Where the Light Plays

by C. Fonseca

  She greeted Todd with a smile. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.” Andi lifted the glass to her lips and took a long swallow. “Thanks for this.”

  Todd grabbed her free hand and gently twirled her around in a circle. He gave a long, slow whistle of appreciation. “You look fabulous. I’m a bit envious of these.” He pointed to Andi’s grey-cropped, linen, pinstripe trousers. “Mind you, I haven’t the curves to carry that vaguely butch, unmistakably femme thing you’re able to pull off.” He raised his eyebrows in mock disgust.

  Andi pulled nervously at her collar. She hoped her outfit was formal enough for the occasion. She’d chosen a classic fitted white shirt and a long-sleeved short jacket with an asymmetric hemline and a single fastening press-stud—a feminine nod to the latest tailored trend. Sleek, minimalist, and aesthetic.

  “Yep, you really have that fifties-chic-style thing happening and with these boots, you are ready to kick arse.” Todd gestured to Andi’s comfortably worn-in ankle boots with pointed toes and two silver buckles.

  “So, what do you say? Let’s not keep your fans waiting any longer.” He gave her a quick, reassuring hug. “Your family’s just arrived, and I spotted Ellie with them. The reporter from Geelong Arts, Jason Travis, wants to grab a few photographs and a quick interview before everyone else gets here.”

  Andi pulled her hands out of her pockets, ran them through her hair, and reluctantly followed Todd. Maybe, if she clicked the heels of her boots together three times, she’d end up in Oz, or even better—home.

  She scanned the room for Caitlin and frowned when she didn’t see her. Todd hadn’t mentioned seeing Caitlin either. When would she get there? Would she get there at all?

  At the far end of the gallery, Ana and her parents chatted with Anthony. He had one hand on her mother’s forearm and rubbed his bottom lip to give emphasis to his story. Lina looked elegant in a simple black dress and heels, an outfit she reserved for special occasions. Her family seemed remarkably unfazed by the unfamiliar surroundings. Andi grinned and thought how well they presented as a group.

  They stood in front of one of Andi’s favourites, Sun Rays. She’d used thin washes of muted tones under thicker, shorter strokes of solid colour. The canvas portrayed a grey morning sky over a field of sunflowers in full bloom, illuminated by the orange sun rising over the family farm.

  Andi walked the perimeter of the room. Even though the outside of the building curved gently like a ship’s hull, the inside space was rectangular. Using a series of floating walls, Andi and the exhibition team had determined how viewers would enter the space and in what order they would view the paintings. Adorning the wall directly opposite the entrance was Come to Light, loaned by the Black-Tern Gallery. The thirty-four other works were displayed so visitors could experience different stages in light reaction during the course of a day, from sunrise to sunset, and in distinct climatic conditions. Chosen to create visual syncopation, some paintings were grouped together, while some were displayed singly.

  A light tap to the shoulder caught her attention, and she turned to see who it was. Mazy, from Bailey Graphics, took Andi’s hand and gushed, “Andi, I had no idea. You are so talented. It makes sense. You have an incredible mastery of colour, evident in your designs, and I’ve always been envious of that.”

  “That’s kind of you, Maz.” She allowed herself to be pulled into the circle of work colleagues. “I’m glad you could all be here tonight. It means a lot.” She gestured to the refreshment table, staffed by two attentive waiters. “Make sure you grab some champagne and yummy food.”

  Five minutes later, Andi was whisked away by Anthony, who insisted on introducing her to some of the crème-de-la-crème of Geelong’s business owners and art collectors before leading her to the magazine reporter for her short interview.

  “You lead the viewer’s eyes into the landscape. It’s clear these works are quite intimate,” said the reporter.

  “Yes, some of them are,” Andi replied. She looked down at her feet and thought of Caitlin. “It has been an incredible journey and a significant challenge.” She thanked him, shook his hand, and was grateful when he took his leave.

  As the gallery filled, Andi felt an enormous sense of relief. Comments were positive and flattering. She was in a surreal space. All the excitement and attention made her light-headed. It was like an out-of-body experience.

  “Finally, the star of the show. How are you doing? It’s amazing seeing your works displayed professionally,” Ellie said, as she pulled her into a quick hug.

