Her cheeks reddened. “Certainly the town will now agree, as news of our lunch spreads like wild fire.”
“So what’s keeping you with Stephen?”
“Geez, you cut to the point. Am I really even with Stephen? That seems to be my dilemma right now.”
“Are you?”
“Technically… I guess so. It’s rather difficult after two years to just cut it off. Especially since a lot of people seem to think I’ve made this into something from nothing.” She tried to sound nonchalant, having no desire to go into details.
“A lot of people?”
“Well, Stephen and my family.”
“Your family is on his side?” He sounded incredulous.
“They really like him,” she said lamely.
“Okay…” He shook his head.
“You haven’t seen his good side. He does have one.”
“Do you trust him?” Peter’s voice was guarded.
“Not really.” Kelly smiled weakly. “I have no faith in my ability to judge men, romantically I mean.”
Peter sat quietly watching her. “Maybe you pick certain types on purpose.”
Kelly’s eyes sparked as she glanced up and met his gaze. “What types am I picking? And how much do you really know about the ‘types’ I date?”
“When I say types, I mean most people pick the same type of person to be involved with over and over again.” He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms across his wide chest. “I’ve just spent a week at a hotel in town. You’re very popular with the young girl who cleans the rooms, Laura I think it is. There seemed to be no other subject she enjoyed discussing, more than your recent lovers’ tiff. I’m afraid I’ve had quite an earful of your last four years here in this little town.”
“You’ve got to be joking?” Her jaw dropped in disbelief.
“I’m afraid I’m not. It seems a lot of locals don’t think much of Stephen, according to Laura.”
“They don’t? It is news to me,” Kelly said defensively.
“No, they think he isn’t good enough for you. Many of them seem to think he’s using you.”
“Using me for what?” she exclaimed.
“Well, some think for money. Others think because you’re so talented, he’s waiting for the big payoff when you’re finally discovered.”
“Discovered? What the hell are you talking about?” Kelly’s reaction was sharp, and Peter gave her a curious look.
“I simply mean your paintings. Because you’re so good.”
“Oh.” Kelly flushed, trying to regain her composure. “Yes, well I’m happy not being dis… discovered or well known.”
“You know, they all mean well. They’re just concerned for you.” He paused. “But I must admit I probably brought it on myself.”
“How so?” She frowned.
“I asked about you.”
An unwelcome blush crept into her cheeks. “Why?”
He spoke in an odd tone. “I think Stephen is a waste of your time and energy.”
Her expression clouded in anger. “What happened to your ‘do what makes you happy’ speech?”
He shrugged. “I have conflicting emotions on the subject of Stephen.” Now it was his turn to look uncomfortable. “The more I hear about the guy, the less sure I am he’s right for you.”
“He’s been very good to me,” she said quietly.
“Of course.” He nodded and pressed his lips together. “In fact, I’m sure he’s awesome. I have no business butting in. You should probably accept his story, make him grovel a little, of course, and then marry him and live happily ever after.” He raised his glass to her and took a large swig. “Let’s order, shall we?”
Loretta arrived as if on cue and they did just that. Peter ordered the lasagna, and Kelly ordered chicken and mushrooms in wine sauce.
Peter asked her about life in Sea Light Cliffs, and the rest of the lunch passed quite pleasantly, with no more talk of Stephen. By the end of the meal, the plates were empty, and the glasses drained.
“I don’t ever want to eat again.” Kelly moaned.
Peter chuckled and patted his flat belly. “I was just going to order dessert.”
Kelly managed a choking laugh, and waved for the bill.
Once outside, the sea breeze met them, blowing Kelly’s long shining hair around her slender neck. The sun felt warm and relaxing on her cheeks, and she felt a bottomless peace and satisfaction. She let out a long relaxed sigh and heard Peter chuckle from behind her.
“Well, now what shall we do?” Peter asked, his eyes smiling. “Something fun, or work?”
Kelly groaned, covering her face with her hands. “I should get back and start painting.” She paused. “But I don’t want to.” Her tone was slightly childish.
“Then let’s not. Let’s have an adventure.”
“What kind of adventure?” The breeze carried his clean male scent to her, and she tried not to focus too much on his firm smiling mouth. She couldn’t understand why she felt like she knew Peter, given how short a time she’d actually known him. There was something about his calm, friendly demeanor that put her at ease. She was feeling more and more like going on an adventure with Peter would be quite enjoyable.
“I’ve got it.” Peter’s voice cut into her thoughts, “whale watching.”
She threw back her head and laughed. “What?”
“Come on, it will be great, it’s a beautiful day. There were posters all over the hotel saying I should go whale watching.”
“Did the posters specifically say Peter Barris, you must go whale watching?”
“Yes, and I believe Kelly Martin was mentioned as well. Come along.”
A quiver went down her spine as his warm hands cupped her waist, steering her towards the marina.
“Peter, I think those posters were pretty old, it’s not whale watching season.”
“That’s false advertising, I’ll sue if they don’t take us out.”
“Really, Peter I know for a fact they are not running the tours right now. Besides, you have to grocery shop.”
He regarded her with amusement. “You’re sure you’re not just trying to escape me?”
