Shelly PoV
I hummed as I thought of trying to find a job. Being indoors was boring and I couldn't always have Damien taking me places to get over my boredom. Although, I worried about Toren. He was still getting used to living here. Thankfully, we had Zara to help ease thing.
"Poke!" Damien said, poking my cheek as we watched Toren study with Zara.
I narrowed my eyes and turned look at him. "Don't that unless you want your finger bitten off," I replied with a playful smirk, swatting his hand away gently. Damien chuckled, clearly unfazed by my mock threat. His presence was a comforting constant, always ready to lighten the mood or lend a helping hand.
"What's on your mind?" he asked, leaning back against the couch, his gaze curious and attentive.
I sighed, glancing over at Toren, who was diligently working through his lessons with Zara. "I was just thinking about finding a job. I need something to do, you know? I feel like I'm relying on you too much to keep me entertained."
Damien nodded, understanding the restlessness that came with being idle. "That's a good idea. Do you have anything in mind?"
"Not yet," I admitted. "I just want something that fits around Toren's schedule. He's still adjusting, and I want to be there for him."
"Of course," Damien said, his tone supportive. "But you should also think about what you want. You've got talents, Shelly. Maybe something creative? Or something that lets you interact with people?"
I thought about his words, considering the possibilities. It was true that I had always enjoyed creative pursuits. But I didn't feel like I was good enough. Not like him, who got his artwork from childhood displayed in the national museum of art. As for working with people... working in the diner had soured me on customer service.
"I don't know," I admitted.
Damien hummed. "Are you saying that because you don't think your art is good enough? Like I told you at the museum, you can always improve. No one starts perfect."
I sighed. "Says the boy genius who got his artwork displayed in a national museum at the age of ten."
He shook his head, a gentle smile on his face. "That was just one piece, Shelly. And it took a lot of practice and failures to get there. Everyone has their own journey. Some people are early bloomers, and a few of said early bloomers peak early in life. Meanwhile, others gradually get better and better as they refine their skills throughout the years."
Maybe I had been putting too much pressure on myself, expecting immediate brilliance rather than allowing room for development and discovery.
"You're right," I said, feeling a bit more hopeful. "I guess I just need to start somewhere and see where it takes me."
Damien gave me an encouraging look. "Exactly. And remember, even small steps forward are still progress. You might find that you enjoy the journey as much as the destination."
His words were comforting, a reminder to embrace the process and not just the outcome. I felt grateful to have someone like Damien in my corner, someone who believed in my potential even when I doubted it myself.
"Maybe I'll check out some local art classes or workshops," I mused aloud, feeling a spark of excitement at the thought. "It could be a way to meet new people and learn new techniques."
He chuckled. "Remember my offer?"
Right, he wanted to lend me his studio to work on a piece of my own.
"Of course I do," I said.
"Great," Damien said, grinning. "We could head over there this weekend. No pressure, just a space for you to explore and create."
I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and gratitude. "I'd love that. It might be just what I need to get started."
"That said, you could always work in one of our family's many companies."
I sighed. "I don't know. Doesn't your family have a lot of drama? I had enough of that working at the diner."
Damien chuckled softly, acknowledging the truth in my words. "Can't argue with that," he admitted, a wry smile playing on his lips. "But not all the family ventures are like that. There's one I think might be a good fit for you—Alexander's pharmaceutical company."
I hummed. "Think he would be open to letting me bring Toren if he ever gets seperation anxiety?"
"Hmm, not sure. He seems fond of Toren, but he's also very strict about rules."
The idea of working in a structured environment was appealing, especially if it meant having the stability and opportunities for growth. Yet, the thought of leaving Toren without me during his adjustment period was a concern.
"Well," I said thoughtfully, "maybe I can have a chat with Alexander. If he's open to discussing some flexibility, it could work. I just need to make sure Toren's comfortable."
Damien nodded, understanding my hesitation. "That sounds like a good plan. I'll see if he's up for a chat when he returns. Or, we could go see him!"