Out of the Picture

by Tracy Gardner

  Sydney rolled her eyes. “You’re not supposed to take her money. I told you!”

  Savanna laughed. “Right, like she listens when you tell her no?”

  “Never,” Sydney agreed. “I’ve told her over and over not to do that. This is more than twice what the fee would be for her poodles. Stubborn old woman.”

  “Are you almost finished? I can help you close up.”

  Sydney moved behind the gourmet treat counter. “Just about. Here, you can sweep.” She handed Savanna the broom she was holding. Sydney’s red hair fell in a loose braid down her back, beads interwoven here and there catching the light. Savanna’s own hair was darker, more auburn; she’d never have the nerve to dress it up the way her sister wore hers, but it looked natural on Sydney.

  Sydney moved to the bulletin board near the entrance, swapping out last week’s yoga schedule for this week. She taught a class twice a week for her friend, Kate, who owned the studio across the street. She glanced over her shoulder at Savanna. “Are you going to come tomorrow? Even Skylar finds time now and then. What are you afraid of?”

  Savanna smiled sweetly at her persistent sister. “I have a date with Caroline, or I definitely would. I swear.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  It was no secret that Syd was the athletic one in their family. Savanna knew she’d eventually have to make an appearance in her sister’s class, but she was not nearly as bendy as the rest of the yogis. She much preferred the walks she’d started taking along the beach since coming home to Carson. Lake Michigan might as well be an ocean, for its beauty and size. There was just something calming about being close to the sand and the water.

  Savanna knew Skylar attended class now and then. Skylar hadn’t slowed down after having her son three years ago. She was now full partner in the largest law firm in western Michigan, running the Carson office and commuting to Lansing twice a week. She’d always been super-stress-Skylar when it came to school or work, and yoga was probably great for keeping her balanced.

  Savanna was reaching for the light switch when the bell over the door jingled. Her little nephew burst into the shop, singing and skipping, Skylar close behind him. Nolan threw himself at Sydney and she caught him, swinging him around. He kissed his aunt on the cheek and peeked out from around her shoulder at Savanna. She was still new, and he was shy.

  Sydney carried him over to Savanna, dipping him a bit toward her and then pulling him back, making the toddler giggle. “What about Auntie Savanna?”

  Nolan gave her the cutest, most dimpled grin ever, and then buried his face in Sydney’s neck.

  Savanna poked him lightly in the ribs. “Auntie Savanna still sees you, silly boy!”

  He turned his face, peering at her with one eye, and then whipped around, arms out. She grabbed him from Sydney. He squeezed his chubby arms around her neck in a hug, his white-blond hair tickling her nose. His mother’s hair was the exact same shade, cut into a no-nonsense bob.

  “He’s had dinner, and dessert.” Skylar raised one well-shaped brow at her son. “So don’t let him tell you any sob stories. Travis will pick him up before nine tomorrow morning.” Skylar shifted her briefcase, weighed down with that plus a messenger bag, purse, and overnight bag. She handed Sydney Nolan’s Pokémon backpack.

  Nolan slept over at Sydney’s house once a week or so, when Skylar had early court mornings in Lansing. It helped both Skylar and her husband Travis, and Nolan was so much fun to spoil. Savanna was happy to now be a part of the Wednesday-night routine.

  Skylar turned to Savanna. “How was your first day of school?”

  “It was awesome. Seriously,” she added when Skylar looked at her skeptically. “I loved it. Everyone is so nice. Oh, and Caroline’s grandson Jack is the school librarian. And the kids…they were amazing.” Elementary art was a hard-left turn in her career path, but Savanna hoped it was the right choice.

  “You started school, Auntie? I just started, too!”

  “Then we’re both lucky!”

  They parted ways outside, Skylar leaning in to kiss each sister’s cheek and give Nolan one more hug.

  Savanna jostled Nolan on her hip, winking at Sydney beside her. “So, Nolan, did you know that where I used to live, we have second dessert? Are you in?”