“I swear they run the boats from December to March. Unless I’m very much mistaken this is June. The best we could do is visit the Whale museum.”
A satisfied light came into his eyes. “That’s perfect. We’ll get the groceries after.”
He showed no signs of relenting, so Kelly let him lead her down the long white pier towards the Sea Light Cetacean Museum. She felt like playing hooky from her work anyway.
Peter paid the one dollar entrance fee to the door attendant. He was an elderly gentleman with a short cropped white beard, and a captain’s hat perched sideways on his head.
“Go on in folks, the show’s just starting.”
“What sort of show?” Peter whispered bending his head towards hers.
Kelly felt the accidental brush of his lips against her ear, and a spark went through her, what was wrong with her? What she was feeling for Peter must be purely physical, it had to be. She knew nothing about him. Maybe it was the wine. All she knew was every time he touched her, her heart fluttered.
They moved toward a row of seats set directly in front of a large movie screen. There were about forty seats, and most of them were full of people, tourists, undoubtedly looking for ways to fill their idle day.
Peter sat next to her, his hard shoulder pressed against her. “Okay, so it’s not exactly an adventure.”
“I’m just enjoying not working we could be peeling potatoes for all I care.”
“Hmm, I guess that’s either a compliment for me, or an insult to potatoes.” Peter smiled.
“Maybe it’s neither, maybe I just hate work.”
His gaze was soft as a caress. “Okay, have it your way.”
There was a tingling in the pit of her stomach, and she dragged her eyes from his.
The lights went out, and the narration began.
> The screen filled with a sort of virtual whale watching adventure. They were entranced as they experienced cutting across the ocean in search of Grey Whales. The narrator took them on a tour in which they saw killer whales, the largest member of the dolphin family. The film explained that Killer whales tended to be found in pods, a group of related families. On occasion pods join together and there could be up to a hundred whales in a group. The film tour guide then moved them across the white capped ocean to find the Grey Whales; AKA Devilfish, explaining they were the friendliest whales in the Pacific.
“Devilfish are friendly?” Peter whispered.
“They don’t have any teeth, they need to be friendly.”
His grin was evident in the flickering light of the film.
The narrator told them that Grey whales were known for their annual migration, which took them to the Arctic feeding grounds from April to November, and then the Mexican feeding grounds December to April. The film also explained that Grey whales migrated south from October to February, and North from February to July. The height of their migration was during January.
“See I told you so,” teased Kelly.
Peter responded by putting his arm around her shoulders and clamping his hand gently over her mouth. “Shhh, I’m missing the best part; their mating habits.”
Her heart jolted and her pulse fluttered as his hand trailed from her face to rest lightly on her shoulder. She stole a sideways glance under her lashes, his face was forward, completely impassive. She prayed he couldn’t feel her pounding heart.
The documentary went on to discuss the breeding and eating patterns of the Grey whales, sharing that both sexes weighed between thirty and forty tons.
“That’s exactly how fat I feel after the meal we just had.” Kelly sighed softly, trying to ignore his muscled arm.
Peter shook his head. “Not even close.”
When the documentary wrapped up, and the lights came on abruptly, Peter removed his arm from her shoulders. Standing, she straightened and cleared her throat.
“Well, I now know more than I ever wanted to know about whales in general. What about those groceries?” She forced herself to get back to real life. She’d enjoyed Peter’s company so much, she’d almost forgotten she wanted a break from men.
He studied her, seeming to notice the change in her demeanor, and he nodded in agreement. “Lead me to your finest supermarket oh, Wise One.”
She smiled against her will. They left the dark museum and stepped out into the bright light, seagulls screeching overhead.
They traveled the short distance to the car in silence. They made a quick stop at the small market that served as a grocery store and bait shop. Peter stocked up on some meats and cheeses, eggs and soups, throwing in a nice bottle of wine.
“You never know when I’ll want to drown my sorrows,” he said casually, raising his eyebrows at Kelly.
She wriggled her nose. “One bottle would never do me.”
They laughed and turned the corner and ran smack into a very surprised Stephen.
“Where the hell have you been all day?” he glowered at them.
Chapter Four
Stephen’s face was red, and he looked suspiciously at Kelly and Peter.
“Well? I’ve been trying to track you down all day, Kelly.”
Kelly was in shock, she’d never seen this side of Stephen and it wasn’t a very flattering sight. “Stephen, what’s wrong with you?”
Stephen seemed to have a great deal of trouble reigning in his anger, but he made a valiant attempt. “Honey, I’m sorry if I sound impatient, but I have been worried sick.”
Peter meanwhile was standing as silent as a monk behind Kelly. When she turned to look at him, his face jaw was hard. He met her glance blankly and then addressed Stephen.
“Should we have checked with you first? I needed some groceries and seeing as how I have eaten half of Kelly’s, I bought her lunch as thanks.” Peter gave a stiff smile.
Stephen had trouble disguising his irritation with Peter. “I’m not interested in your whereabouts; it’s Kelly I am concerned with.”
“We happen to be together at the moment, so her problem seems to have become mine.”
“You’re certainly only too ready to take on Kelly’s problems, aren’t you?” Stephen sneered.
