Smile Number Seven

by Melissa Price

  “Congratulations, you two! I’m definitely going to need this to deal with the press,” said Clay before he drank it all. Rina and Julia followed suit.

  “Oh my, that is good!” Clay said. “I’ve already heard from your publicist and from Pinna—” his phone rang again. He pulled it from his pocket and looked at the display. “And Gigi.” He answered the call. “Sorry I had to hang up on you earlier but Julia and I were about to be arrested before she conned an LAPD officer out of her horse.” He looked at Rina. “Gigi wants to congratulate you and to know if you’re still going to the parties.”

  Rina raised her eyebrow. “That depends on my future wife.” She looked at Julia. “So, are you up for a little celebrating?”

  “No,” Julia replied, “I’m up for a lot of celebrating.”

  “Tell Gigi we’ll meet her at the Vanity Fair party. And Clay, get Mark back up here. Thanks to Julia’s helmet, I need some repair work, and so does Julia.”

  Julia laughed. “So I’m not styling for the after-parties in cowboy boots and jeans?”

  Clay nodded at Rina. “Gigi says she already told Mark to come back.”

  Julia threw her hands in the air. “That helmet was on you for one minute, Rina! I’m so glad I left my outfit here—especially since you’re wearing couture.”

  Rina laughed. “Are you going Hollywood on us?”

  “Maybe. But only for tonight,” Julia smiled. “I love, love, love you!”

  “You’d better. I just risked my entire career to marry you.”

  “You won’t be sorry, Rina,” Clay said. “I was with this woman before you pulled that stunt on stage, and all I can say is, it’s everyone’s dream to be loved the way she loves you. For the first time in my life, I actually understand what it means to be happy that two people have found each other. It’s like there’s a hole in the universe when you’re not together.”

  Julia kissed his cheek. “I don’t know what I would have done without you, Clay. Really! You saved my life tonight.”

  “Oh sure, that’s why you told Officer Morrison to keep me as collateral for her horse?”

  “How’s that?” asked Rina.

  The doorbell to the suite rang and Clay went to answer it. “Hi, Mark, welcome back!”

  “Well, look at you!” Mark said to Rina as he crossed the room.

  “Why?” she asked, alarmed.

  “Because you’ve never looked more radiant. I heard the news—well, everyone’s heard the news—congratulations!”

  “But my hair…”

  Mark ran his fingers through the long waves and gave her a slightly disheveled look. “Perfect. This is who you really are!” He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward the nearest mirror.

  “Hmm,” said Rina. “I like it. But you’ll need to touch up my makeup.”

  “First things first.” Mark turned to Julia. “You, on the other hand, need serious help. Come with me.” He led her by the hand to the chair, arranged his makeup palettes, plugged in his straightener, and went to work.

  * * *

  Rina, Julia, and Clay stopped before entering the most glamorous party of the night.

  “You look gorgeous, Julia. Are you ready for this? Your anonymity ends as soon as we walk through that door…”

  “Depends, Rina. Are you in it with me?”

  “Isn’t that the same question you asked me before our first dinner party as a couple?”

  “It is,” Julia smiled.

  “Then I’ll give you the same answer now that I gave you then.” She beamed the Katarina Verralta Oscar-winning come-on stare. “I’m deep in it.”

  Julia held Rina’s hand and with her other hand reached for Clay’s hand.

  “You don’t have to do that anymore,” said Clay.

  “Yes, I do. You’ve become my rock during times like this. Besides, I’ve gotten used to holding your hand in these Hollywood situations.”

  He smiled and squeezed her hand. “Okay then. You ready, Rina?”

  She nodded. “I can’t wait for the world to see how in love I am with this woman.”

  Clay opened the door. As the paparazzi rushed them with every camera in the room clicking away, Clay released Julia’s hand, stepped backward out of the spotlight and into their shadow.

