Page 97 of Just Until Forever
My pulse spikes.
I stride to the door and open it.
Mya is standing on the porch, bundled against the Seattle chill, curls escaping her scarf. She holds out a bottle of wine in one hand, and in the other, a sketchbook and a pack of fine-tip markers by the exact brand Brianna’s been doodling with.
Thoughtful.I had mentioned to her that Bri was into art quite a while ago.
She really listens.
“Hi,” Mya says softly, offering a tentative smile.
For a second, I just stare at her.
The porch light glows against her skin, and I can’t stop my eyes from dragging over her outfit. A simple dress, nothing ostentatious, but on her it looks like it belongs in a magazine spread. She’s beautiful.
“You look great, Mya.” My voice is rougher than intended and I try to clear my throat.
She smiles shyly. “Thank you.”
I step aside. “Come in. They’re waiting.”
We head to the kitchen, where Maggie is fussing over the final touches of dinner. She wipes her hands on a dish towel, then surprises me by wrapping Mya in a hug.
“Oh, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” Maggie’s smile is kind and genuine.
Mya returns the hug and inhales deeply. “Likewise. It smells amazing in here!”
Maggie beams, clearly pleased.
We settle around the table, plates soon filled, and Mya makes a deliberate effort to keep Brianna engaged. She asks about school, friends, and even compliments the doodles scattered on the table beside Bri’s plate. My daughter lights up like a Christmas tree, soaking up every ounce of attention as she pulls her tablet closer.
“Look,” Brianna says, showing off a half-finished sketch of a wolf. “I’m still working on the shading.”
Mya leans closer. “This is incredible, Brianna. You have such a good sense of proportion. Do you draw every day?”
Bri nods eagerly. “Pretty much. Dad says I leave drawings everywhere.”
I hide a smile behind my glass.
Mya laughs softly. “I used to do the same thing, though what I draw isn’t nearly as fun. Mostly boring stuff, like buildings and interiors.”
“You drawbuildings?”
“Mhmm. Floor plans, elevations, the kinds of sketches that eventually turn into real spaces. It’s not exactly artistic, but it’s how I learned to see details.” Mya picks up one of Bri’s markers, spinning it between her fingers. “That’s what makes your art so good. You already see the balance.”
Brianna blushes under the compliment. “Really?”
“Really,” Mya says warmly. “You’ve got an artist’s brain. I’d love to see all your sketches one day.”
My daughter’s smile grows shy. “There’s a lot.”
“I’ve got time,” Mya teases. “Maybe when I come over next, you can teach me how to draw something that isn’t a building.”
Bri lights up. “We could draw together! Like a collab!”
“Exactly.” Mya leans in conspiratorially. “But you’ll have to promise not to laugh at my attempts at drawing animals.”
Brianna giggles. “Deal.”
