Hidden

by Fern Michaels

  Jennine stiffened. She knew when she was being rebuffed. It wouldn’t be the first time. Luna wished she could tell Jennine not to try so hard. Especially with her friend.

  “Well, I do hope you come back to our art haven. It would be lovely to see you again.” Jennine just couldn’t help herself. She reminded Luna of Samantha from Sex and the City. Jennine went behind the counter and produced three shopping bags holding several boxes in which his dishes were carefully packed in bubble wrap.

  Luna took the shopping bag that held the hand-blown glasses and Gaines took the bags from Jennine.

  “Bye, now!” She waved as if she were saying “bon voyage” to a lover.

  They quickly walked back to Chi-Chi’s to pick up the bat. “I think you’re going to need a hand with all this stuff.”

  “You’re probably right,” Gaines agreed, when Chi-Chi handed him the bag.

  “I’ll take the bat and the glasses,” Luna offered.

  “My car is parked on the other side. Near your place,” Gaines noted. “Can we swing by and see Cullen?”

  “Sure!” Luna was more than happy to have one last kumbaya moment with her two favorite men.

  “I want to talk to him about that old table in the back.”

  Luna froze. “Really?”

  “Yes. Why? You weren’t serious when you said . . . oh, wait. You were serious. Something about that table, eh?” Gaines was getting some of what made Luna tick. Then he let out a guffaw.

  “What’s so funny?” Luna was about to stomp her feet in protest.

  He had to tell her. It was too funny to keep to himself.

  “So I was thinking, ‘I wonder what makes Luna tick?’ Luna-tick? Get it?”

  It wasn’t the first time she had heard it, but coming from Gaines, it was rather hilarious.

  “Like I said, if this marshal thing doesn’t work out . . .”

  “Yeah. Yeah. I’ll work on a stand-up routine.”

  Luna stuck her head into the café. “Sabrina? Hey! I’ll be back in about ten minutes. I’ll take Wiley with me now.”

  “No problem,” Sabrina called back, as she was frothing someone’s mocha latte. “He’s been very good while you were gone.”

  Cullen was taking down one of the ceiling fixtures someone had purchased the night before. “Hey, guys.” He looked at all the shopping bags. “What’s all this, Luna?”

  “Ha. Not mine.” She broke into a hillbilly accent. “This here marshal done himself some shoppin’. Got hiz-self some purdy dishes and glasses. Real kinda glasses. Not them jelly jars, and guess what? They all match! Yes indeedy. . . bought hiz-self some fine things, he did.”

  Gaines hooted. “You people are too much fun.”

  Luna smiled her biggest smile. “And so are you, Marshal.”

  “Nah. I’m just a good audience.” He blushed. “Hey man, let me give you a hand.” He set the shopping bags down and grabbed the bottom of the chandelier.

  “Thanks,” Cullen said.

  “So I was going to ask you about that table. The one that your sister has grown attached to, but I fear she will cross me off her Christmas-card list if I try to buy it from you.”

  “What makes you think you’re on any list of mine?” she huffed, enjoying the banter.

  “Could I have one more look at it? Maybe you’ll be able to find something like it for me?” Gaines asked.

  “Sure. Come on back.” He carried the chandelier to the workshop and set it down.

  The three of them approached the table as if it were about to come alive. Gaines didn’t want to usurp Luna’s claim to it, Cullen didn’t want either of them to be disappointed, and Luna was getting some kind of vibe. Almost like a cry for help.

  She was the first to reach the table. She pulled her maxi dress to her knees and crawled under it.

  “Now that’s no way to claim it. Make it your fort?” Gaines teased.

  Luna surveyed the underside of the table. She felt that there was something.

  “You all right under there?” Gaines leaned over to take a look.

  Luna was feeling the seams that joined the side trim to the tabletop. Then she felt something. “Cul? You got a flashlight handy?”

  “Coming up.” He pulled one off the pegged wall that held dozens of hand tools.

  He handed it to Gaines, who handed it to Luna. “What is it?” Gaines asked.

  “Looks like a piece of paper. Maybe the corner of an envelope. I don’t want to pull on it. It might rip. Got a tweezer? Or needle-nose pliers?”

