by C. Fonseca
Andi’s muscles seemed to relax as Caitlin melted into their embrace. Her senses were aroused, and the warmth that radiated off Andi’s body enveloped her.
Caitlin pulled her closer as she gently moved her tongue over Andi’s lips. Their kiss deepened, and she tightened her arms around Andi. “I’ve been staring at your beautiful mouth all night, and I’ve so wanted to do this.”
Andi’s body went rigid, and she pushed Caitlin aside firmly. The jolt of separation left her breathless, and Caitlin stared helplessly into Andi’s eyes. The hesitation in those dark eyes was impossible to ignore, so with regret, she backed away.
“Goodnight, Caitlin. Thanks again for dinner.” Her words were barely audible.
“Andi,” she groaned and struggled to keep her distance. “Goodnight. I’ll be heading back to Melbourne in the morning.” Andi nodded. “You have my number. I hope to be back in Hakea next weekend. Maybe I’ll see you then?”
“I’d like that,” Andi said, as she stepped up onto the veranda.
“Good, I’d like that too.” Caitlin turned around, walked down the stairs, climbed into the car, and drove towards Kinsale.
She waited for the electronic gates to open. The sky above was crystal clear. Thousands of stars glistened, and the moon cast a peaceful glow across the glassy ocean.
She touched her fingers to her mouth, recalling the heat and the incredible softness of Andi’s sweet lips. Was she too forward? Possibly. But she had wanted to kiss Andi several times that day. Earlier in the studio, as she spoke about her art with such vitality and passion. At dinner, her brown eyes sparkled in the candlelight, emotions dancing close to the surface. She’d tried in the car and would have definitely kissed her if Andi hadn’t made such a hasty exit. Finally, on the stairs, she’d felt an unmistakable pull and was drawn to Andi’s expressive, sensuous mouth; she had kissed her, and for a few wonderful moments, Andi had kissed her back.
Caitlin parked the car in the garage and made her way to the house. She threw herself into a chair close to a window and gazed out over the water. There was no point going to bed; she was too restless to sleep.
Normally, Caitlin was good at picking up the signs. How did she get it wrong? But there were no fixed rules about attraction or reaction. Either Andi was not interested, or she was involved with someone already. That someone could be Ellie, the attractive woman she’d seen with her at the café a few days ago. And what about the two wetsuits hanging over her studio balcony? It made sense. But for a fleeting moment, Andi had kissed her, and that was going to be hard to forget.
CHAPTER 5
“Izzy, I know she’ll want to talk to you too. Why don’t we have supper together and then telephone Ma?” Caitlin asked.
Kim stepped into Caitlin’s office, clutching a folder, and Caitlin motioned for her to be seated.
“If we try after nine thirty tonight, it will be just after midday in Cork, and Da will be home for lunch.” She finished her conversation with Isabella and returned the phone to her desk. She greeted her colleague. “Kim, it is good to see you.”
Caitlin reached across the desk and accepted the bulging folder. On Mondays, it was customary for Kim and Caitlin to plan their week and head off problems before they surfaced.
“You too. Feels like it’s been forever,” Kim said.
“It has been a long day.” Caitlin sighed. She was delighted to finally catch up with the estate’s registrar, Kim Jones, who had attempted to meet with Caitlin on several occasions that day with no success.
Since her early morning drive back from Hakea, Caitlin had been locked in several meetings. First with the accountant, then with the designer working on the new storage area, followed by an appointment with the secretary of Women in Arts. After nearly a full day of spreadsheets, projection concepts, and budgets, Caitlin was very glad to see Kim’s friendly face.
“Caitie, how was your weekend? Did you get up to any mischief down the coast?” She wriggled her eyebrows. “Rub shoulders with any of those bronzed, Aussie surfer girls at Hakea Beach?”
Though Caitlin was now accustomed to Kim’s familiar manner of speech and her sometimes colourful Aussie slang, she was still getting used to the disarming Australian casualness and humour.
“I had a very relaxing weekend, thank you Kim. There’s nothing better than a bit of sunshine and fresh air to restore the energy.” Caitlin stretched her arms over her head. “I visited the Black-Tern Gallery at Aireys Inlet, did some running along the beach, and discovered an artist’s studio in Hakea.”
