The Only Shark In The Sea (The Date Shark Series Book 3) by DelSheree Gladden Page B

children need to know they are loved and cherished. Not having that is…difficult.”
    Natalie shook her head as the deep understanding in Sabine’s voice comforted her more than she would have ever expected. “I agree completely.”
    Natalie turned when a noise to her side startled her with its nearness, but stopped when she found Vance standing just out of reach. The expression on his face said he had heard everything, and she thought she might have recognized the smallest hint of hurt as well. She hadn’t planned to confide in Sabine, and she certainly never intended to make Vance feel as though she didn’t trust him. Her mouth opened to speak, but she didn’t know what to say.
    Whatever Vance had been thinking, he brushed it away and said, “Looks like we’re about ready to start.”
    Natalie hadn’t even noticed the instructor setting up at the front of the room, but paid close attention when she started talking. Much of what she said went right over her head as she talked about colors and equipment, but Sabine made sure she had everything she needed. Natalie wasn’t the only one who was pleasantly surprised when a docile cocker spaniel was set down in the center of the easels as the subject of the lesson. Natalie quickly became absorbed in her effort to capture the dog on her canvas. She thought she was doing fairly well with her beginner strokes until she happened to glance over at Sabine’s canvas.
    Vance must have noticed her shock at seeing the detailed replica, because he leaned over toward Natalie and said, “Just ignore Sabine’s painting. She always makes everyone else feel like two-year-olds finger painting, but she’s had painting lessons since she was five, so I try not to hold it against her.”
    It was difficult to maintain her usual anxiety surrounded by Sabine’s quiet understanding and Vance’s unfailing support. It was something Natalie had never before experienced. Even when she was in high school, no one had ever treated her like this. The small town she grew up in was too close, too quick to judge and place blame. Friendship was always conditional. Failing to meet those conditions left scars.
    Natalie was surprised when the instructor announced it was time to wrap up their painting. The time had passed more quickly than she expected and Natalie had to admit she had enjoyed herself tucked away at the edge of the room away from all the other would-be painters. As they washed out their brushes and capped tubes of paint, the prospect of the rare night away from the security of her apartment ending dulled her mood.
    Both her companions had taken notice, and on the way out Vance asked, “Would you like to do this again? Steph drags one or two people here pretty often and she’s always looking for volunteers.”
    One corner of Natalie’s mouth turned up even though she still wasn’t convinced Stephanie considered her a friend. “Actually, yeah, I think I’d like to do this again.”
    Vance smiled, clearly proud of her progress over the last month. “I’m glad to hear that.”
    Silently wondering if she would ever be able to do something like this one her own, she didn’t realize Sabine had moved closer to her until she was right in front of her. Natalie almost stepped back in fright, but Sabine’s concerned expression held her in place. She braced herself for whatever she was about to say.
    “The actions of our parents are often difficult to overcome, but you are in capable hands with Vance,” Sabine said seriously. “I know that is likely not the only thing holding you back, but it is somewhere to start, yes? You will not find judgment with Vance.”
    “I’ve noticed that about him,” Natalie said.
    Sabine glanced over at her friend, who was carefully placing the finished paintings in the trunk of his car. “I know it has been difficult for Stephanie to accept you and this situation, but she is more like you than you realize. Being with Vance, having his unconditional