“Well, she was. And I really think she’s scarred because of it. I don’t think she believes she’s good enough to attract anyone but Roger.”
“Just for the record, Roger isn’t a ‘but Roger.’” Nate drew quotes in the air with his fingers. “There have been more women than Haley after him. He might not be drowning in gold, but his family does own quite a bit of property, and they are financially stable, and Roger is a good man!”
“And you’re not prejudiced, are you?”
Nate sighed, placed his elbow on the table, and rested his forehead against his palm. “Just promise me you won’t interfere anymore, Amanda. Please.” He lifted his head and stared into her eyes before his gaze jumped to her lips, then back to her eyes again.
“Oh, absolutely!” Amanda insisted without a blink. “You know me. I’d never interfere.” Influence maybe, she added to herself, but never interfere.
Nate narrowed his eyes. “I mean it, Amanda. I think you need to back off this time.”
Amanda’s neck stiffened. She yanked the front of her denim jacket. “Maybe you’re the one who needs to back off!” she snapped.
“Humph,” he said. “Why don’t you turn all your energies into getting a rich husband yourself?” Nate grumbled before sipping his water.
“I have no intention of ever marrying anyone—rich or poor—and you know it, Nate. But if it’s any consolation,” she added with a sniff, “I’d choose character over money any day!”
“Glad to hear it,” Nate said without bothering to look at her.
“I’m perfectly happy to run the travel agency forever,” she said toward his ear. “Besides, Dad couldn’t function without me at home. With Bev and Gordon in Brisbane and me married off, he’d probably die of loneliness. I don’t think I could ever leave him.”
“You’re really serious about that?” His forehead wrinkling, Nate peered at her as if she were some weird science experiment.
“Of course I’m serious about it,” Amanda affirmed. “I’ve told you before. Did you think I was lying?” She shifted in her seat and uncrossed her legs.
“No. I just thought you’d eventually change your mind.”
“Well, I’m not. Not ever.” Her purse flopped against her leg, and Amanda shoved at it with her foot.
“I’m sure Dad would transfer Gordon to Highland if the need arose. He doesn’t have to live in Brisbane.”
A waitress passed by, pushing a cart laden with various desserts. Amanda caught a glimpse of cheesecake topped with strawberries. Her stomach rumbled. Her mouth watered. Nate’s attention rested on the tray for several seconds.
“Gordon and Bev could probably find a place close to your dad’s,” he added. “You could do the same.” Nate chuckled and swiveled to face Amanda. “When you couldn’t be there, Bev and her four kids could keep him company.”
The dessert waitress rounded a corner and Amanda shifted her focus back to Nate. “Still, there are no guarantees, and I can’t see Bev making sure Dad eats right. You know he has diabetes. If I got married, who’s to say I wouldn’t wind up with six kids. Then how in the world would I take care of Dad? No, I think it’s best for me to just stay single and stay put.”
“He did just fine while you were in college.” Nate lifted his hand.
“Yes, but he didn’t have diabetes then.” Amanda nodded.
“But your dad’s only sixty-five!” Nate argued. “He could live to be ninety!”
“So let it be!” She crossed her arms and leaned back. “Mom’s gone. Bev’s gone. I’m all he has.”
“Good grief, Amanda.” Nate’s face flushed. “This is ridiculous.”
“What does it matter to you, anyway?” Amanda returned. “You’ll probably get married and forget all about me.”
“And until that happens, you’re going to meddle in everyone else’s business and drive me mad? Is that it?” He cut her a glittery-eyed stare.
Amanda’s mouth fell open. A flash of heat crawled up her neck, and she studied Nate for a full ten seconds. When he didn’t even have the decency to flinch, she shoved back her chair, stood, and stormed from the table. As she maneuvered around the patrons, the heat rushed to her eyes. Amanda blinked against the sting and ducked down a short hallway toward the ladies’ room.
Three
Two hours later, Haley gaped at herself in her dresser mirror. Even after an evening with her new look, she still couldn’t believe the transformation. She went into Knighton’s looking like a frizzy-haired lizard and came out a princess. Haley grabbed the snapshot sitting on the edge of her dresser. Roger’s sister had taken the photo last month when he’d introduced Haley to his parents. She held the image up to her face, leaned toward the mirror, and examined the old Haley in light of the new.
