The Friendly Cottage

by Susan Hatler

  Bob was still talking but a mental buzzing sound invaded my ears when I saw Chelsea Chambers walking toward Brian. She crept up behind him and put her hands over his eyes. He turned with a smile, which quickly faded when he saw her.

  “It’s okay, Bob. Just send the check when you can. I have to go, okay?” I hung up and stuffed my phone back in my purse before returning to Brian.

  Chelsea raised her brow at me. “Hello, Megan. What are you doing here?”

  “Having lunch with Brian,” I answered, wondering why she didn’t like me. I’d never been anything but nice to her. Brian took my hand in his.

  “Oh, I see.” Her eyes widened. She looked from me to Brian. An awkward pause ensued. Then her mouth thinned. “So, great fair huh? I’m going to miss this town when I leave.”

  “Where are you going?” I asked.

  She gave me a catty smile. “Why, to Italy of course. Well, I have to run. You two have fun.”

  I gaped at her as she sauntered off. Not only had she obviously tried to hit on Brian but she had made it sound like she had the contest in the bag. Would she win? My head started to spin. My rent was due. My client had backed out on paying me. I’d turned down a really lucrative contract to paint full-time. What if I didn’t win the competition?

  What if I did . . .?

  “Don’t let her get to you.” Brian pressed his lips to my temple. “She’s ultra-competitive and obviously sees your talent as a threat. With good reason.”

  I gave Brian a smile. “So, about that parrot. . . Why not ask Addie and her parrot to do a comedy show in the lobby instead of a singing appearance? Sound like guests are interested in that and it wouldn’t hurt anyone’s ears.”

  “You might be on to something.” He grinned, taking a step forward in line. “I could set up a theatre in the corner of the room and announce the show as Addie and Crazy Pete’s Comedy Act.”

  “Crazy Pete?” I took three more steps toward the front of the food truck when a family walked around with their lunch.

  “Yeah, that’s the parrot’s name. He does this thing where he drinks miniature bottles of hot sauce—”

  “Megan Wallace!”

  I turned my head to see Carol Winters, the owner of the dress shop, coming toward me and waving frantically. “She left the shop unattended. I hope nothing bad happened,” I said, stepping out of line to meet her.

  Carol swept a strand of brown hair off her face and ran her hands down her impeccable sunflower-yellow frock. “I’m glad I found you, Megan. I’m so sorry but I won’t need you to come back today. I wanted to let you know so you didn’t have to rush.”

  “You’re giving me the rest of the day off?” I asked, immediately conflicted. On one hand, that meant I could spend more time with Brian at the fair. On the other hand, this meant my paycheck would be smaller. “I don’t understand.”

  Carol took a long breath. “I’m afraid I have to give you a lot of days off. The shop hasn’t been bringing in what it used to and I’m going to have to reevaluate my stock. But the bottom line is that I just can’t afford the help right now. Business is awful and that’s not your fault. You’re an angel. I’m not firing you. I’m just laying you off for a little while.”

  “I-I understand.” My throat tightened and my lips went numb. I did understand, just like I understood about Bob’s economic woes. But my own financial issues were suddenly going from bad to outright dire.

  “I’ll bring your final check by this evening.” Carol hugged me and hurried away.

  My legs felt like lead as I walked back to Brian. His arm came around my waist. “What happened? Are you okay?” he asked.

  “No,” I said, simply. I definitely wasn’t okay. If I didn’t win The Best of Blue Moon Bay competition contest, I was about to be homeless.

  On Friday night, I pulled into the library’s parking lot for the second round of The Best of Blue Moon Bay competition. My nerves were at the breaking point when I got out of the car and stood staring at the library. I’d been so determined to look my best that I’d wound up running later than I’d planned. Jackson was supposed to meet me at the entrance but he was nowhere in sight. I walked toward the front entry quickly, thinking he must be inside already.

  The library’s festivities had been done in glowing jewel-box colors this evening and there were uniformed servers circulating with small trays of appetizers and champagne. A live band had set up in one corner of the room and were taking full advantage of the wonderful acoustics to play some cheerful tunes.