  Chapter Two

  The next day after school, Savanna dove into her boxes in Sydney’s basement, looking for the few pieces of her own work she’d brought from Chicago. She was due at the Carson house that night at seven-thirty. Caroline had even told her to bring Fonzie, so he, Princess, and Duke could get acquainted.

  Savanna located her original portfolio and flipped through it. Some of these were from her junior year in college, eight or nine years old. She pulled out three of her least favorite, replacing them with newer copies of ones she’d done just before starting at the gallery for Rob’s family. Savanna had neglected her painting passion the entire time she’d worked as an authenticator. When she’d finally picked up the brush again, just last week, it had been too long a hiatus. She didn’t realize how much better she felt painting until she was doing it again.

  Sydney had let her set up space to paint in the sunroom. It was the perfect spot. The room faced south, so the light there shifted throughout the day. The rising and setting sun would cast a slightly different light on whatever was on the easel, and sometimes it’d give Savanna a whole new perspective on the piece.

  It reminded her of the time spent examining work for the gallery. She’d used various methods to view works of art, the medium, the brush strokes and palette, the signature techniques of each individual artist, and the material beneath, looking for the smallest details, any sign of authenticity or forgery. Early in college, a professor had introduced them to pentimento—a trace of an earlier painting beneath the current layer or layers of paint on a canvas—and then had expounded on never jumping to conclusions, as many artists painted over their own work, unable to afford the cost of new canvas each time. The skill was in learning to detect true work from the artist versus excellent forgeries. And for Savanna, the fun in the career had been twofold: recognizing and acquiring genuine works of art, and using her sharp eye to find the flaws, whether they were trademark signs from the real artist or clues to a forgery.

  She popped into the sunroom and took her current piece from a few days ago off the easel, wanting to show Caroline, as it had some of the color palette they’d discussed for her mural. Packing that and her portfolio into her car, Savanna opened the door for Fonzie to hop into his spot in the passenger seat, his head out the window, ready. He loved car rides—he hadn’t minded the trip home from Chicago at all.

  Arriving on Caroline’s front porch, Savanna was struck with what a busy house the older woman had. Tonight, there were three new cars in the driveway, and she could hear some kind of construction going on around the back of the house. The front door opened before Savanna could ring the bell, and she was greeted by a middle-aged woman wearing a green Happy Family Grocery Delivery apron and carrying a clipboard.

  “Oh! Sorry,” the woman said, pulling her cap down lower and trotting down the front steps.

  So Caroline had a grocery delivery service? Savanna wasn’t surprised. Shopping at eighty-nine might not be easy. How smart that the town grocery store had a delivery service.

  Savanna poked her head into the open door, not wanting to just walk in. “Hello?” No answer. She stepped back out onto the porch and rang the bell, hearing footsteps a moment later.

  A pretty young woman carrying a serving tray descended the staircase just through the foyer. “Come in! Grams is expecting you. She’s been talking about it all day. Oh! I’m Lauren, her granddaughter.” The resemblance was striking: tall and thin, with pale blue eyes that matched Caroline’s exactly. Savanna estimated the woman to be around her own age. “You don’t remember me, do you?”

  Savanna stared at her. Yes—she did remember. “You
were here in the summers, right? A few times, when we were kids?”

  “Yes. We moved back last year after my grandfather passed. Grams just needs a little help. She’s so excited about the mural you’re painting for her.”

  Savanna followed her through to the parlor. “She’s pretty persuasive.”

  Lauren tossed a look over her shoulder. “That’s a nice word.” She must have caught Savanna’s surprised expression, as she added, “I just mean, she knows what she wants, and she doesn’t take no for an answer. Right?”

  Savanna felt her cheeks warm. Lauren wasn’t wrong, but her irritation had given her voice a hard edge. How could Savanna agree without sounding like she was dissing the woman who’d taught her everything she knew about her creative side?

  Lauren stopped just outside the parlor. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a long day.” She sighed. “Sometimes I need two of me to manage this house plus my own. Don’t listen to me.”

