The Merriest Magnolia (Magnolia Sisters #2) - Michelle Major Page 0,95
of the town. Perhaps I’m more like Niall than I want to admit?”
Meredith snorted. “You’re nothing like Niall and everyone knows it. That was a low blow, even for Dylan.”
“I’m going to give him a piece of my mind the next time I see him.” Avery’s eyes narrowed. “If he thinks he can get away with—”
“Stop.” Carrie shook her head. “I don’t want this—any of it. I’m going to New York City.”
Both Avery and Meredith stilled. They exchanged looks with each other before their gazes landed back on Carrie.
“For good?” Meredith asked after a moment.
Carrie swallowed around the ball of anxiety that had risen in her throat when she’d made the declaration. She hadn’t, in fact, been planning to go to the city. Not until she’d said the words out loud.
“I’m not sure.” She glanced down at the fuzzy pink robe she wore, brushed a piece of dried cereal off the front. “Another gallery owner called a few days after the festival. Someone who was here took photos of my work and texted him. He wants to meet and talk about representation and he sounds even more serious than the woman who reached out after the newspaper article. That felt like she wanted the notoriety I bring with me. This man seems interested in me.”
“Why won’t he come to Magnolia?” Avery asked. “Your studio and paintings are here.”
“He offered that,” Carrie admitted. The truth was the man had offered to represent her without even meeting her. He said he thought she had a bright future just from the pictures of her work. “But I want to go to the city. He has ideas for a show at his location in Tribeca. I’d like to see them. I’d like to feel the energy of New York. Dad always talked so negatively about the art scene there, but I realize that’s because of how the critics viewed his work. I want to see it for myself. I’m tired of letting other people determine how I live my life.”
“We’ll support you in whatever path you take.” Avery’s smile was gentle. “But remember this will always be your home.”
She knew that, of course, but the words were still a balm on her heart.
“And we can take out Dylan Scott if you want,” Meredith offered, making a show of cracking her knuckles. “That guy deserves a good throttling.”
“No.” Carrie shook her head. “He’s doing what he thinks is right. For the town and for Sam. I wish he could see a different way, but maybe he’s right.”
Meredith frowned. “Don’t say that. He’s a lowlife, lying slime ball. Don’t give him an out.”
“I’m not trying to,” she protested weakly. “But I don’t want to live with my head in the sand any longer. I have to face life, even the difficult parts of it.”
“No matter what happens, today is Christmas and you shouldn’t be alone.” Avery glanced at the television. “Get dressed and come to the house. Violet is so excited to show off her presents, and even Gray’s mother is coming over. I still think she likes you better than me.”
“She doesn’t like me at all,” Meredith said with a laugh. “I’m going to have a great time with that.”
The two of them turned for the door, arguing over how to handle Avery’s soon-to-be mother-in-law. It took almost a full minute for them to notice that Carrie hadn’t moved.
“I’m serious,” Avery said, turning again. “You can’t spend Christmas alone. I see where this is going. You’ll tell us everything is okay and then end up sitting in the dark on the wrong side of a bottle of wine with Joni Mitchell’s River playing on repeat.”
“Such a good song,” Meredith murmured. “But sad as all get out.”
Carrie shook her head. “I’m not planning on drinking,” she promised. “But I’m staying here.”
“Carrie, come on.” Avery’s mouth thinned. “We’re worried about you. This is your first Christmas without Niall. Things have changed and—”
“I’ve changed,” Carrie whispered. “It hurts right now, but I’m going to be fine.”
“Are you sure?” her sisters asked in unison. Neither of them looked convinced.
That made three of them, but she took a deep breath and nodded. She might not know how she’d survive, but there was no doubt she’d find a way to figure it out.
“What about Dylan?” Meredith held up a clenched fist. “I could still throw down if you want me to. I’m pretty sure I could take him.”