No wonder Nate didn’t recognize me, she thought and stroked the side of her silky hair. The beautician had treated her kinky locks with a straightener and then sold her a whole hair-care regimen that would give her the professional gleam she now enjoyed. When Amanda discovered Haley had a pair of contacts in her purse, she’d insisted she put them in. After a stop at the makeup counter, they’d stumbled into a huge sale at a clothing boutique and each bought several new outfits.
Haley set the photo back on the dresser. She slipped her feet out of the toe torturers disguised as shoes. The balls of her feet ached with the release of pressure. She groaned and curled her toes into the cottony carpet. Haley longingly looked at the thick-soled slip-ons lying in the room’s corner. Amanda said that style was history in 1933, but Haley wondered if her toes would be history after a year of wearing the spikes.
A tap on her door preceded Amanda’s looking inside. “Hello in here,” her friend called in her American-touched voice. “I thought you were just switching your shoes. Mason is waiting,” she continued in a singsong voice. “Did you get lost?”
“No,” Haley said. “I was just checking to make sure everything was”—she looked back into the mirror—“still in place.”
“You look great,” Amanda said and stepped into the room. “At least Mason thinks so.”
“Do you really think he does?” Haley asked.
“Of course. He could hardly keep his eyes off you all night.”
“Right. After I spilled ice water on him.”
Amanda walked to the mirror and fluffed her hair. “But he managed to get dried off, and you didn’t spill another drop the rest of the night.”
“It was nothing short of a miracle.” Haley grinned and admitted that even with a complete makeover she couldn’t compete with Amanda’s fiery red hair, long legs, and green eyes. The professional eye makeup made her eyes appear to slant upward. That, plus the chin-length haircut and short bangs reminded Haley of Cleopatra. And she wasn’t so obtuse to miss Nate Knighton’s being a bit dazzled by the new Amanda—especially when she blew him that kiss.
But something had happened during Haley and Mason’s excursion. Amanda arrived in the restroom just as Haley was washing her hands. Without a word, Amanda scurried into a stall. Having noticed Amanda’s reddened eyes, Haley had discreetly exited. When the tall redhead had returned, neither Nate nor Amanda were in the best of moods. Shortly after dessert, Nate politely went home and Amanda suggested they all go back to Haley’s place. Fortunately, she’d cleaned house last night.
“I need to make a trip to the restroom,” Amanda said. “Why don’t you entertain Mason for a while.”
Haley glanced toward the photo of her and Roger. Even at thirty, his weathered skin showed signs of early aging. Yet his easy smile and thick, curly hair still gave him a boyish appeal. His arm rested around Haley as he pulled her close for the photo. His large nose and high forehead stopped him from being handsome, but he had a heart the size of Australia and a jovial nature that kept Haley laughing.
Over the last few months, their relationship had gradually deepened. During the week of his absence, Haley suspected he might even be on the verge of proposing. She and Roger didn’t have an official agre
ement, but this evening with Mason hadn’t seemed quite fair to Roger—even though she wasn’t the one who arranged it. Nevertheless, Haley couldn’t deny that the spark of male appreciation in Mason’s blue eyes had given her much to think about.
“Are you okay, Haley?” Amanda’s voice floated from a distant land.
“Sure,” Haley said and shifted her attention toward her friend. “I was just thinking about . . .”
With a sly grin, Amanda turned the photo facedown on the oak dresser. “Go on,” she said, “enjoy the evening. You aren’t married yet, and what Roger doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” She rummaged through the pile of boxes and shopping bags strewn across Haley’s oak poster bed and pulled out the bottle of amber-colored body spray. Amanda pulled off the cap and playfully sprayed a mist at Haley. The smell of warm vanilla reminded her of the delightful evening she’d already enjoyed and hinted that more fun was on the way.
Haley thought of Mason waiting in the den. After he recovered from the wet trouser syndrome, he’d been witty, charming, and even made her laugh. Maybe Amanda was right. This might be a good test of whether or not the Roger thing should even be.