Kim looked at Caitlin with interest. “I haven’t been down that way for ages. I must take my Sharon there for a weekend soon.” She chuckled. “You can keep the beach running to yourself, though. I prefer to get my exercise in more pleasurable ways, thank you very much.”
“Ah-ha, I’m sure you do.”
“Met a local artist? You’ve got my attention, Caitie. Male or female?”
“A young, modern expressionist named Andi Rey. Her paintings have such an energetic style. Spirited, intense, and vibrant. She’s working on her first solo exhibition opening in December.”
“Real talent, eh?” She smirked. “Andi Rey? That’s a catchy name. Must have something going for her if you were impressed.”
“I am looking forward to finding out exactly that.” Caitlin sat upright; it was time to get back to work. “So, did you manage to get through Storeroom B since I saw you last? Maxwell Designs left some drawings for the proposed new storage area.” Caitlin reached for the yellow folder sitting at the top of the pile on her desk. “Maybe you’ll have time to look at them by early next week?”
“Of course, no problem at all.” Kim took the folder and tucked it under her arm. “I could take it home with me tonight if you want it earlier?”
“No, there’s no need. I’m sure Sharon wants your full attention when you are home.”
“Oh, Caitie, there’s plenty of me to go around.” She looked at her watch. “Okay, I’d better hop to it. I’m about to place an order for acid-free tissue. Is there anything else we need?”
“Nothing off the top of my head.” Caitlin checked her list. “Was there enough tissue to interleave all the Rickson prints? Some of the older tissues are discoloured and starting to curl. I’d like to replace them as soon as possible.”
Isabella’s collection of early twentieth-century landscapes by Australian painter Will Rickson was one of the best privately owned collections in the country. Caitlin loved the Rickson landscapes and knew they were the jewels in Isabella’s collection.
“All taken care of Caitie. Consider it done.” Kim assured her. After fourteen years as a collection manager at Museum Victoria, Kim had made a brave decision to return to university and complete her studies in Australian art history. For the last twelve months, her job involved cataloguing and looking after Isabella’s collection. She was Caitlin’s invaluable right-hand-woman.
Kim had been a bit miffed when Caitlin first arrived. After all, until then, the collection had been her responsibility. Now, after working together for a few months, they had developed a mutual respect and genuine fondness for each other. Kim’s work ethic and eagerness to include Caitlin in social gatherings had proven to Caitlin that she had been accepted.
“Are you heading home?” Caitlin asked, as she glanced at her iPhone.
“As soon as we finish here. I may take the missus for a bite to eat at the new Vietnamese in High Street. I’ve heard they do a fabulous seafood laksa,” she said and rubbed circles against her stomach.
Caitlin shut down her MacBook and stood to tidy the papers on her desk. “Lucky you. Off you go then, Jonesy.” She pointed to the door. “Give my best wishes to the missus.”
“I will do that. You look like you could use an early night yourself,” she observed.
“I’ve just a couple of things to finish here. A hot bath, dinner with Isabella, and then I’m curling up in bed with a good book.”
“Sounds fabulous.” Kim exited the room, then peeked h
er blonde head around the doorway and said, “Mind you, pity it’s only a good book you’re curling up with and not something a little warmer.” She chuckled mischievously and scampered out the door.
After Kim had departed, Caitlin completed a few more tasks and milled around her office. She wondered what Andi was doing. Hopefully, she was in her studio painting. Impulsively, she scrolled through her contacts and tapped out a quick message.
Thinking about you. Hope you’ve had a great day. Caitlin x
She didn’t write “thinking about that kiss,” although she would have liked to. After several minutes, she heard the buzz and checked her mobile. New text.
Thank you. I did.
Caitlin sighed. At least Andi had replied. She shut the door to her office and took the concealed spiral staircase that led up to her second-floor apartment. She loved that her stylish private space enjoyed views of the rose garden and landscaped grounds below. The large three-storey Federation mansion was set in a beautiful English-styled garden. The apartment had a spacious main bedroom and bathroom, a guest bedroom and ensuite, an open-plan sitting room, plus a dining area and kitchen. Isabella’s architect had assured that Caitlin would never want for comfort.
