Love Walked In (Stevens Book 7)

Chapter 17

The next week was agonizingly lonely. Norah was able to get a lot of work for her show done but the quiet was deafening. Caleb called on Thursday to say that he would be another week and Bryce and Lizzy both called on Friday to set meetings with her for the following week.

She was looking forward to her meeting with Lizzy, which would be at the house, but she was dreading her meeting with Bryce and when Thursday rolled around and it was time for her to meet with Bryce she felt sick. He had said that Grace would be there but even that didn't sooth her. Bryce reminded her too much of her father and his disapproving way.

At the last minute she picked up the sketch of Grace and Bryce to take with her. She knew she didn't have to ask for their approval but somehow their drawing seemed much more intimate than the others and it would be nice to have their blessing. She was due to show Lizzy the sketches the next day and she didn't want to include it if Bryce and Grace didn't want her to.

Norah drove to the hotel downtown where they were staying. It was a five star and was known for its excellent service. "Would you expect a Stevens to stay anywhere else?" she said to herself as she walked through the lobby towards the restaurant, feeling out of place even though she had worn her best dress and put her hair up in a bun in an effort to impress her brother-in-law.

"Norah." She heard behind her as she waited for the hostess to greet her.

The hostess had been taking her time not overly impressed with Norah's appearance but as soon as Bryce and Grace showed she was instantly there.

"How are you?" He took her hand in a brief handshake.

"I'm good. I miss Caleb."

Bryce stopped and looked at her for a minute. "Where is he?"

"South America somewhere."

"That man is always going to the most exciting places. You should go with him next time Norah, just imagine what you could capture with those pencils of yours," Grace said giving her a hug.

Norah was stunned at the thought. Could she really travel with Caleb? Would he want her to?

They were led to their table and Norah couldn't help but notice the looks Bryce was receiving as he moved across the room. He just drew respect, no he commanded it, from those around him. He looked as cold and distant as he always did so she forced herself to remember the drawing tucked next to her side. It made him more human to her and she felt a little less intimidated.

"I thought we could eat and then return to our room to go over everything. I think we will need the privacy."

Norah nodded turning very pale and what little appetite she had evaporated.

"Bryce you couldn't make it sound worse if you tried? Look at Norah she now has no appetite and I don't blame her."

Bryce raised an eyebrow looking at Norah. "I apologize Norah. If you sign the papers you will be no worse off than you are now if that makes you feel any better."

Grace made a sound of mock outrage at what he had said and slapped him on the arm.

Seeing Bryce taken to task by his wife was humorous and she couldn't help but smile. "Actually Bryce, it does make me feel better, thank you."

A moment of complete understanding passed between them as they shared a smile. Bryce's whole demeanor changed when he smiled and he looked so much like Caleb; his smile was just a little crooked.

After that the meal was a treat. They talked and laughed and she took the chance to get to know her in-laws. Grace was a professor of Archeology and she was told the story about how she had dug up Bryce's backyard when they first met.