  “Thanks, Ell. Anthony’s staff did a great job.”

  “Definitely. Have you noticed that there are red dots on over half the paintings,” she whispered in Andi’s ear. “You must be ecstatic.” Ellie stepped back as two unknown guests approached them and stood quietly beside Andi. “I think that’s my cue. I’ll catch up with you soon.” Ellie waved and headed towards Ana and the children.

  Andi swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled. The fashionably chic pair introduced themselves as Anthony’s friends from Sydney—Catherine and Alister Paulson. They congratulated Andi on the exhibition. “Brilliance drew our eye as soon as we walked in. Catherine was immediately captivated,” said Alister. “We were devastated to know it is not for sale.”

  “Ah, but…” Catherine sighed. “I also have my eye on Nocturne.”

  Catherine gestured towards the painting, one of Andi’s moodier pieces, that depicted Gull Rock—the large weathered limestone formation on Hakea Beach—veiled in moonlight.

  “We were very fortunate to spend a weekend near Hakea last year, and we strolled along the beach at night. You’ve captured that haunting, surreal atmosphere just like I remember.” She smiled. “Your painting is exquisite, Andi.”

  Andi felt the colour rise in her cheeks. “Thank you. I’m glad you like it.”

  “Catherine, in saying that, darling, it seems you’ve made up your mind. I think it’s time to secure that piece of magic for ourselves,” Alister said. They expressed their gratitude and hastened away to finalise their purchase.

  It was unreal to step back and observe how people reacted to her work. While she experienced a sense of satisfaction, it was tempered by vulnerability. As if for the first time, she realised that at the end of the exhibition, her paintings would be scattered, travelling to new homes, with owners who liked them enough to spend a substantial amount of money to secure them.

  The clacking of shoes on the wooden floorboards, the hum of voices, the tinkling of glasses, and the strains of classical music quieted to a hush, and Andi instinctively knew Caitlin had arrived. She bit her lip, and her heart pounded. She gathered courage, and when she turned around, her gaze fell upon Caitlin. The force of her longing left her breathless.

  Caitlin stared at Brilliance with her head tilted to one side. She withdrew a single sheet of paper from her purse and unfolded it.

  Bewitched, Andi was unable to move. Caitlin’s figure-hugging, deep-indigo cocktail dress showed off her gorgeous body. Its simple lines draped softly over her thighs and ended a few centimetres above her knees. The scooped bodice showed off her graceful neck and just enough cleavage to make Andi inhale sharply.

  Caitlin’s face was serene as she returned the piece of paper to her purse and continued to study the painting. A stylishly dressed woman, accompanied by an equally striking gentleman, approached Caitlin and chatted with her in a familiar way.

  Then, as if drawn towards Andi’s gaze, Caitlin turned, and their eyes met for the first time in nearly three long weeks.

  * * *

  Caitlin could barely stand upright when Andi whispered in her ear, “You look amazing, and even though you are absolutely stunning in this dress, I can’t wait to help you out of it.” Her knees grew weak from the warmth of Andi’s fingers pressed lightly into the small of her back.

  Her father cleared his throat loudly.

  As Andi stepped back, Caitlin reached for her arm and secured it around her waist. Caitlin
glanced from her father to Andi.

  Andi’s face was flushed, she looked bewildered. “Caitlin, um,” she said quietly.

  “Andi, I’d like to introduce you to Patrick and Orla Quinn, my parents,” Caitlin said.

  Andi’s body tensed, and she attempted to pull away.

  Caitlin placed her hand on Andi’s to, again, anchor it firmly to her waist. “Ma, Da, this is Andréa Rey.”

  “It’s a delight to meet you, Andréa, and to be part of your special day.” Orla stepped forward to shake Andi’s hand, and Caitlin reluctantly relinquished her hold.

  Caitlin was amused when her mother continued to hold onto Andi’s hand and gazed at her intently.

  Patrick Quinn came forward and offered his hand.

  Andi looked flustered and gazed at Caitlin’s parents.

  “Caitlin didn’t prepare us for such a magnificent show. This is a very impressive exhibition. You are a talented and beautiful young woman,” Patrick said.

  “Thank you so much, Mr. Quinn,” Andi stammered. “This is a huge surprise.”

