Fifteen

They put the finishing touches on their displays, unzipped their tents, and met again to stroll through the art fair before people started arriving. Most of the booths were still closed; and the fair was all but deserted. Now and then a voice broke the silence, but it only accented the tranquil scene as they walked hand in hand through the morning air. Gradually, as other artists began arriving to open their tents and restock their booths, the portable neighborhood began to gently buzz with conversation, and a marvelous array of artwork was revealed.

When Torry saw a couple of artists eating donuts, he pointed his thumb back in the direction of his tent. "Let's grab some cups from my display and go to the hospitality booth. A second cup of coffee and a donut is starting to sound good." They turned around.

"I should have brought the mug you gave me," Andrea said, walking beside Torry.

"Why?" Torry winked at Andrea. "I've always got an extra cup for my girl."

The hospitality tent was the center of activity. When they arrived, there were twenty or more artists congregated, and two of the event organizers attending to the service.

Andrea smiled at the host as she walked to the table. She ignored the styrofoam provided and poured coffee in the stoneware cup. "Thank you," she said.

Torry and Andrea took donuts and walked to a grouping of park benches back from the road. They sat on the cool rough slats to eat their meager breakfast and watch the passing parade of artists carrying in coolers, back-packs, and assorted paraphernalia.