Chapter 76 Tyler Wants A Gift
“Yeah,” Eleanor said. “Brush painting isn’t something you can mass produce. I only paint when I feel like it, and the price depends on my mood at the time.”
Vera grabbed Eleanor’s hand, her face full of shock. “You’ve been keeping this from me? I had no idea I was hanging out with someone so talented. But how did you figure out she was Xena?”
“Well, I got a big order,” Eleanor explained. “The client said she runs a hotel and had bought a bunch of replica paintings. “She mentioned wanting a hand–painted blessing piece, but if that wasn’t possible, she’d settle for a printed version. Everything lined up. I mean, what are the odds it wasn’t her?”
“You really do love this kind of stuff,” Vera said. “I remember asking you before why you bothered learning foreign languages, since they’re so boring.
“You told me, ‘How else can I promote our traditional culture?‘ Turns out, you weren’t just saying that to sound cool.” Eleanor smiled. “It’s not like I’m doing anything big, but knowing other languages means I’m not always on the back foot. Still, some things are just so ingrained they’re hard to change.
“Like our own cultural traditions–some of them have been fading as the world becomes more connected. I just hope more people will help keep them alive. Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for traditional things.”
“So you just started doing it quietly?” Vera asked.
“Yeah. Some things are easy to learn, others… not so much. Like jewelry–making–I’m no good at that. But I know a few people who’ve been learning it since they were kids.
“They were about to give it up because of money, so I invested in them. They just made a new batch of agate bracelets. If you like them, I’ll ask for a pair to give you.”
“I’d love that.” Vera grinned. “Anything from you is a win.”
Right as she finished speaking, she noticed Tyler watching her. His brows twitched the moment she said “Anything from you is a win.” Even though Tyler didn’t say anything, Vera had a hunch–he was jealous.
She thought, ‘Come on, I’m just friends with Eleanor. What’s there to be jealous about? It’s not like I’m flirting with her.‘ Tyler, are you upset because Eleanor said she was going to give me a gift?” Vera asked directly, cutting straight to the point.
“Not exactly,” Tyler replied. “I just realized–I’ve never gotten a gift from her.”
“Between a married couple, gifts aren’t that important,” Vera replied. “Honestly, just having a faithful husband who doesn’t go chasing pretty faces is already a win. It’s different for us girls, though–especially with someone like Eleanor. Sharing nice things with each other is totally normal.”
Eleanor glanced at Tyler. She had never given him anything–not during holidays, not even after they got married. It wasn’t that she was stingy. It was just that someone like Tyler, with his high standards, might not appreciate her gifts.
And if he didn’t like them, it’d only make things awkward for both of them. She’d been through this with Chris–no matter how much effort she put into choosing a gift, he always found something to complain about.
“Oh, Eleanor,” Vera said, pulling a pendant out of her bag. “I need a new cord for this. Can you help me out?”
Eleanor took the pendant. “Sure.”
Vera grinned. “Thanks. This time, something simple. You can pick the colors–you always know what looks good.”
Tyler looked at Eleanor. “What’s this all about?”
“Tyler, you didn’t know?” Vera said, flashing her wrist. “Eleanor’s a pro at making cords. See this red one? She made it for me. It’s my lucky charm.”
“Figures,” Tyler said coolly. “She treats you way better than me.”
“Don’t take it the wrong way,” Vera said. “The thing is, I love everything Eleanor gives me. You guys, though? You’re impossible to please. Take Chris, for example–one could hand him the moon on a silver platter and he’d still frown at it. So, it’s no wonder Eleanor doesn’t bother giving you gifts.”
Tyler fell silent, his expression thoughtful. “I see what you mean.”
Vera glanced at her watch. “I’ve got a meeting to catch. No need to see me off–I’ll head out on my own.” Vera waved and hurried away.
A few steps away, she patted her chest and let out a long breath. The “meeting” was just an excuse. Truth was, Tyler had been staring at her colder and colder. If she didn’t dip out soon, it was going to get awkward fast.
Eleanor could tell that Tyler was in a bit of a mood, though he didn’t seem like the kind of guy who’d get upset over not
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Chapter 76 Tyler Wants A Gift
getting a present.
“Hey, Tyler, are you into fragrances?” Eleanor asked.
“Hm?” Tyler leaned in closer. “You do smell nice.
Eleanor’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I’m wearing jasmine perfume today. Let me take you to St. Spring There’s a boutique! invested in over there.”
“You invested in it?” Tyler asked.
“Yep,” Eleanor replied. “They mostly sell handmade perfumes, candles, and aromatherapy stuff
St. Spring was a trendy new street that popped up with the rise of cultural tourism. Every shop there had its own vibe.
“Donovan’s Aroma Shop,” Tyler read the sign aloud. “You registered this?”
“Sure did,” Eleanor said. “What’s the matter? Don’t tell me you’re thinking of renaming it Langford’s Aroma Shop!
Tyler chuckled softly. “Do I really seem like that kind of guy?”
It was a weekday, just past noon, and the summer heat had left the streets nearly deserted. Inside the shop, only a single staff member was present.
As they stepped in, all kinds of scents hit them at once. The air smelled amazing–enough to lift anyone’s spirits. The defk didn’t recognize Eleanor, but still greeted them politely and gave a quick rundown of the products.
“What do you want?” Eleanor asked. “It’s on me.”
Tyler chuckled. “I have no clue about this stuff. Why don’t you pick something for me?”
“Sure. This one’s citrusy–you could burn it in your office. It’ll help you stay alert. And there’s a travel–sized version of the same scent. You can carry it with you,” she said. “You’re kind of a big deal. Just hope it doesn’t feel beneath you.” “Not at all,” Tyler replied. “Though… if it came with a personal touch from you, that’d make it even better
“Good,” Eleanor said. “As long as you’re not picky.”
After a moment of hesitation, Tyler couldn’t help but ask, “What did you give Chris before?”
Eleanor looked at him. “Why are you asking?”
Tyler turned his head to the side, avoiding her eyes. “No reason, just curious.”
“I’ve given him a Chopard watch, Hermès cologne, and even some fragrances I made myself. But no matter what it was, he never appreciated any of it,” Eleanor said with a soft laugh. “Maybe, in his eyes, I can never do anything right.
“Tyler, you’re not trying to compete with him, are you? If you want something expensive, just send me the money, and I‘ buy it for you.”
Tyler laughed. “Why would you think that? Honestly, I like all of these things. If it’s something you made yourself, I’d like it even more. Something I can carry with me and see all the time–that’s all I need.”
Eleanor gave him a long look. “Wow, older men really know how to sweet–talk people.”
For a moment, Tyler’s face darkened again.
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