Quicksilver Dreams(52)

                “There’s a first time for everything, Taylor. You have to start somewhere. And what’s the worst that can happen?”

                “I could make a mess of it all.”

                “Then you can paint it white and start over.”

                “I know, but...”

                “Taylor Lane.” Mrs. Myrtle’s tone became just a bit more firm and motherly. “You need to have confidence in yourself. You do some lovely artwork. Now tell me true if you aren’t really interested, and I’ll find someone else, but if you’re really interested, I want you to talk with Sara about what she’d like on her wall and maybe come up with a few sample drawings for her to choose from.”

                “Well...I am interested...but—”

                “Then it’s settled. I’ll pay for the materials and for your time.” Her tone of voice held firm.

                “You don’t have to pay me, Mrs. Myrtle.”

                “Nonsense, dear. One of the most important lessons in life is to know your worth, and don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Now, I know you need to get on to work and your car is back down the block, so you better hurry. I don’t want you to be late.” She winked and gave me that warm smile that was so addictive.

                Such a lovely girl. I hope she learns to trust in herself. That I heard clearly in my mind, and it made me glow at the same time I got goose bumps. First, I really was hearing her thoughts, and second, if this was the encouragement that most people got to experience growing up, then I had truly missed out.

                “Thanks, Mrs. Myrtle. I’ll be glad to do this art project.”

                “Excellent. You’re a kind girl, Taylor. Thank you, dear, for walking with me. We’ll talk later.”

                “You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

                Though I had plenty to think about that was new and exciting, my thoughts circled back round to Ryder and what had happened to me the last few days. I could picture his brooding green eyes and his sexy lips whose taste I was already craving. Somehow he’d managed to imprint himself on me. Easily, I could bring his masculine image to mind, and it was almost like he was there with me, which was equal parts bitter and sweet.

                Sharply, I turned my thoughts to the break-in at my car and the break-in at my apartment, which successfully turned my amorous musings sour, but posed a valid question. Who in the hell was trying to cause me grief? I didn’t have anything valuable. I lived a fairly normal life of work and more work with a little exercise and play in there. I mean, really. What was all this about?

                At the same time, I find out that this hot guy has been coming to me in my dreams (still not ready to go there), that Cynthia isn’t all of who she says she is, and I’m also starting to be able to read minds, if that’s the right way to phrase it. The world I grew up in was fading away to be replaced by this bizarre, surreal place where I had no idea what was going to happen next.

                I walked into the office at my usual time. Reggie wasn’t there. I suddenly remembered my gaffe with his boyfriend/partner and wondered what torment that was going to bring me. I so needed more pain in my day, right?

                When Reggie did arrive some twenty minutes later, dressed in an impressive dark gray pinstripe suit, with his dark goatee looking trimmed and fashionable, I opened my mind, so I could “hear” if there was a problem with Frank. If Frank had been upset with me, maybe I’d get a heads-up on it, which might give me just enough of an advantage that I would be able to keep my job.