  “Please, call me Patrick.” He grinned and winked at Caitlin over Andi’s shoulder. “It is now clear to me why Caitlin is so smitten.”

  Caitlin rolled her eyes and shook her head. Her father, the ever-charming English professor, was correct. Caitlin was definitely smitten.

  Andi looked from Orla to Patrick, from Patrick to Orla, and from Orla to Caitlin. “I had no idea. This is a huge surprise,” she said. “Did I say that already? I’m so happy to meet you both. I can see where Caitlin gets her incredible—”

  “Charm?” Caitlin squeezed Andi’s hand.

  “Err, I was going to say good looks, but yes, that too; it definitely runs in the family,” said Andi sweetly.

  “Thank you, Andi, but I’ve just had the pleasure of meeting your family, and I have to return the compliment,” Orla said. Her blue-grey eyes sparkled.

  Isabella and Kim approached them. Isabella’s arm was linked through Kim’s, and they looked like a pair of naughty schoolgirls.

  Isabella surveyed the small gathering. “What a lovely family group,” she said. She hugged Andi tightly and kissed her on both cheeks. “Congratulations on the first of what will be, I am sure, many successful shows. Well done, darling.”

  “Congratulations, Andi. What a fabulous exhibition.” Kim blushed. “Absolutely amazing.”

  “Thanks, Kim.” Andi grinned.

  Kim turned her attention to Caitlin and her parents. “Wasn’t this a tremendous surprise? You must be over the moon—”

  Caitlin raised her eyebrows to get Kim’s attention. Kim hesitated, turned to Andi, and said, “I mean, you must be over the moon to meet Caitie’s parents.”

  Andi gave Caitlin a bemused smile. “Oh. I am very surprised.”

  Caitlin reached for Andi’s hand, and laced their fingers together. She fixed a guilty smile towards Kim and her family. “I wonder if you’d excuse us for just a few minutes, please?” She winked at Kim, whose already pink face grew an even brighter shade of red. “Andi and I have a few matters to discuss.”

  Andi shrugged shyly and allowed Caitlin to drag her away through the side exit and into the darkness along the waterfront. Caitlin tugged Andi into her arms and pressed her back against the wooden handrail that ran along the pier.

  Andi buried her face in Caitlin’s shoulder, and as her lips caressed her skin, they both sighed.

  “Your parents?” Andi mumbled. “I mean, you never mentioned it. Did you tell me they were visiting Australia?”

  “It was a last-minute decision. They wanted to spend Christmas with Isabella, among other things,” Caitlin said.

  Andi ran her tongue over her lower lip nervously.

  Caitlin tightened her embrace around Andi and caressed the nape of her neck with her fingertips. “I’ve missed you. I really have to kiss you. Now.”

  “I’ve missed you too,” Andi whispered.

  “You feel amazing… You are amazing. I can’t believe we have to wait. Do we?” Caitlin grazed her teeth along Andi’s ear, then moved her mouth to Andi’s lips and kissed her hungrily. She ran her hands along Andi’s waist and down over the fitted pinstriped trousers, enjoying the closeness and overwhelming sensation of their bodies pressed together.

  Caitlin leaned back to look into Andi’s eyes. “The exhibition is everything and even more than I thought it would be. Your paintings are so incredibly passionate and powerful. You take my breath away.” She nibbled Andi’s ear. “Am I rambling? Brilliance is… I’m speechless for how your words and your painting affect me,” whispered Caitlin. “Thank you for that email.”

  “I was afraid you wouldn’t come back. I needed you to know how I feel.” She took a deep breath and lowered her head. “I love you, Caitlin.”

  Caitlin lifted Andi’s chin with one finger. “I love you too, baby.” She looked into her eyes. “I did have a return ticket.”

  “Until June,” Andi murmured.

  Caitlin shivered, even though Andi’s hands stroked her skin and left a trail of fire wherever they touched. “I need to ask you something—”

  “I need to tell you something,” Andi said in the same moment.

  At the sound of a door shutting with a loud thud, Caitlin groaned, and they drew apart.

  Ellie walked towards them. “Here you are. We’ve been looking for both of you. I thought you may have run off together or snuck into one of the storerooms.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief in the darkness.

  “Believe me, if I had a choice, we’d be there…” Andi sighed.

