Page 29 of Weekend Temptation
The Long Island Art, Comic, and Fantasy Convention was one of Abbie’s favorites.She’d attended as a fan for years before opening her own little shop and selling her artwork.
This was her second year as a vendor, and so she knew a few of the other artists and vendors.A lot of them were often at other local town fairs together, and Abbie loved the little community they were building amongst themselves.
The convention was crowded, and Abbie had a buzz all day from the energy.One of her favorite parts was meeting new people, even if she didn’t make a sale.
Abbie’s artwork mostly consisted of quotes from popular books in the fantasy and romance genres with designs that matched the aesthetic of the books.The readership for both genres were voracious and her small social media accounts for the artwork had been steadily growing.It was the only public account she had, and it was because Megan had forced her into it.
By the end of the day, she had fewer prints and pins to bring home and a bunch of new followers on social media.It was more than she’d hoped for.
Just as Abbie started to pack up, when the last of the customers were winding their way out of the room specially designated for the artists, Megan appeared at the table.
“Megs!What are you doing here?”She hugged her friend across the table.“What happened to your house guest?”
“He’s off somewhere with Tucker.I didn’t ask questions.”
Abbie’s jaw almost hit the floor, especially as Megan’s cheeks turned red.“He?”
Megan waved a hand in the air.“Details later.I figured I’d come help you pack up and maybe we can grab food.”
Abbie was worn out, but Megan was always a bright spot.“That’d be great.And you can tell me all about this ‘he’ that’s staying on your couch.”
“There’s not much to tell.”Megan came around and started to take pins off the board and lay them out on the table.“His name is Caleb.He’s tall and quiet.”
Abbie noticed Megan moving a little slowly.“You can just put those in the containers under the table.I’ll organize them later.”Megan nodded and reached for the clear containers Abbie used.
The rest of the vendors packed up and a few stopped by to chat as she and Megan worked together to clear up the space.Megan had gotten into a particularly animated conversation with one of the other artists when Abbie was finally done getting everything onto her little handcart.
The sun was going to set soon, and she wanted to be on the road by the time it got dark.“Meg, I don’t mean to interrupt, but I’m going to go put this stuff in my car.”
She started to walk away but Megan said, “Have you met Abbie?She’s the artist at this table.”
Abbie tried not to groan too loudly as she gingerly set the handcart upright and turned to say hi.
“Abbie, this is Rachel.Rachel, Abbie.”Megan motioned from one to the other.
Abbie smiled as she shook Rachel’s extended hand.“It’s nice to meet you, Rachel.”
Rachel’s smile was wide.“You, too!I’m actually a fan of your work!”Her red hair was pulled back into a bun, much like Abbie’s own hair.
Abbie blushed.“Thank you.I’m sorry but I don’t know if I’m familiar with your work.”
Rachel stepped back, her smile still big.“That’s okay!I’m a new artist, so probably not.This is my first ever show.”
Abbie was ready to get home and into some comfortable pants, but didn’t want to be rude, especially not to a new artist.Abbie herself still felt like a complete newbie.“That’s amazing.Do you have a card?I’d love to check out your stuff.”
“Really?Yes, I do.Hang on a second.”Rachel ran back to her table, about thirty feet down the aisle.
“She’s talented.”Megan said.“I saw some of her stuff as I was coming down before and really liked it.It’s nice that you asked for her card.”
If only Megan knew that it was Abbie’s way to get out of the conversation as quickly as possible and home to her cozy pants.And down a glass or two of wine as she figured out how to text Derek.
“She’s nice.I always like to meet new artists.”
Rachel came back with her card, and Abbie thanked her as she put it in her pocket.“It was great to meet you, Rachel.Hopefully we’ll see you again at another Con.”
“You, too!”Rachel turned and said her goodbyes to Megan.Abbie went back to her handcart and hoisted it onto the wheels.
“Why are you in such a rush, Abs?”Megan grabbed their purses and walked along as Abbie pushed the cart to the exit.A moment later there was a crash and a curse behind her.