  “Yep.” Cullen grabbed a small tool with a slanted point he used to peel off leftover veneer.

  Another hand-over to Gaines to Luna. “Looks like there are a few pieces stuck together. I’m not going to get them out this way. There appears to be a drawer that’s jammed. You’re going to have to take the table apart.”

  “OK. But not today. I have to pack the light fixture and finish Mrs. Lowery’s mantel.”

  Luna crawled out from underneath. Gaines put his hands up as if she were pointing a gun at him. “Not me. I have places I need to be, and pronto.”

  “I know. I know. But see? I told you there was something about this table. Na-na na-na na. Na.”

  “Cute. Isn’t she?” Cullen shook his head.

  “Rightly charming.” Gaines folded his arms in satisfaction, not as in shielding.

  “Oh boy. I’m outnumbered.” Luna sighed cheerfully.

  “Listen, I’ve gotta hit the road. This has been a lot of fun. Thanks for inviting me, Luna. I very much enjoyed hanging out with both of you.”

  “Great spending time.” Cullen held out his hand. “Hope to see you again. Maybe when you have your think tank, or whatever. Remember, dinner is on us.”

  “Will do. And put out a BOLO, be on the lookout, for a similar table.”

  “You got it.”

  Luna helped gather his bags and walked him out to his Jeep.

  “I’m glad you were able to make it out here.”

  He flipped the tailgate open with his key fob. “Me too.”

  “And you have souvenirs from your adventure.” Luna handed him the bag with the baseball bat. He lowered the tailgate and leaned in. At first Luna thought he might kiss her. Instead, he pulled her close and gave her a warm embrace and kissed her on the forehead. “Thanks again. I truly enjoyed myself.”

  “So did I.” She smiled back.

  Luna thought she was six inches off the ground as Marshal Gaines’s Jeep pulled out of the parking lot. He gave her a final wave. She resisted the temptation to blow him a kiss. Maybe she should have. Maybe next time. She still felt the warmth from his embrace, the ripple of muscles through his shirt.

  Wiley gave a woof. “You like him, too, dontcha, fella?” She bent over to give him a hug. Wiley rubbed the back of his neck against the back of hers.

  The sun was bright, and the sky was deep blue. Almost the color of Gaines’s eyes. She looked down at Wiley. “You know something, buddy? I think I have a crush on that guy.” Wiley yapped in agreement. “I’m glad you approve. So, do you think he likes me?” she asked her pooch. Wiley yapped again. Animal instincts. She hoped.

  Luna knew that the odds of anything serious happening between them were very long. He hadn’t even kissed her yet, and she was already thinking ahead. Take it easy. Go with the flow. Charlotte isn’t that far away. Two hours. People made that commute every day in some areas, especially large urban sprawls. Sometimes it can take an hour to drive fifteen miles. She was simply calculating. Maybe weekends? OK. Stop. She smiled at herself. At least I still have a pulse!

  Chapter Nine

  North Carolina

  Stillwell Art Center

  Luna cut through Cullen’s workshop on her way back to the café. When she entered the workshop, she was once again pulled toward the table. “Hey, Cul? Ya think you could start on that table sooner than later?”

  “Oh, Luna. I am really backed up right now. Can you give me a few days, at least?”

  Luna s
troked the top of the table and lowered her voice. “Don’t you worry. We’ll figure it out.”

  “What did you say?” Cullen called out.

  “Nothing. Just mumbling to Wiley.” The dog gave a funny whine, knowing Luna was fibbing. “Whose side are you on?” She shushed him.

  Cullen appeared from behind an armoire he was working on.

  “Why are you so obsessed with that table?”

  “Because there is something hidden in it,” Luna reminded her brother.

  “It’s probably an old piece of newspaper. Or a grocery list,” Cullen said while he was polishing the new hinges.

  Luna walked to where Cullen was standing. “That looks fantastic,” Luna noted.

  “Hard to imagine it was sitting along the side of the road. It took a bit of sanding to get all the years of paint off it. There had to be over an inch of it. I can’t believe someone actually used automobile paint at one point.” Cullen chuckled. “The bones of the piece were in good shape, but I had to replace the door panels.”