An hour later, Caitlin made her way through the main house. It was a stately but magical building. Caitlin would never forget her first visit to Maggie and Isabella’s home. The heavy, wooden front door had seemed enormous. She’d looked in awe at the sweeping staircase with its intricate carvings. The ceilings were so high, and the house had made her feel tiny.
Isabella’s estate was in the leafy suburb of Kew, the house built in 1899 for businessman, Robert James Hegetty and his wife. On their passing, the entire estate was left to their only daughter, Captain Margaret Hegetty.
In Korea in 1951, the twenty-seven-year-old army captain and twenty-two-year-old Red Cross nurse, Isabella O’Riorden, were introduced at a party hosted by the British Commonwealth General Hospital in Seoul.
Their relationship began in late 1952, and the estate became their home. They’d lived together until five years ago when Maggie died in the arms of her long-time lover.
Caitlin tapped lightly on the door and walked straight into Isabella’s home. The cottage was tucked behind the main house, near the extensive rose garden. Once Maggie’s painting studio, it had been transformed into a self-contained home for Isabella and many of her personal treasures.
“Hello, my darling girl. It’s so very lovely to see you,” Isabella greeted. “You must have left Kinsale quite early. I believe Marion spotted you on her way in this morning.”
“It’s always wonderful to see you looking so well, Isabella.” Caitlin hugged her grandaunt and enjoyed the softness of her fine merino jumper and warm embrace. “I did leave early to avoid the rush hour, and I’m happy to report it was a pleasant drive and stress-free journey.”
Isabella hovered near the small, rosewood bar cabinet. “I’m pouring myself a wee drop of Paddy’s whiskey. Caitlin, will you join me?”
She nodded. Her fingers wandered over the group of ornate frames on the carved, highly polished sideboard. Isabella’s collection included photographs of Caitlin and her parents, at various stages of her life, from childhood to the present day.
The cottage was filled with colourful trinkets and treasures from Isabella and Maggie’s life of travel, adventure, and passion. Caitlin’s heart swelled at the memories of their encouragement and support through the years. Her grandaunts were the grandmothers she had never known.
“Sit yourself down, darling.” Isabella handed her a crystal tumbler containing a generous splash of amber-gold liquid. “Let’s take a look at you. Ah… That sea air has given you a touch of colour. My girl, you have a sparkle in your eyes and a spring in your step.” Isabella sat down beside Caitlin on the comfortably worn Chesterfield sofa. As always, her back was upright, and she sat with her legs slightly crossed at the ankles. “Even with these old eyes of mine, I can see the weekend away did you the world of good.” She lovingly patted Caitlin’s knee. “I think you will have to do this more often. Take a bit of time for yourself and enjoy Kinsale.”
Caitlin savoured the whiskey’s toffee and butterscotch smokiness. “Well, maybe I will if I can persuade you to join me next time?” Caitlin asked.
“Oh? And what would you be doing with your old grandaunt getting in the way? Time for you to start making some happy memories of your own,” she said. “Come on, tell me what you got up to, my girl. I’m an old woman who loves to hear a good story.”
“You do, don’t you?” Caitlin nudged Isabella gently. “I love being at Kinsale, I mean how could I not? The house is absolutely amazing. The views are stunning from every corner of the place. Even the shower. Although, I don’t know what your architect was thinking when she planned that one.” She laughed.
Isabella clinked their tumblers together. “Cheers to Margaret, God bless her. The cantilevered shower was entirely her idea. She always said because I made her give up that tin can in the sky she loved to fly around in, the glass shower with a view to infinity was the next best thing.”
Caitlin nodded in agreement. “Cheers, indeed. I’m so glad I had an opportunity to fly with her that one time in Ireland.” She raised her glass. “To Maggie and the infinity shower and all of us who now have the pleasure of enjoying it.”
Isabella squeezed Caitlin’s knee. “What else did you get up to?”
“I did a bit of exploring around Hakea, and I went for a drive to Aireys Inlet.”