Kelly held up her hand in disbelief. “Hello? If you two have finished, I think there is perhaps another time and place we could have this discussion?”
There was a small group of shoppers milling nearby, hanging on their every word, and Kelly had had enough of being the town’s main source of gossip.
Stephen took a deep breath, gave Peter a scathing look, and turned towards Kelly in a conciliatory manner. “You’re absolutely right, darling. Let’s go somewhere and talk.”
Kelly hesitated, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to go anywhere with Stephen in the mood he was in, and she was sure she smelled alcohol on his breath. “Can’t we just talk later?”
Stephen’s face flushed red as his eyes widened. “What?”
“Stephen, frankly you seem a little angry, and I don’t really want to fight right now.” Her voice was soft, trying to keep her personal business from the curious onlookers.
Stephen’s expression was incredulous. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Kelly what the hell is going on?”
“Nothing is going on. You’re simply in no condition to carry on a civilized conversation.” She cast a glance at Peter’s still figure, and continued, “And I don’t think you should be driving.”
Stephen’s expression took on one of self-pity as he recognized the meaning in her voice. “Well, who could blame me if I’ve had a few drinks? Everything was going great until he showed up.” He gestured toward Peter.
Kelly flushed in anger. “Actually, Stephen, everything was going fine until Constance showed up. Peter has nothing to do with our relationship.”
“Oh come on. Do you actually believe the ‘I just showed up on your doorstep’ routine?” Stephen noticed Kelly’s furious expression and seemed to think better of it. “Honey, I’m really sorry. It’s true, I have been drinking. Maybe I shouldn’t be alone right now.”
Kelly looked into Stephen’s familiar blue eyes and felt a hint of compassion through her embarrassment. Maybe if she went with him, she could avert what looked like a tremendous scene building. “Look.” She paused and turned to Peter. “I’ll ride home with Stephen and take a cab home from there.”
“You’re seriously going to get into a car with him?” Now it was Peter’s turn to be incredulous.
Kelly was irritated by his tone. “He isn’t a stranger, for God’s sake.”
“Well he is certainly acting strange.” Peter’s reply was sarcastic.
Her cheeks reddened, but she laughed to cover her annoyance. “My goodness, there’s a lot of testosterone in this market.”
Stephen watched their exchange and smiled. “Yes, Kelly, come with me. I’m so depressed and I need you. I’ve definitely had too much to drink.” He reached for her arm, and she didn’t pull away. Who did Peter think he was, giving her that disapproving stare?
“See you at the house?” She met Peter’s eyes defiantly.
“Suit yourself.” Peter shrugged, his mouth a straight line.
Kelly and Stephen left the small market, all eyes on them. They reached Stephen’s blue Toyota Camry and climbed in. Once seated, she found herself inexplicably unsatisfied. What was she doing climbing into a car with Stephen? Especially in his inebriated condition? All she knew was Peter’s judging attitude had a lot to do with it.
“Wait a minute, Stephen. I’m driving, not you.”
“But—”
“We’re not moving one inch unless you say yes.” Her tone was firm.
He relented and climbed out, moving around to the passenger side, as Kelly climbed nimbly behind the wheel. She moved the seat forward, adjusted the mirrors, and then pulled carefully onto the busy road. Looking over at Stephen, it was clear he w
as not feeling well. The booze was definitely taking its toll on him.
“Kelly, I can’t stand the thought of losing you,” Stephen said plaintively.
“Well, isn’t there a better way to express that than confronting me drunk in the supermarket?”
“Well I didn’t expect to run into you. I was as surprised as you.”
“Stephen, if I am having doubts about us, that kind of scene really doesn’t help,” Kelly murmured.
“What can I do to make it right between us, Kelly?” Stephen slumped in his seat, clutching his aching head. “I feel like you just want to shut me out.”
She didn’t answer immediately because she didn’t know what to say. Leaving Peter behind and driving away with Stephen, had left her depressed, and she wasn’t sure what to make of that.
She frowned. “Stephen, why did you ask me to move in with you?”
Her question seemed to surprise him. “Obviously, I asked you to move in because I love you.”
“But why?” She wrinkled her brow, and pulled the car over onto a quiet stretch of road, not very far from his turn off. Then she shifted in her seat to face him.
“Why do I love you?” Stephen sounded confused.
“Yes, I mean, we seem to enjoy completely different things.” Her dark blue eyes were questioning. “We really don’t have that much in common if you think about it.”
“Yes we do.”
“Not really.”
“Well, I love you and that’s the truth. I don’t know why I love you, I just do.” He looked suspiciously at her. “Why are you asking me that? Don’t you love me anymore?”
“Yes, I do love you. I… do.” She sounded unconvincing. “It’s just with the incident the other day, and now with you showing up and making a scene, I just feel like I’m having deja{MISSING SYMBOL} vu.”
Stephen widened his eyes. “What are you saying?”
“I don’t know… it’s just that the scene in the market felt familiar.”
His face flushed as he stared at her in disbelief. “Kelly, you can’t possibly be comparing me to him?” Stephen’s expression was hurt. “I’m nothing like Robert.”
The Art of Hiding Page 5