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  After their jaunt to Hawaii to celebrate Rina’s win and weeks at a time spent on the ranch together, Rina had honed her riding skills and learned to assist Julia in the kitchen. She had even modeled for the sculptress in the casita so that Julia could finish yet another bust of her. Not that that was always easy. Julia often got sidetracked, her concentration blown to bits by the mere presence of the woman posing for her. The casita was one of the many places on the ranch that passion was welcome to overtake the moment—to trade it for something much bigger than any single thing either of them could do alone.

  The peace Rina felt at the Y2 governed her every move. She breathed in the sweetness of the air and sighed. That peace was being eroded by the wedding that would occur at the ranch that weekend. Julia entered the bedroom while Rina was switching purses.

  “I’m nervous about meeting your mother, Julia.”

  “Why?”

  “What if she tries to convince you I’m too old for you?”

  “Do you care what a woman who virtually abandoned her twin twelve-year-olds thinks?”

  “What I know is, there’s more to everything than what meets the eye. You. Me. Everyone.”

  “Fine. It’s Vitty and David’s rehearsal dinner and that’s all I’m going to focus on.”

  Rina cradled Julia’s cheek in her palm and gazed into her eyes. “Part of that means allowing your family to be a family—your mother included.”

  Julia gave her a peck on the lips. “What if she tries to get me alone?”

  “Julia! She’s not the big bad wolf. She’s your mother, and like it or not she and Vittoria are developing a relationship. I’m just saying, stay open. Few things in life are ever exactly how we paint them—so the trick is to not paint yourself into a corner.”

  Julia placed her hand on her hip. “Okay, can we leave now, Rina?”

  “No. For your own happiness, I want to know that you’re going to embrace your family.”

  “Why?”

  “David called me last night.”

  “He did?”

  Rina took Julia’s hand and looked into her eyes. “He and Vittoria weren’t sure how you’re going to handle seeing your mother again.”

  “And?”

  “David said that Vitty has tried to talk to you about it, knowing this is hard for you.”

  “I told Vitty I don’t want to talk about Maria.”

  “David told me something you need to know.”

  “What is it?”

  “Your mother is bringing a plus-one to the dinner.”

  “What plus-one? I don’t know of any plus-one.”

  “That’s why your mother has left you so many messages. She wanted to speak with you about it first. But when you never returned her calls, she asked Vittoria and David, and they said it would be fine.”

  “It’s their wedding, so if they’re okay with whoever this guy is, that’s all I care about. Ready to go? I don’t want to be late.”

  Rina followed Julia out to the no-longer-scorned sports car. “You know what I love most about your sister’s wedding gown?”

  “What’s that?” Julia closed Rina’s door and got behind the wheel.

  “It gives me a realistic view of what you’ll look like next month when we get married.”

  Julia kissed her. “Until then, technically we’re still courting.”

  “Courting? What century are you in?”

  Julia put the car in gear and held Rina’s hand as she drove off the ranch. “Are you ready to be my dinner date at the Wayfarer Inn and Restaurant?”

  “To attend the rehearsal dinner for my future sister and brother-in-law. I really like how that sounds! Or, how about this? My f
iancée’s family.”

  Julia giggled. “Since you brought it up, I just shivered at the thought of meeting your family before our wedding.”

  Rina counted them off on her fingers. “My crazy mother, my brother and his wife, their daughters—and two aunts and uncles…oh, then there’s my cousin the vintner and…”

  Julia threw her a sidelong glance and hit the gas. “You mind if we get through one family at a time? I’m breaking a sweat over here.”

  * * *

  Julia felt all eyes on them when they entered the private banquet room of the restaurant. Thank god Rina’s here—she makes a big enough entrance for the both of us! She nodded at her mother and saw the empty chair next to her. Where’s her boyfriend? She smiled anyway, and then they greeted everyone, beginning at the head of the table, the way she and Rina had rehearsed it. Vitty and David stood.

  “Congratulations to you both,” said Rina. “I’m so excited, but I’m afraid to have alcohol because as it is, every time I see the Dearling twins together, I already think I’m seeing double. You really are dead ringers for one another. Even your voices on the phone.”