“Okay,” Haley said and stepped toward the closet. She opened the door and found the new pair of gold sandals she’d purchased on a whim last week. They went great with the long cotton skirt and felt much better than the spike heels. At the time of purchase, Haley wondered what she’d ever wear them with and what possessed her to buy them. Now she knew.
She followed Amanda up the short hallway and turned left into the den when Amanda turned right into the restroom.
Haley blinked hard against the contacts before moving toward Mason. Even though they were soft lenses, she wasn’t used to wearing them, and they felt like cellophane in her eyes. After a final blink, Haley smiled and stopped near Mason, who was examining the trio of charcoal drawings hanging on the wall over the sofa. The steel-gray carpet, rich rose furnishings, and dove-gray walls served as the perfect complement for the nature drawings that bore her name in the bottom right corner.
She’d sketched all three pictures while vacationing last year near a wildlife park on Tasmania’s northwest coast. One was of a peacock with feathers fully spread. The other featured a Tasmanian devil, nearly hidden by lush river plants. The third drawing captured a koala eating a gum leaf. Most everyone who entered the den was drawn to the images. Haley couldn’t deny that seeing Mason studying her art ushered in a rush of pleasure. She timidly linked her fingers behind her back.
He glanced at her, and Haley expected him to express admiration for her talent. Instead he asked, “How long have you known Amanda?”
“Amanda?” Haley repeated. “Three years, I guess. She hired me after she returned from Princeton and took over the travel agency. We became instant friends. Now I’d say we’re more like sisters than anything else.”
Mason’s blue-eyed scrutiny would have left Haley feeling self-conscious were it not for her recent trip to the mirror.
“I thought you two seemed close,” he mused.
“Yes. We have a lot in common,” Haley continued. “We both even enjoy drawing and painting.”
“These are great!” Mason said and motioned toward the drawings.
Haley looked down and nudged at the carpet with the toe of her sandal. “Thanks.”
“Do you have anything Amanda has done lately?” Mason questioned.
“Well . . .” Haley hedged and glanced toward the sunroom. She had been teaching Amanda techniques of oil painting as well as charcoal drawings for quite some time. Often Amanda came over and the two of them drew or painted together. Haley was fortunate to have rented a duplex on the outskirts of Highland, a suburb of Hobart. Her large backyard gave her a perfect view of Mount Wellington. Haley had even coaxed a wounded mother wallaby and her baby to eat the grain she placed on the edge of her yard. Once the injured animal recovered, she regularly returned for more. An oil painting of the wallaby hung in the sunroom.
Amanda, on the other hand, had been trying her skills at portraits in oil. Haley’s portrait, to be exact. Numerous attempts were scattered around the sunroom in various stages of completion.
“Oh, I see you’ve noticed Haley’s art!” Amanda said from behind.
Haley swiveled to face her friend and was thankful for the reprieve from the awkward moment. She’d have been beyond embarrassed to mention Amanda’s latest artwork being portraits of herself. Nothing could sound so pompous.
“Yes, she’s quite good, isn’t she?” Mason turned to beam toward Amanda, then he swung an admiring glance at Haley.
Haley’s cheeks warmed, and she couldn’t quite remember what Roger Miller looked like. Only one impression remained steadfast: Mason was much better looking than Roger. A featherlike ripple fluttered through her midsection.
While Amanda and Mason chatted, something Amanda said during their shopping trip bombarded Haley’s mind: “If you’re really in love with Roger, then I think it’s great for you to marry him. But if you’re considering marrying him just because you don’t think you can get anyone else, you might want to reconsider. You’re a pretty woman. You’ll attract many men.”
Maybe Amanda was right on some points, Haley thought. Perhaps I’m jumping into the relationship with Roger for the wrong reasons. She contemplated the fact that Roger was the first man who had really pursued her. Am I just settling for who I can get without really knowing my own heart?
Mason seemed to have noticed her. And if he noticed, maybe other men would, too. That is, if she could remember how to pull off this look again. She touched the edge of her hair, blinked against the contacts, and rubbed her glossy lips together.
