CHAPTER TWENTY TWO – ART CLASSES

Diego let out an aggrieved sigh, flinging his hands up despairingly. "So you see the great challenges before us, ma chère Jasmine? To breathe the divine spark of creative passion into these unyielding coals?" While his flamboyant delivery was admittedly over-the-top, Jasmine had to admit she was intrigued by the very different personalities and backgrounds comprising their small ensemble. She cleared her throat, stepping forward to address the group herself. "Well, I may be new to teaching, but I'm truly excited to be here and get to know each of you," she began, automatically slipping into the persuasive tone she'd perfected at her gallery openings. "I hope we can embark on this creative journey together and perhaps discover some new perspectives along the way." She allowed a warm smile to cross her lips as she surveyed the motley crew. "Now, who's ready to get started?" To her relief, her words seemed to be met with a murmur of assent, even from the more reticent members like P