  “We’re so glad you could make it, Rina,” said Vitty. They hugged.

  “I wouldn’t have missed it—we’re about to become family,” she smiled. “Hello, David.” He kissed her cheek.

  Julia took a step to their right after Vitty and David sat down. “Hello, Mother. This is my fiancée, Katarina Verralta. Rina, meet my mother, Maria Dearling.”

  Maria stood.

  Her mother was slimmer than Julia recalled, and her dark hair was now shorter and fashionably highlighted. And although years had passed since they’d seen each other, Julia thought her mother still looked pretty—her blue eyes sparkling in the way she’d always remembered.

  Rina expressed Delight Number Three: Brightly lit smile with a warm handshake. “It’s very nice to meet you, Maria. It’s clear to me now where Julia and Vittoria got their beauty.”

  “Thank you, Katarina—although I wouldn’t mind being their height.” She laughed. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”

  “Please, call me Rina.” She leaned closer. “I wouldn’t mind being their height either.”

  As Maria stepped back from her hug with a stiff and stunned Julia, a woman walked to her side. A sharp-looking city type, the olive-complexioned Latina wore a black pantsuit, cream-colored silk shirt, and medium-height heels.

  “Julia, Rina, I’d like you to meet my partner Syd,” Maria said.

  Julia froze. “Your what?” She stared at the curly haired Syd, whose large brown eyes and warm generous smile awaited her.

  “My partner, Julia.”

  “H-Hello, Syd.” Julia’s lips felt tingly—then numb, and her words formed like she had overdosed on novocaine. She did her best to recover, but her brow knitted, and a thousand-and-ten questions ran through her mind. She glanced at Rina, then Vitty, who nodded at her.

  Syd extended her hand. “I’m so happy to finally meet you, Julia. Hello, Rina.”

  “Lovely to meet you, Syd,” Rina added.

  Julia led Rina along the table where she introduced her to the other guests, including Isabella, Cass, and David’s parents, brother, and sisters. When they took their seats, Julia’s gaze darted around the table and she squirmed from the uncomfortable silence. No one had said a word.

  Rina squeezed her hand and then broke the ice. “So, David, since we’re going to be in-laws, I could use your help.”

  “With what, Rina?”

  “Have you figured out yet how to tell them apart?”

  The guests watched the exchange, following the conversation.

  “I have,” David answered. “It’s so simple.”

  “Well?”

  “One is gay. That one’s yours. Have I mentioned I admire your taste in women?”

  “As I admire yours,” Rina replied with stage-like elegance.

  Everyone at the table chuckled or laughed.

  “Thank you for clearing that up,” Rina said with a touch of irony. She glanced at Julia, who could barely take her eyes off her mother and Syd.

  David raised his glass and looked out at his guests. “Before we start, Vittoria and I have something we’d like to express—and I was named spokesperson. We want to thank Julia, who has worn herself ragged putting this entire wedding together. From the reception, to the food, and every detail that had her sister spinning out three thousand miles away. You’re an amazing sister, Julia, and I can’t wait to call you my amazing sister.”

  “Here, here!” said Vitty before she downed the champagne in her glass.

  “Thank you, David and Vitty,” Julia replied. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

  David’s father cleared his throat and stood. “To David and Vittoria and the joining of these two marvelously different families.” Again everyone laughed, this time at the unlikely pairing of the nice Jewish boy from suburban New Jersey, marrying the sharp ranch girl from the Southern California desert.

  Rina squeezed Julia’s hand and whispered in her ear. “I know you’re freaking out right now about your mother, but let go and hold my hand.”

  Julia turned to her and smiled. “I love you,” she whispered back.

  And then the festive spirit spread throughout the room—glasses filled with champagne, conversations filled with smiles. It left Julia marveling at all the unlikely pairings. Her own—first and foremost. Then there was that little matter of her mother’s date being a woman. Another budding match at the far end of the table—the chemistry she observed between David’s younger brother and Cass. While deep in conversation, Cass winked at Julia, and Julia returned it with a knowing smile.

