" Need a hand ? " these off and pack up the leftovers - I don't want you getting soaked again . " Brendan scooped the last of the wraps into his bag and shoved the empty container and cup into Alessia's hands . " Go on upstairs , let your mom know what's going on . " Alessia nodded and headed up , quickly explaining everything to Karen . But instead of scolding Alessia for acting on her own , Karen looked anxious and excited all at once . She spun around the kitchen twice , already thinking about making more , but for a moment , she was so flustered she didn't know where to start . " Mom , I'll leave you to it . I'm going to talk to Ivan about the room arrangements ." " Good girl , go ahead . " By now , Karen was too distracted to hear anything else . Alessia just shook her head , smiling , and walked toward Ivan's room . She knocked - just like always - half - expecting no answer and already reaching for the doorknob herself , when the handle turned from the inside . Looking down , she saw Ivan's small face peeking out through the crack . " I need to talk to you . Is now a good time ? " He was only eight , but Alessia didn't bother with the sing - song tone adults usually used with kids ; she spoke to him as an equal . This kid was the same age as the younger Tate boy , but their personalities couldn't have been more different . Ivan stayed silent , but after opening the door , he went straight back to the little corner he'd claimed . Alessia noticed a brand - new can of paint in his hand - he must have gotten up to fetch it and just happened to answer the door . Even now , the Mortons did everything they could to meet the boy's needs . " I'm going to split my room into two zones , " Alessia began . " You'll have the inside area - it's quieter , full of sunlight , perfect for painting . I'll take the outside part , and I won't bother you while you work . How does that sound ? " Ivan glanced up at her , then looked down again , fiddling with his paints . " My room has a window with a view - you can see birds perched on the power lines 1/2 15:37 during the day , sunlight streaming through the trees in the afternoon , and at night , you'll spot a passerby or two under the streetlights . " Her voice was gentle , almost hypnotic . Ivan unconsciously stopped mixing his colors to listen . " You can't keep yourself holed up in a dark little corner forever . You have to see the world outside if you want to create real art . I promise I won't disturb you while you're painting . If you agree , just nod . If you don't , I'll bug you every day until you can't get any work done . " She wasn't pretending to be a saint , but she also didn't take kindness for granted . At her last words , Ivan's eyes went wide with outrage - finally , he looked like a kid his age . Pleased to see some spirit in him , Alessia ruffled his hair . Much better - definitely cuter than that bratty Tate boy . Just as she was thinking this , Ivan knocked her hand away . She raised an eyebrow . " Well ? " He hesitated , then gave a small nod . Easier than she'd expected . Good - her patience was always in short supply anyway . With that settled , Alessia stood up . " Okay , go back to your painting . I'll sort out the room and call you when it's ready . " She left without waiting for a reply . Ivan sat staring at his half - finished painting , unmoving for a long moment . Once everything was arranged , Alessia surveyed the room , sketched out a rough layout in her mind , then snapped a photo of her plans and sent it along with a list of supplies to Cole . Cole was quick to respond ; he'd said it would take an hour , but less than thirty minutes later , a whole crew of workers was hauling equipment upstairs . Alessia had already let everyone know , so when Brendan heard the knock at the door , he didn't hesitate to open it . He'd expected some regular contractors , but when he saw who it was , he froze , disbelief flickering in his eyes : " Jus - Justin Keane ? " "Good afternoon . Is Miss Alessia Tate home ? " The man in front wore a simple white tee and jeans , topped with a linen cap - understated , but somehow effortlessly stylish . 2/2 15:37 Chapter 18