  “Oh, I like the caning you used for the panels. Gives it an updated look. Are you going to stain it?”

  Cullen pointed to a few imperfections. “You see right here?”

  Luna could barely notice the tiny flecks of leftover paint. “Hardly.”

  “Some of those flecks are in pretty deep. I need to sand it down just a bit more. I’m thinking of leaving it a light natural color and maybe paint the cane gray.”

  “I’d leave all of it natural. In case someone wants a different color.” Luna tilted her head.

  “And this is why I ask your opinion.” Cullen smiled through his acrylic face shield.

  “Glad to help.”

  “So how was the tour with Marshal Gaines?” Cullen continued to work on the armoire.

  “It was great. He supported a few of our artist colleagues. I must say he has excellent taste.”

  “Do tell,” Cullen pressed.

  “He bought glasses at Hot Sand, dishes at Clay-More, and a baseball bat from Jimmy Can-Do.” Luna ticked off the items.

  “He bought the baseball bat?” Cullen seemed surprised. “That’s a bit whimsical, don’t ya think?”

  “He said it’s for his son. Apparently, Christopher and his son are into baseball.”

  Cullen gave her a sideways look.

  “What?” Luna asked.

  “I think you like him.” Cullen kept working.

  Luna feigned surprise. “What are you talking about?”

  Cullen stopped and pulled off the face shield. “You’re not the only one around here with good instincts. I could see the way you looked at him. All googly-eyed.”

  “Oh stop. I did not.” Luna crossed her arms in protest.

  Cullen nodded at her stance. “Even I know what your body language is saying right now.”

  “OK. So what if I find him attractive? And fun? And interesting?” Luna had a faraway look in her eyes.

  “See. And that look on your face.” Cullen wasn’t letting up.

  “All right. That’s enough about the marshal. What about my table?”

  “Your table?” Cullen mocked her. “I thought you and the marshal were going to duke it out.”

  “Nope. He said it’s mine if I want it,” Luna stated with emphasis.

  “What are you going to do with it? You don’t have enough space in your house. Unless you want to put it in your yoga room.” Cullen reminded Luna of the small two-bedroom cottage she was renting.

  Luna furrowed her brow. “Maybe I can put it in the café.”

  “I’ll tell you what. Tomorrow, I will move it away from the wall and we can see what’s inside the drawer. Once your curiosity is satisfied, will you leave me alone, so I can get down to real business?”

  “OK. Fine. But tomorrow. I am going to hold you to it.”

  Luna was about to exit when Cullen stopped her.

  “So, you really like him, don’t you?” He wasn’t going to let it go.

  “Look. He lives over a hundred miles away. He has a son and a very demanding job. Not exactly dating material,” Luna said with resignation.

  “Oh, that’s not the Luna I know.” Cullen gave her a warm smile. “You are one of the most determined people I have ever met. Or been related to,” he said with a grin.

  “So what am I supposed to do about it?”

  “You asked him to come to the opening, and he did. Maybe a few more invitations down the road?” Cullen encouraged her. “It’s pretty obvious he enjoys your company.”

  “I guess.” Luna sighed.

  “Listen, young lady, I am not going to have you pining away over this. We’ll come up with another excuse for him to come out here,” Cullen encouraged her.

  “This is why I love you.” Luna pecked him on the cheek. Wiley whimpered. “And I love you, too.” She leaned over and gave him a hug around the neck. “How about this? You finish the table and call him. Tell him it’s his if he wants it.” Luna was getting excited about this new plan she and her brother were conjuring.

  Cullen groaned. “OK. Good plan, but not for a couple of weeks. I am really backed up. Plus, you don’t want to sound too anxious, now do you?” Cullen had to buy more time. He didn’t want to disappoint clients at such an early stage of his business.

  “Deal. But you will move it so we can see what that paper is all about? Right?” Luna pressed him again.

  “Yes. Fine. Now skedaddle. I was only working on the armoire until the finish on the desk dried. Should be ready for a second coat now. So scram.”

  Luna chuckled. “Come on, Wiley. I know when we’re not wanted.” Wiley let out a woof. “Right, pal. Let’s blow this Popsicle stand.”

  “See you for dinner?” Cullen called out.