  I peered through the crowd, my nerves getting worse when I didn’t see Jackson anywhere.

  Olivia dashed up. “You look fabulous! Did you get that from the shop?”

  “Awhile back,” I said, not bothering to mention I’d been laid off. Olivia’s business was booming and I didn’t want to bring her down by talking about the sad state of my own finances.

  The dress I wore was fantastic, though. It had a scoop-necked bodice that fit me perfectly, a nipped in waistline and a froth of tulle over a darker underskirt that swished when I walked. It also had a rather large stain on the right side of the waist, which was why I’d worn a thick black belt with it.

  “I love that color red on you.” I surveyed her dress, which set off her long red locks. “Did you buy that at the shop? I seem to remember selling it to you.” Um, back when I had a job there.

  “You did.” She paused then added, “I heard from Carol that you weren’t going to be there for a little while. I’m so sorry, Megan.”

  Ugh. So the word was out. I managed a smile, trying to stay positive. “It will give me more time to paint.” And I had to paint well in order to win this job in Italy.

  “Good luck tonight.” Olivia gave me a hug and then hurried off just as a hand fell on my shoulder.

  I whipped around to find Brian smiling down at me.

  “Hey, beautiful.” He dipped his head, giving me a kiss on the cheek that warmed my skin.

  My nerves settled as I leaned into him. “Have you seen Jackson?” I asked.

  “No.” He surveyed the glittering, laughing crowd. “Wasn’t he supposed to meet you out front?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, but he wasn’t there.”

  “I’ll go find him,” he offered, then snagged a glass off a tray and handed it to me.

  I took a sip of champagne as Brian disappeared into the sea of people. My nerves went raw again. I grabbed a handful of cocktail napkins and piled on fruit tarts and cheese wedges that were being circulated. I munched my way through the crowd, looking everywhere for Jackson.

  Where on earth could he be?

  Chelsea Chambers stood near the makeshift stage, talking to the judges in what I could describe as a flirtatious way. I paused, fruit tart still in hand. Was she chatting them up in order to get an edge with them? I needed to be over there, too.

  I stuffed the last bit of fruit tart in my mouth, drained my champagne, and then walked over to where Chelsea and the judges stood. Chelsea looked well put together, as usual. Her dark hair was up but a few tendrils hung around her face, accenting her glowing skin. She wore a simple slash of eyeliner and a full set of lashes, a pop of red on her mouth, and a flowing silver sheath dress with a slit on the right that made her look like she’d be perfectly at home on the runway.

  Her eyes swept over me. “Hello, Megan. I love your dress. I saw one just like it at that precious little dress shop downtown. I would have bought it but there was an awful stain on it.”

  Yeah, exactly why I’d purchased it for a steal. She’d managed to make her compliment into a put down without batting an eyelash. “Um, thank you,” I said, lamely.

  One of the judges, a handsome man with an impressive sweep of dark hair, spoke in heavily accented English. “You’re one of our painters, are you not?”

  “Yes, I am.” I held out my hand, expecting him to shake it. Instead he pressed his lips to the back of my hand just like out of a movie. Rattled, I managed to say, “And you’re . . .?”

&nbs
p; He bowed his head slightly. “I’m Antonio Rossi. This is my brother, Piero.”

  Piero appeared to be in his early thirties, also handsome in a lean and dark-haired way. He gave me a smile that showed straight white teeth. I smiled back, hoping I looked like a professional who was so ready to work at his art gallery.

  Antonio gestured to the two men that came toward us. “These are my other brothers and fellow judges, Dino and Cesare.”

  I nodded and let them kiss my hand. “I’m excited to meet you all. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.”

  Chelsea sidled closer to Piero. Her eyes locked onto his and she gave him a long smile. “Piero, you must let me introduce you around.”

  “All right.” He nodded to me as she latched onto his arm and sauntered off with him, leaving me standing there feeling awkward. Was she flirting with Piero so she could get an edge? I wouldn’t put it past her. Chelsea would do anything to win.

  The other judges excused themselves to talk with Susannah Grimes just as Brian came over and stopped beside me. “Any luck?” I asked.