“Ahh… Did you go to the Black-Tern Gallery?” She rubbed her brow. “Now, who runs it? Her name’s on the tip of my tongue, I’m sure it begins with C. Is it Cathryn?”
“Cynthia, her name is Cynthia.”
“Yes, I do remember now. What did you think of the gallery? I haven’t been there for many years.”
Caitlin nestled back into the sofa, her long legs crossed at the knee. “It’s in a good location to attract day trippers. A lot of the work is aimed at the tourist market, but it is good to see that Cynthia supports some talented artists. There was one particular piece that stood out from the others.”
“Oh? Tell me more.” Isabella’s eyes lit up with interest. “Was it a painting?”
“Yes, it was. To be honest, once I saw it, I didn’t spend a lot of time looking at the rest.” She closed her eyes to recall the artwork. As she thought of Andi, heat spread through her body like the slow, mellow burn of the spicy whiskey. “It was a seascape on the wall, all by itself. I was instantly captured by its energy. The work was certainly different from the rest, and thanks to Cynthia, I obtained the artist’s details. Unfortunately, the painting was not for sale.”
“The Black-Tern, and particularly Cynthia, has been very good in supporting artists in that area,” said Isabella. “I can tell by your expression that you’re on to something. So you say the artist’s studio is in Hakea?”
Caitlin remembered Andi’s deep brown eyes and the way they simmered as she spoke. “I have to draw, and I have to paint. It is like breathing for me,” she’d said. Caitlin sighed, recalling the warmth of Andi’s body and the sensation of her strong arms circling her waist.
“Caitlin?”
“Oh, I am sorry. Yes, she does live in Hakea.”
“Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Caitlin smiled. Isabella knew her well. “I don’t know if I can explain it. Andi’s work has a profound quality that seems to go beyond what the eye sees. I would call her primary style modern expressionism. The paintings I saw were acrylic, sometimes with a hint of charcoal. But it’s more than that. It is as if she paints with light that seems to shift in front of you. In the painting on display at the gallery, Andi used a method incorporating acrylic pigment with crushed glass.” She shrugged. “Yes, I know this isn’t like me. I’m rambling.” Caitlin narrowed her eyes. She hoped she’d communicated how she had felt about Andi’s painting.
Isabella nodded. “Would she be following some of the I
talian masters during the Renaissance period?”
“Yes, that’s what she’s doing. Andi allowed me to visit her studio. Her attention to detail, composition, and brushwork is exceptional. The particles of glass in some of the paintings act like a prism. The colour seems to be intensified, and light is reflected, bringing everything to life. I’d love you to see her work, Isabella.”
“I would like to meet the artist. Who is this Andi?” she asked. “Does she have a background in Renaissance studies? Tintoretto, Vermeer?”
Caitlin laughed. It was incredible. “That’s just it, Izzy, I don’t think so…not formally anyway. From what I know, Andréa Rey completed her bachelor of visual arts at Ballarat University and has a diploma in graphic design. I don’t think she’s had the opportunity to study overseas. She’s young and developing her own style.”
“Sounds as if this young woman made an impression, Caitlin.”
“I would like to learn more about her art process.” She placed the glass gently down on the table beside her.
“Just her art process?” Isabella asked. Her wise, old eyes twinkled with delight.
“Oh, she’s a bewitching mix. Golden, shiny, intense…shy.” She shook her head. “Can’t hide much from you, can I?”
Isabella drained her glass and rose from the sofa. “Dangerous?” Her tone was serious, but Caitlin knew from her smile that she was teasing. “I’m sure this won’t be the last I hear of young Andi. Come on, now. I think we should eat. Marion knew you would be here for dinner and has made one of your favourites. She would be very upset if we let the potato and cheddar tart turn to charcoal.” Isabella wrinkled her nose. “Could you please collect the green salad from the refrigerator?”
“Sounds like a grand idea. I’m starving. She is such a darling, your Marion.”
CHAPTER 6
Andi ran along the beach. The sand was firm, still free of footprints, and the tide had ebbed, leaving the clean beach hard but forgiving enough to protect her knees. She paused to gather her breath and looked at the stark expanse of vertical rock above her, the interplay of light and shadow, rich tones, and subtle hues. Inspiration.