  “I’m having dinner with Ellie and Chi-Chi. Want to join us?”

  “Possibly. Depends on how grimy I am later.”

  “Okeydokey.” Luna made her way into the café. Sabrina had everything under control. “Thanks so much for covering for me.”

  “He was kinda cute. For an older guy,” Sabrina said.

  “Huh?” Luna thought, An older guy? Is she serious? Then she realized for a twentysomething-year-old, anyone over thirty was ancient. “He’s not that old,” Luna disputed. “Sure, he has a couple of gray hairs, but he’s just a little older than Cullen.”

  “Right.” Sabrina realized her faux pas. “Sorry. I’m used to younger, gangly, scruffy guys. Most of them are a mess. Which is probably why I thought he was cute. I bet he was really handsome when he was younger.”

  Again with the age difference. Just wait until you cross the thirty-year-old mile-marker zone.

  “You do realize you will be thirtysomething at some point? Do you want to be considered old when you get there?” Luna asked simply.

  Sabrina stopped for a moment. “Yeah, but no. I mean yeah, I’ll be thirtysomething, but no, I don’t want people to think I’m old. But won’t I be?”

  Luna wasn’t sure how to deal with that question. “Yes, you will be older, but how you age is up to you. Look at me, for instance. I’m ten years older than you are. Cullen is twelve years older, and Ellie is a few decades older. Do you consider any of us old? As in decrepit? Haggard?”

  “Of course not!” Sabrina was sputtering. “I would never call you old. Or Ellie for that matter.”

  “Good. Let’s try to keep that word out of our vocabulary.” Luna was surprised at how sensitive she was about the subject. She hadn’t given it much thought, but Sabrina had inadvertently reminded her that her biological clock was ticking.

  Sabrina gave her a thumbs-up. “Good idea! No more talk about age.”

  Luna locked her arm around Sabrina’s shoulder. “And I agree. Marshal Gaines is kinda cute.”

  “Are you going to see him again?” Sabrina asked innocently.

  “I hope so, but when? That’s a question for the Ouija board.” Luna laughed. She never used one, but considering her propensity for the paranormal, she thought it was a good joke.


  The mention of a Ouija board grabbed Sabrina’s attention.

  “Do you have one? Do you know how to use it?”

  “No, I don’t. Frankly, I’m not a fan. It can draw in unwanted energies. I prefer psychometry.”

  “What’s that?” Sabrina asked.

  Luna explained, “It’s when you get vibrations from personal objects.”

  “Ooh . . . can you psycho me?”

  Luna guffawed. “It’s not psycho. It’s psychometry. Psychometrics.”

  “Whatever. Can you do it for me?” Sabrina urged.

  Luna looked around the art center. It was getting busy. “Maybe later or tomorrow. I think we’re in for a big crowd today. The foot traffic is already on the upswing.”

  Sabrina checked out the courtyard. “I think you’re right. I better get back to my station. Thanks for letting me be your barista.”

  “No. Thank you for helping out. I promise I’ll do the ‘psycho’ thing for you when things slow down.” She laughed, and Sabrina giggled.

  Luna checked the old retro clock on the wall. It was almost two. The morning had flown by. She remembered the old adage “Time flies when you’re having fun.” The more she thought about it, the more she realized how much fun she had had in the past fifteen-plus hours.

  Within a few minutes of Luna’s daydreaming, an announcement came over the PA system: “May I have your attention, please. The drawing for the Lincoln Corsair will be taking place in ten minutes. If you haven’t purchased your ticket, please do so now. Pages in green smocks can assist you. Thank you.”

  The excitement was palpable. Ellie was right about waiting until after the gala. Many more people were interested in the new center and the chance of winning a $55,000 car. Tickets were priced at ten dollars, encouraging multiple entries. There was a flood of people around each of the pages. Luna asked Ellie about giving the buyers a few more minutes. Ellie agreed to extend it until two thirty and made another announcement. “For your convenience, we have extended the time of the drawing to two thirty. And we thank you for your generosity.” Ellie looked at Luna. “How was that?”

  “Perfect. I think you’re going to make a lot of money on this.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Ellie smiled. During the next few minutes, there was another surge of raffle-ticket purchases.