Nantucket Weddings - Pamela M. Kelley Page 0,41
painting,” Izzy told her.
“You did! That’s one of my favorites. Thanks so much for coming.” She chatted with them for a few more minutes until a new group of people came looking for her, and she had to resume her post and answer questions. Kate and Jack arrived a few minutes later and waved hello to Kristen, who was surrounded by potential customers.
“She has a good crowd tonight. Hopefully she’ll sell lots of paintings,” Kate said.
“Well, she’s sold at least one.” Mia smiled and glanced at her painting.
“You bought that one! Very nice.”
A waitress carrying a tray of stuffed mushrooms got their attention as she walked towards them. They all took a mushroom and a few minutes later, she made the rounds again. Izzy was about to reach for a second mushroom when Rick shot her a withering look. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” he asked.
Izzy hesitated and took a step back. “Right. Probably not.”
Mia glanced at the two of them in confusion. “Why isn’t it a good idea? They’re delicious. I’m having another one.”
Izzy looked like she was wavering, but then Rick explained, “Izzy’s gained some weight and said she wants to lose it. And if we’re going for pizza after this, maybe she doesn’t need a second mushroom.”
Mia was speechless, and Will looked like he wanted to punch Rick. “It’s a mushroom. If Izzy wants one, she should have one,” Will said.
Izzy smiled gratefully at Will. “Thanks, Will. Rick is right, though. I really don’t need another one. Not if I want to lose this weight. And I do.”
“You look great, Izzy. You don’t need to lose weight.” Mia was furious with Rick. Her sister once had an eating disorder, and it had taken several years of therapy for her to have a normal relationship with food again. Rick seemed to know just what buttons to push.
“I’ve lost my appetite,” Izzy said quietly. “Can we walk around and look at more of the paintings? I might want to buy something, too.”
Rick made a face. “We don’t need any of these over-priced paintings in my house.”
Mia was glad to see a bit of fire come into Izzy’s eyes.
“Your house? We both live there.”
“Whose name is on the lease? Not yours,” he snapped back. Will and Mia exchanged glances and Izzy looked mortified.
“Rick, please don’t do this. Not in public. Let’s have a nice night.”
“You have a nice night. I’m going home. Your sister can give you a ride.”
“Fine. I think that’s a good idea. Maybe I’ll see you later tonight, maybe I won’t.”
Rick looked confused and even more annoyed. “What does that mean?” He glanced at Will, who had taken a protective step closer to Izzy. “Where are you going?”
“If you’re going to be in this kind of mood, I’m not sure I want to deal with you. I might stay at Mia’s.”
Rick sighed. “Just come home when you’re ready, Izzy. I’ll probably be in bed.”
He left, and Mia breathed a sigh of relief. Rick was like a scowling ball of tension.
“I’m sorry about that,” Izzy said to Will, who stared at her in amazement.
“Izzy, you have nothing to be sorry for. I know he’s your boyfriend, but he seems like a real jerk. You can do better.”
Mia nodded. “I think you know I agree with Will. I haven’t said much, as I know he’s been going through a lot. But it doesn’t seem like things are getting any better.”
Izzy sighed. “They’re not. I thought this new job might calm him down some. He’s working with a good friend and it seems like things are going well, but he’s always in a mood lately. Or he’s really up, but the littlest thing can change it just like that. It’s exhausting.”
“I move back into my condo next week, if all goes well. You could move in and take my spare bedroom. There’s plenty of room.”
“I’m actually finishing up with your unit on Tuesday. I’ll get your furniture back in on Wednesday and then you can move in as early as Thursday,” Will said.
“Oh, that’s good news. Thank you. Izzy, what do you think?”
“I’m almost there, but I’m not totally ready to give up yet. Don’t hate me, but I do still love the guy. Though lately, I’m starting to wonder why.”
“I could never hate you. You know the offer’s always open. The spare bedroom has your name on it. Do you want to come home with me tonight and let him cool off?”
“I don’t think so. He said