Love in Jeopardy

Chapter 2

Taryn loved her studio apartment. It had the perfect amount of light for her to paint. There wasn't a lot of room for her to put her canvases, but she made do. Except for her bag addiction, she did not have many material possessions.

Taryn's parents had died in a car accident when she was six years old, leaving her a ward of the state. She grew up in many different foster homes, never sure if she would spend a whole school year in the same place. She became used to moving around so much that she never accumulated many possessions. Her painting supplies were everything to her. She didn't care if she had to sleep on the floor so long as she was able to do her art. She had learned at a young age that the only person she could depend on was herself. She didn't trust many people easily, but she was trying to be a good friend to Kim. She was surprised by her interest in Gideon. After all, what would a successful lawyer want with the likes of her? She was an average height with a runner's build and long black hair that she kept in a pony tail most of the time. She wouldn't call herself beautiful, but she wasn't ugly, either. She went jogging four times a week and she ate as healthy as she could. She lived quite frugally because she never had many extras growing up. She had learned to be grateful for what she had.

It didn't take Taryn long to clean her place. Her bed was in a niche off the sitting/dining area. She kept her painting supplies in the sitting room so there wasn't a lot of room for her to have friends over. She had a small dining table placed next to a small island where her corner kitchen was. She didn't have much counter space, but she only ever cooked meals for herself, anyway.

After she finished vacuuming, washing the floors, and dusting, she tackled her car. It was an earlier model Honda Civic that she had bought with money she had earned from selling her first three paintings. She was very proud to have her own vehicle, especially since it gave her enough independence to travel to different art galleries.

That evening, Kim called Taryn to discuss their brunch that day.

"I think Gideon liked you," Kim said enthusiastically. "Charlie says he doesn't usually ask women for their numbers."

"Oh, I guess I should feel privileged," Taryn retorted. "I didn't get a positive vibe from him."

"Oh, don't worry," Kim said. "He hasn't had the best luck with women lately, so he's a little shy. I'm sure you can bring him around."

"Why are you trying to set us up, Kim?" Taryn asked curiously.

"I don't know. Honestly, I think you would be great for each other. He needs an independent woman and you're definitely that. Besides, I think you'd make a cute couple. And the four of us could hang out together. Wouldn't that be awesome?"

Taryn laughed. Kim was incorrigible sometimes. She supposed that's why her gallery was so successful. Taryn asked her if she needed any help looking at places for her and Charlie.

"No, not yet," Kim replied. "We're still making a list of what we both want. It's taking forever."

Taryn chuckled. Kim loved to exaggerate.

"I'm sure you guys will find the perfect place," she said encouragingly.

After a few more minutes of chatting, the women hung up.

Taryn was about to run a bubble bath when her phone rang again.

"Hello?" she said, wondering if Kim had forgotten something.

"Taryn? It's Gideon. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

After a pause to reign in her surprise, Taryn replied, "No, of course not. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Sorry to bother you so late, but I was wondering if we could meet for lunch tomorrow."

"Lunch? Sure, what time?"