  He shook his head. “Nobody’s seen him. But try not to worry about it. They’re only calling the artists up to the stage tonight, so it will all be fine.”

  Easy for him to say. He had a place to live and money in the bank. I needed my woodworker to see the competition’s frames so he’d know what he was up against. I opened my mouth to speak but just then Susannah Grimes—the emcee for the night—tapped the mic, calling our attention to where she stood on the little stage.

  She lifted an arm, gesturing toward the covered easels on stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re about to unveil tonight’s paintings, so step a little closer please.”

  Brian took my hand, which was sweaty and shaking. His was steady, of course. He’d always been a rock for everyone, especially for his grandma during her final years at the inn. Now he stood calm and sure by my side, which gave me strength.

  Susannah removed the covers off each of the paintings. My gaze flew straight to my own painting. I suddenly felt naked and insecure. Was the depiction right for the contest? In keeping with the “Heart of Blue Moon Bay” theme that had been assigned to us, I’d painted a woman balancing a large light-filled sphere on one hand. Within the sphere was the finger of land leading to the legend’s plaque and on that beach were two figures, sketched in lightly: a man and a woman, walking away from each other while a blue moon shined down on dark waters, capped with thin streamers of white foam. The painting felt anguished and powerful. I’d put my heart and soul out there for everyone to see.

  Now I had to wait for the judges’ evaluation.

  My gaze went to Chelsea’s painting. Brian’s frame was sleek and classic, highlighting her Blue Moon Bay scene, which was all sun-splashed streets and buildings painted in a wash of shining ocher. Intricate details, like ivy crawling up one building, and glowing red-tiled roofs, brought in vivid colors.

  “Your frame is perfect for her painting,” I whispered, biting my bottom lip as I inwardly groaned. Next to Chelsea’s classic painting, mine looked bold and boisterous.

  Mike Harper’s painting was simple, too—a lovely view of the ocean and sky. Had I gone too far with mine? Should I have painted something simple and a lot less personal?

  “Your painting is incredible,” Brian whispered.

  “Thank you.” My heart squeezed at the compliment. I’d been thinking of the two of us while painting that scene, and how tragic it was that the legend seemed determined to make sure we didn’t stay together. Brian’s relationships had never lasted long and ours wouldn’t either if I won. He and I hadn’t discussed our feelings yet, but I knew I’d be left with a broken heart without the one man I’d always loved.

  While the judges conferred, Susannah made a few announcements for the Chamber of Commerce, but I didn’t hear any of them. My gaze was glued on the judges who were whispering back and forth, while nodding their heads. Finally, Piero approached Susannah.

  Susannah nodded, then lifted the mic. “Would Chelsea Chambers, Megan Wallace and Mike Harper come up to the stage please?”

  The three of us went on to the stage next to her. I stared down at Brian, unable to look at the rest of the faces looking up at us. I sucked in a deep breath, forgetting that the belt I wore had a loose latch—that and I’d eaten so many tarts tonight my full belly strained the poor thing. This is why suddenly, on my next inhale, the latch popped open and the belt popped through the air.

  Oh, embarrassment. Plus, the stain! The huge dark, splotchy spot was now in full view for all to see. Chelsea shot a knowing look at my waist and then smirked over at me.

  My face heated as I bent to retrieve the belt at the same time Mike Harper did. . . Our heads bonked with a painful thunk and I finally understood the expression “seeing stars.” I saw so many stars that I was dizzy. The good-natured chuckles from the audience didn’t help my embarrassment, but somehow I managed to get the belt into my hands and hold it against my waist. But whatever dignity I’d been hoping to show the judges was long gone.

  Piero walked across the stage and handed the judging slips to Susannah Grimes. I watched, transfixed, as she reviewed the words that could cause my greatest dreams or my financial demise. Finally, she looked up at the audience and smiled. “The judges felt all of the paintings were spectacular. But, as you know, only two artists can move forward to the next round. And the first winner of this round is . . . Chelsea Chambers.”

  Applause thundered throughout the room. I clapped my hands, even as terror gripped me. One more name. She was only going to call one more name. I swallowed hard.