  Savanna nodded. It must be difficult, being Caroline’s caretaker on top of her own commitments. “You’re doing such a wonderful thing,” she said, her voice quiet. “I can only imagine how much Caroline appreciates it.”

  “I know she does. Thank you, Savanna. It’s really good to see you again. Grams is thrilled you’re back.”

  Lauren left Savanna at the entryway to the parlor and went the other direction toward the kitchen, presumably to take care of the dishes, and the groceries from Happy Family.

  Juggling her portfolio and the new work in progress, Savanna spoke without looking up as she entered the parlor. “I brought several for you, Caroline. This one is a lake scene, but it’s done in acrylics, which we wouldn’t use for—” Savanna stopped mid-sentence, realizing she was interrupting some sort of meeting. Seven or eight women were seated around the room, each with the same book in their lap. “Oh! Hello. Book club? I’ll come back another time.”

  “Don’t be silly. We were just finishing up.” Caroline said. “I think we can all agree we need to go in a different direction for next month’s choice?”

  The women around the room murmured their agreement.

  Caroline held a hand out to Savanna, and she went to the woman’s side. “Far too much description, dear, and very dry. I wouldn’t recommend it.” She tapped the book in her lap. She addressed the group. “Eleanor and I will go through your suggestions and we’ll email you with the selection for October. Savanna, meet my book club.”

  Caroline made introductions as the ladies took their cue and began shuffling out.

  “Next month, the second Thursday in October,” Caroline called as the last couple of women exited. “And don’t forget to bring your appetites!”

  She turned toward Savanna and the one woman left sitting in the wingback chair to her right. “Savanna, this is my good friend, Eleanor Pietila. Eleanor, Savanna Shepherd. Eleanor and I choose the next book from the suggestion list after each meeting. Sit, please! I’m dying to see what you brought.”

  Savanna took the chair beside Eleanor, resting her portfolio against her legs. Eleanor was focused on the laptop that sat on a folding table in front of her. She browsed some unseen website, jotting down titles on a notepad now and then, while Savanna went through the portfolio with Caroline. Lauren flitted around the room, picking up plates and cups here and there and carrying them out to the kitchen.

  Savanna walked over to the wide wall the mural was meant for. She rested her current half-finished canvas against the wall and backed up to Caroline’s chair, tilting her head, squinting.

  “I think you’re right. Those are the colors. The water, at least. The sky will be lighter, though, right?”

  “Yes, the sky should be as it was last night, just before sunset.”

  Lauren popped back into the room, dishwasher running now in the kitchen and the parlor restored to order. “Would anyone like something to drink before I head home? Grandmother, maybe some tea or an evening claret?”

  “Why don’t you surprise us? Either sounds lovely.”

  The doorbell rang, and Lauren left to answer it. A few minutes later, she returned and distributed three short glasses of red wine. “Amber brought this claret with the Happy Family delivery. It’s in such a pretty bottle—it has gold vines wrapped around it, some kind of import. I’m sure it’ll be good. Oh, and that was Dr. Gallager at the door. He had to adjust something with your transmitter upstairs—I told him to just go up.”

  “Thank you, Lauren.” Caroline took her glass, setting it on the table beside her, and patted her granddaughter’s arm. “He’s so conscientious. I’m sure it could have waited until the appointment next week.”

  Lauren leaned down and hugged Caroline goodbye. “Love you, Grams. Princess and Duke are in for the night, and your towels are in the dryer. I’ll take care of them tomorrow.” Princess and Duke were indeed in for the night, curled up with Fonzie in front of the fireplace at the other end of the room.

  After Lauren had gone, Caroline’s eyes shimmered. “That girl…I’m very fortunate to have her.”

  “Lovely girl,” Eleanor murmured, sipping her wine. The laptop was closed now, her notebook on top of it with a short list of book titles scrawled across the paper.

  “Caroline.” Savanna leaned forward in her chair, unable to hide her concern. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but why do you have a doctor checking on you? What transmitter? Is there something wrong?”