“Haley says you draw, too. Is any of your work here?” Mason’s question invaded Haley’s musings as he gazed around the house.
“Well as a matter of fact, it is!” Amanda exclaimed. “Some of my oil paintings are, that is.” She looped her arm through Haley’s and knowingly smiled at her friend.
“Oh no!” Haley babbled. “That’s quite all right. Amanda has some wonderful drawings in our travel agency. You’ll have to notice them the next time you go there.”
“Come on, Haley,” Amanda pressured and repeatedly winked in an exaggerated manner that left Haley beyond mortified. “Don’t be so modest. Let’s show Mason what we’ve been up to, shall we?” Amanda tugged Haley toward the open doorway that led to the sunroom.
“Please, no,” Haley argued. “I don’t think—”
“I’m dying to see what this is now,” Mason countered as he strode beside Amanda.
“Actually, it’s some rough beginnings on a portrait of Haley. Oh,” she said and stopped. “But that was before . . .” She looked at Haley, tilted her head, and nodded. “Yes, I think we need to begin a new portrait now. One without the glasses and with your new hairdo.”
“I’m interested in seeing whatever you have.” Mason hurried forward.
Amanda directed another wink toward Haley, released her arm, and rushed after Mason. Her spiked heels clicked against the sunroom tile as Mason cried, “Wow! These are great!”
Haley’s fingers shook. She covered her face with her hands and didn’t quite know whether to run after the two or melt.
“She looks great!” Mason continued.
Amanda was right! she thought. Mason really is interested in me!
“I think that’s a wonderful idea!” Amanda’s exclamation sent a jolt through Haley. Somehow, she suspected this “wonderful idea” might involve her. She lowered her hands and waited.
“Haley! Come here! Mason’s had a brilliant idea.”
After a bolstering breath, Haley stepped from the carpet onto the tile that led into the sunroom. She hesitated on the edge of the room filled with wicker and plants, easels and canvasses. The faint smell of paint tinged the air and brought comfort to her soul. This was her domain—a place where even Amanda, as brilliant and beautiful as she was, could not compete.
“There you are!” Mason exc
laimed. “I was just suggesting that Amanda should start the new sitting with you tonight. Perhaps I could help her with some angles or the lighting.”
“You mean of—of me?” Haley stammered and laid her hand on her chest.
“Of course you!” Amanda crowed. “Who else is there?” She rested her hands on her hips, and the assured angle of her chin only added to her appeal. When Haley compared herself to her friend, she wondered why Mason wasn’t asking for a portrait of Amanda.
“Come on!” Amanda grabbed her hands and tugged her forward. “Don’t be shy.” She leaned down and whispered, “You’re scoring big! Play it for all it’s worth, girlfriend.” Amanda nudged Haley onto the stool they’d used many times during the protégé’s learning process.
Mason’s broad smile revealed teeth whiter than Roger’s and appeared to be all for Haley. Like Nate Knighton, he also had dimples. Her fingers as unsteady as her heartbeat, Haley picked at the rings in her chain-link belt.
If I’m really in love with Roger, would I be so unnerved by Mason? she pondered.
Mason lifted a strand of Haley’s hair away from her face. His fingers brushed her temple and he smiled. A shower of tingles started at her temple and engulfed Haley as she returned his smile. His eyes were like a kaleidoscope of pale blue that the evening shadows enhanced to the fullest.
Nevertheless, Haley maintained a serene aura that she hoped hid her quivering reaction. With the last rays of Tasmanian sunshine seeping over the peaks of the mountains, she straightened her shoulders and relaxed her hands in her lap while Mason fussed with adjusting the spotlights and consulted Amanda about her satisfaction.
At last Mason pronounced the lighting and pose perfect. Amanda secured the easel in front of her. The two stood side by side behind the easel and studied Haley.
“I need some herbal tea,” Amanda said and turned to Mason. “I always sip tea when I paint. Haley usually keeps a pitcher of mango tea in the refrigerator.” She glanced back at Haley. “Do you have some now?”
“Absolutely,” Haley assured.
Amanda_A Contemporary Retelling of Emma Page 3