  “Down, tiger, plenty of time for that later.” Ellie grinned. “I am sorry to interrupt you, but it’s speech time.” She bowed towards the entrance. “Anthony is ready and waiting.”

  As they moved into the glow of the security light, Ellie cleared her throat and tugged the corner of Andi’s shirt where it had come loose from her trousers.

  “You may want to tidy up a bit,” Ellie suggested. “How do you think you’ll last? You still have speeches and dinner at Tides to get through.”

  “We’ll be okay. Andi will be okay. This is her big night,” Caitlin said and tightened her arm around Andi’s shoulder.

  Andi straightened her dishevelled clothes, looked up helplessly at Caitlin, attempted to rearrange her hair, and grabbed Caitlin’s hand. “Let’s do it,” she said.

  * * *

  After Anthony’s welcoming toast, the guests sipped vintage champagne. The private dining room at Tides Restaurant, perched at the end of the pier on Eastern Beach, gave the impression of being at sea. They enjoyed the moonlit views over the waterfront. The table settings of silver cutlery and crisp, white linen were impressive and suitably elegant for the post exhibition gathering.

  Andi sat at one end of the table, with Caitlin on one side and Ellie on the other. Caitlin’s hand under the tablecloth rested on her knee, occasionally moving against the taut material of her trousers. She gasped when Caitlin’s fingertips pressed lightly along the inner seam.

  “Did you say something?” Ellie asked.

  Andi loosened the top button of her shirt and moved uncomfortably in the chair. She reached for Caitlin’s hand and held it still.

  “No,” she squeaked. “The champagne went down the wrong way.” She glanced at Caitlin, who ignored her and continued to innocently chat to Ana and Mick.

  “How did you persuade Mia to leave with her brother?” Caitlin asked.

  “Oh, it wasn’t easy.” Ana smiled, and pursed her lips. “She didn’t want to leave her Aunty Andi. We promised if she went with Manny to our friends’ place tonight, we’d take her to the zoo in the school holidays.”

  “So bribery does work.” Caitlin laughed and arched an eyebrow.

  “As a last resort, every time.” Mick grinned. He nodded to Andi. “It’s not surprising, when you painted the murals on the potting shed, that you would one day turn it into a successful career.” He lifted his glass and said, “Congratulations, Andi.”

&n
bsp; “I love those murals of farm animals and so do the children,” Ana said. “This exhibition is a huge achievement. Anthony mentioned that two-thirds of the artwork has already sold.”

  “Thanks, Ana. It’s been quite a day.” Andi stared at Caitlin. “One full of surprises. Who would have thought that I’d meet Caitlin’s parents today?”

  “Who would have thought?” Caitlin smirked.

  “It’s wonderful that your parents could travel over with you,” Ana said.

  “Yes, yes it is. My parents love Australia, and this was an excellent opportunity to visit Isabella and for us to spend Christmas together.”

  Andi waited for more information, but Caitlin was silent on the subject.

  After finishing her meal, Andi sat back in the plush chair and listened to snippets of conversation from around the table. It had been a big day, emotionally and physically, but she was keyed up and restless.

  Caitlin put down her fork and squeezed her hand. “You must be tired?”

  Andi shook her head. “It may take awhile for me to wind down tonight. I am a little wired.”

  “Don’t you worry. Once I get you to myself… I have a feeling I can take care of that. I know just how to help you unwind.” Caitlin wiggled her eyebrows, making Andi squirm in her chair.

  “You do know that Isabella asked Mum and Dad to stay overnight at Kinsale, don’t you?”

  Caitlin nodded. “Yes, it’s all been arranged. Isabella, Ma and Da, and your parents are staying at Kinsale for the night.” She leaned in to whisper in Andi’s ear. “That way, I can have you all to myself at your place.”

  “Well, that’s good planning. How did you get everyone to agree to that?”

  “I told them we needed to talk.”

  “To talk?” Andi giggled. “Seriously? I can think of a lot of other things I’d rather do to you… I mean with you.” Andi leaned closer to Caitlin. “You keep saying that. Do you want to talk now?”

  “Not now. Let’s wait till we’re alone.”

  “You’ve been touching me under the table all night. All I want to do is get you home. You look so incredibly sexy in that dress. But I mean it. I really want you out of it.”