  “No, no.” Caroline waved a dismissive hand. “I was having a few flutters, some little thing with my heart, and he’s making me wear a monitor for a while. I’m sure everything is fine.”

  Her fears completely unappeased, Savanna rose, leaving her claret untouched alongside Caroline’s. She went to the enormous picture window, looking out into the darkness over the dunes and lake. In spite of appearances, some things had changed. Caroline wasn’t invincible. And now she had a doctor making house calls to check on her heart.

  Caroline surprised Savanna, joining her at the window. She linked an arm through Savanna’s. “Savanna. I don’t want you to worry. This is just routine, I promise. And Dr. Gallager is excellent. He worked in the cardiothoracic department at New York Presbyterian before coming to Carson. If there is anything wrong, he’ll find it and fix it.”

  The woman was a mind reader. Savanna put an arm around Caroline in a light hug. “Okay. If you aren’t worried, I’m not worried. I hope this doctor is as good as you say he is.”

  “Even better.” The deep voice came from behind Savanna, making her jump.

  She whipped around, shocked to see the tall stranger from Caroline’s porch yesterday. His frame filled the doorway to the parlor. This was Caroline’s doctor? But he was too young. Somehow, Savanna had imagined an older, grayer, country-doctor type, the kind who carried a little black bag and wore wire spectacles…how was this thirty-something guy qualified to keep Caroline’s heart running like clockwork?

  “Savanna, this is Dr. Aidan Gallager. Dr. Gallager, meet my Savanna.” Caroline moved back to her chair. “Would you like to join us in an evening claret?”

  Aidan shook his head. “No, thank you. Nice to see you again, Savanna.”

  She smiled widely at him before she could stop herself. “We met yesterday, when I brought your poodles back,” Savanna told Caroline.

  “Oh, how nice! Is everything all right now with that box upstairs? I’ve got all the little wires on, I promise.”

  Dr Gallager nodded. “I reset the transmitter and changed the frequency. It wasn’t connecting at the other end.”

  “Thank you for taking care of that. See?” Caroline nudged Savanna. “I told you I’m in good hands.”

  Movement caught Savanna’s eye. She turned to watch Eleanor’s empty glass slide out of her hand, hit the floor, and shatter. Eleanor was slumping to one side. Savanna sucked in a breath. She moved to help the woman, as did Caroline, but the doctor made it to her chair f
irst, kneeling beside her, one hand on her wrist.

  Aidan gently eased her onto the floor, grabbing a pillow and placing it under her legs, his stethoscope at Eleanor’s chest while he pulled a small flashlight from his breast pocket.

  He looked up at Savanna. “Call an ambulance.”

  Savanna’s phone was already in hand.

  Everything that happened next was a blur. Savanna escorted Caroline out of the room, the woman leaning heavily on her as the sirens approached. Two men and a woman dressed in the county medical response team’s navy blue uniforms entered through the front door, carrying a large duffel bag, two official-looking black cases, and a collapsible stretcher. Poor Eleanor must have suffered a heart attack or something sudden. She’d seemed fine until moments ago.

  Caroline’s house phone rang from the kitchen, startling Savanna. She looked at Caroline, but the older woman just shrugged, worry painting her features. Savanna looked at Caroline and then went to the kitchen to answer it.

  “Hello?”

  “Hello? Er—Savanna?” Savanna was surprised to hear Lauren at the other end, and Lauren sounded just as surprised to hear her. “You’re still there? Is Grandmother all right?”

  Savanna filled her in on Eleanor’s sudden collapse, saying Dr. Gallager and the paramedics were with her now. Lauren immediately promised she was on her way and hung up.

  Savanna sat with Caroline in the living room, waiting for Lauren to arrive. The trio of dogs followed them. Duke curled against Caroline’s side, while Princess and Fonzie sat at her feet. Dogs could sense when something was wrong. Savanna could hear the three attendants in the parlor conversing with Dr. Gallager in low tones. She held Caroline’s hand, neither of them speaking.