On the way back home, the afternoon sun was warm through the car window, golden light spilling across the leather seats. Bella watched the city pass by, shops, trees, people walking their dogs, when something caught her eye.
A small shop tucked between a bakery and a bookstore. The sign was hand-painted, slightly crooked, reading "Art & Soul" in soft lavender letters. Through the window, she could see shelves of paint bottles, rolls of canvas, and a wall of brushes in every size. A chalkboard easel by the door advertised: "Rent a studio by the hour. Supplies included. Take home your masterpiece."
And there, walking through the door, was Miss J.
Bella's heart leaped.
"Stop the car," she said quickly.
The driver pulled over. Bella grabbed her bag and hurried out, her flats tapping against the pavement. She pushed open the shop door, and a small bell chimed overhead.