  Susannah lifted the mic again and continued. “Mike Harper . . .”

  My heart sank. This was it then. I’d just been handed my walking papers in a very gracious way. My painting had to have been too much. Oh, why hadn’t I painted a pretty landscape that would appeal to the masses even though it wasn’t inspired from my heart? I had no job, no money, and now Italy was gone, too. Disappointment rose and crushed me under its wheels.

  “We have good news, Mr. Harper. The judges admired your painting and even though the points weren’t enough for you to continue to the next round, we have a member of the audience who has offered to purchase your painting. Congratulations, sir. I hope you can negotiate a sale.”

  Mike Harper turned to me with a crestfallen look as my mind tried to compute what Susannah had just said. Mike hadn’t earned enough points? But that would mean—

  “So, the second winner of this round is Megan Wallace!” Susannah exclaimed.

  The floor had been yanked out from under me in such a big way that it took a few seconds for her words to register. I staggered backward a step and clutched my belt to my chest. The judges had liked my painting? I was going on to the next round?

  As applause erupted, Mike turned to me and shook my hand. “You deserve it, Megan. Your painting is phenomenal.”

  “Thank you, Mike. Congratulations on the offer for your painting,” I said, still stunned. I glanced down below and Brian blew me a kiss. My belly fluttered. I couldn’t believe what an amazing night this turned out to be. Well, minus flashing my big stain at everyone.

  “Congratulations again, Chelsea and Megan,” Susannah cheered, then ushered us to a different area of the stage until Chelsea and I stood on either side of Susannah. Lights flashed from photographers. The clapping still sounded throughout the room. After smiling big for the cameras, Susannah brought the mic to her mouth again. “Now I’d like to announce the final theme for our two finalists. I’m sure you’ll all agree it’s a fitting theme. For our last assignment, please paint a scene in Florence inspired by Blue Moon Bay!”

  Chelsea clasped her hands together and cheered. Probably because she’d been to Italy, whereas I hadn’t. Well, only in my dreams. This would be the most challenging assignment yet. Chelsea and I waved to the audience until we were able to leave the stage.

  Brian gave me a hand as I came down the steps. “Congratulations,
sweetheart.”

  “Thanks,” I said, loving the term of endearment. As we walked away from the stage and the horde of reporters, my cell phone buzzed in my purse. I pulled it out, frowning when I saw Janine’s number on the screen. Wasn’t she supposed to be here tonight? “I just need to take this real fast.”

  Brian nodded. “Sure, go ahead.”

  I headed outside to the terrace. It was relatively empty because the wind had sprung up, whipping the waves to a high froth, and sending a chill in the air. I answered the phone. “Hello?”

  “I’m so sorry.” Janine’s panicked voice came through the line. “I meant to call you earlier, but the doctor hadn’t come back yet. Is the contest over? Did I already miss it?”

  A chill rolled through me as I gazed at the roiling sea. “Did you say doctor? What’s going on, Janine? All you all right?”

  She let out a loud sigh. “I’m fine. But I was at Cody’s this evening and Jackson was getting ready for the event, even though he was so not feeling well. Finally, Cody and I convinced him to let us take him to the E.R. and, well, the surgeon is removing his appendix as we speak!”

  I gasped. “His appendix?”

  “Yes! They had to rush him into surgery before it burst. So, Jackson’s in the hospital and obviously can’t make it tonight. Cody and I are at the hospital, too. I’m sorry to miss your big night.”

  “Don’t even worry about it. Obviously, that’s way more important. Did the doctor say if he’s going to be okay?”

  “It’s pretty serious, but as long as the surgery goes well then he should recover fine. I’m worried sick about Jackson and Cody keeps talking about jetting out to Australia because there’s some big wave he wants to catch that comes only once every ten years or something. How can he think about surfing at a time like this?”

  I pressed the phone to my ear. “Maybe it’s taking his mind off the situation?”

  Janine sighed. “Way off. Sorry to be calling with such bad news. Did you find out who won the competition yet?”

  “I’m going to the next round.”