybe just book a hotel.”
Jalen looked a bit surprised, but he agreed, “Alright, just be safe. And keep in touch, okay?”
“Sure, Jalen.”
Watching him organize his paintings, Hannah ventured, “You know, Jalen, I’m around Newfort for a bit. When’s your next art show? I’d love to drop by.”
At her words, Jalen’s hand twitched. He started cleaning the same picture frame over and over. “You’ve seen art shows before. They’re all kinda the same, aren’t they?”
Hannah, leaning casually against the wall, smiled, “Remember when you first came to Newfort? You said if I ever visited, I should see your exhibition.
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Well, here I am. Why the hesitation about me coming?”
She paused, then added, “What’s up? You hiding something from me?”
“No, that’s not it. I…” Jalen quickly replied, his voice rising slightly.
Then, suddenly, the painting frame slipped from his hands, crashing loudly onto the marble floor!
He quickly bent to pick it up, flustered. “I… I’m not keeping anything from you. You’re overthinking it.”
“If I’m overthinking, that’s great. So, about the art show, when is it? I’ll make sure to be there.”
After putting away the painting frame, Jalen turned to her and inquired “Weren’t you searching for someone? Do you have time to check out the art show?”
“I can search and still make time for your art show. Just let me know when it’s happening. I’ll definitely come by to support you.”
Jalen seemed a bit awkward but nodded. “Sure, I’ll give you a heads-up about the show.”
“I should head out now,” Hannah announced.