about image. Even though the divorce was amicable and wanted by the both of us, she still views her marriage as having failed, and failure is something she’ll never admit to. There’s too much pride at stake.
I wonder if Grace will come to that conclusion on her own.
“So now what?” Vanni asks. “Can Grace stay or does she have to go back to Scotland?”
“Grace is welcome to stay if she wants to,” I say, looking at her.
She’s surprised. I suppose she didn’t think that would be an option.
Her forehead crinkles. “Are you sure?”
I nod. “You’re more than welcome to. If you think you can finish your book here, or at least get good headway on it, then I think it’s worth it. Don’t you?”
“But you don’t know me.”
“Jana vouched for you. Besides, I’m a good judge of character.” Usually. “So long as you don’t mind us in your writing retreat. I’ll of course be busy in my studio, and Vanni is good at occupying himself.” I give him a stern look. “Which means not pestering us when we’re working,” I warn.
“Oh, he’s not pestering me,” Grace says.
I smile. “You say that because you don’t know my boy. He will in fact start talking about the science behind the movie Interstellar when you’re about to chip away at the pinky toe of St. Paul for a church’s commission.”
“I take it you’re the one who made all this art,” she says, eyeing the statues.
I nod just as Vanni bowls on through. “Have you seen Interstellar?” Vanni asks her. “Because if you haven’t, then we need to watch it, right now, and then discuss.”
“Vanni,” I warn him again. “She hasn’t made her mind up to stay or not, and you are not helping.” I’m used to dealing with Vanni’s impulsiveness and intellectual demands, but Grace isn’t.
“I would love to stay,” Grace says, her smile genuine this time. “But if you ever need me to leave, I will. I won’t be offended. You’re incredibly gracious for letting me stay here when you have every right to make me go.”
I’ll admit, it will take some getting used to having her here and I have to do what I can to ensure she doesn’t interfere with my art. Not that I’ve got a handle on anything so far. I was supposed to take this month off when we were on the boat, hoping that at some point the salt air and open sea would reel in inspiration, pulling up creativity like creatures from the depths, but that didn’t happen. Now that I’m back here, I have no idea how I’m going to get back into the swing of things.
It seems Grace and I might share the same struggles with a slippery muse.
“I think the only thing we need to do is lay down some ground rules,” I say. “For the most part, this house is yours. I’ll give you the formal tour, so you know what is what. But my studio is off-limits if the door is closed.”
“That’s the glassed-in room?”
“Yes. It used to be the dining room for the lodge. All the glass panels slide open when I need air, especially for drying clay and plaster, but there are also curtains I can pull down when I need no distractions. I’m sure it is the same for you—sometimes a beautiful view is more distracting than it is inspiring.”
She gives me a small nod.
“We also need to find a suitable workplace for you, if you haven’t already.” I go on. “You’re welcome to use the study if you wish. There are plenty of tables in the dining room downstairs. There’s also the table outside under the pergola and one in the veranda. But if the scenery distracts you as it does me, it may not be the best place.”
“I’m sure I’ll find something.”
“The kitchen is yours, so help yourself. Later I’ll get groceries—just let me know if there’s anything you need specifically. I’ll be making the meals as I always do, since Vanni is helpless in the kitchen, and then has the courtesy to eat everything in sight.”
“I’m a growing boy,” he says with a roll of his eyes.
“You’re lucky you have your mother’s metabolism,” I tell him. “When I was your age, I was a round little thing.”
Vanni manages a rare smile and gives Grace a conspiratorial look. “I’ve seen pictures. My nonna still calls him piccolo zucca. Little pumpkin.”
That boy. I shake my head, ignoring his betrayal, and ignoring the bemused look on Grace’s