  The one guest she had difficulty looking at was her mother, who was seated across the table from her and Rina. Julia was still shell-shocked at the sight of Maria, who she caught occasionally staring at her. She studied Syd. “My partner,” Maria had said.

  Curiosity and confusion had reverberated through Julia since that first revelatory moment, but she had no idea how to react to it. She had always believed that it was her mother’s inability to deal with Julia’s sexual tendencies that had instigated Maria’s move to New York. It was why she had left the girls with Grandmother Lucia in the first place. Wasn’t it? What is she doing with a woman? Julia filled and emptied her glass several times until she was as numb as the thoughts from her past were.

  Only Julia, Rina, Vitty, David, Maria, and Syd would truly understand the enormity of this reunion. The more Julia tried to not think about her mother’s abandonment, the more she thought about it. The memory of it made her ache in places she’d long since excised from her life.

  By the time dessert and coffee were served, everyone was so engaged in the spirit of the event that Julia was able to slip out unnoticed onto the terrace that faced the mountains. Her connection to these mountains stirred inside of her—the way the sun both rose above and sank below the peaks, the way it was neither day or night, but like all twilight, indistinguishable in the inevitable melding of the two. Not all that different in sensation from her union with Rina. If she could have jumped onto Lightning and ridden like the wind, she would have done it.

  Julia turned expecting to see Rina when she heard the footfalls behind her. What she hadn’t expected to see was her mother by Rina’s side. Rina escorted the woman to where Julia stood.

  “Sweetheart,” Rina said softly. “I thought this might be a good time for you two to have a moment alone.” She smiled, kissed Julia’s cheek, and left.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Maria stepped forward and leaned on the railing next to Julia, facing her. “I miss this—the rose glow off the mountains when the sun is gold at the end of the day. But what I always miss the most is you. You look beautiful—and so happy. But wow, Katarina Verralta? That was a shock to my system.”

  “Why? Are you about to tell me she’s too famous for me? Too old for me?”

  Maria chuckled. “No. Actually I was going to
tell how you how perfect I think you are together.”

  “Why did you come? And, and what—what’re you gay now? Because as I remember it, you found it unacceptable that I liked girls. Isn’t that why you left?”

  “Julia, with all my heart I hope you’ll give me a chance to help you understand.”

  Julia shot her a glance. “Understand what?”

  “First of all, to tell you how much I love you, have always loved and missed you.”

  Julia turned to face her, still leaning against the railing. “You sure have had a strange way of showing it. Did you really expect to come here and all would be forgiven?” She scoffed.

  “No, I didn’t. But I did expect to finally tell you the truth about why I left and why I left you with my mother.”

  Julia exhaled. “And here it started out as such a nice evening.”

  “With the way you feel, which you’ve made abundantly clear by refusing contact with me for years, I may not get this opportunity again. So there are things you need to know.”

  “Seems I’m doing fine not knowing.”

  “Still have that stubborn streak, I see.”

  “I get it from you.”

  Maria nodded. “Point taken.” She smiled. “I left because I knew I was gay. I knew your life would be hard because, well, let’s face it, Desert Bluff is about as big as a noodle.”

  Julia laughed unexpectedly. “A noodle?”

  “Have you forgotten that Lucia raised me too? Back then, that kind of stigma would have made your life very hard. Too hard. It was your grandmother who came up with the solution, not me.”

  Julia looked at her distrustfully. “Grandmother Lucia told you to leave us?”

  “She wanted me to be happy, not ostracized, to not have you and Vittoria suffer the fallout from having a gay mother in a small town. I knew that by the time you grew up things around here would be different for you than they were for me.”

  “But what about Daddy?”

  Maria sighed hard. “We’re going to need another four-course dinner—with extra cannoli for dessert and several cappuccinos—for that discussion.”