by Kay Correll
“Down, I think.” She sighed. “And I’m pretty sure my mom is not going to like this outfit.”
“She’s crazy then. You look great. Add a touch of lipstick and you’re all set.”
They both paused when they heard a knock at the door. “That will be Ben. I’ll get it.” Robin disappeared from the room.
She put on the tiniest bit of lipstick and looked in the mirror again. She did look artsy if she did say so herself. She’d always worn free-spirited, bohemian outfits in L.A. Most of the people had come to expect it of her. She did not have to squeeze into the ridiculous dress her mother had sent over. She’d just thank her mother, nicely, and hope things didn’t blow up in her face.
Ben let out a low whistle when Charlotte walked into the room. “Wow.” He didn’t really know what to add to that. She looked stunning. The outfit she had on suited her perfectly.
She smoothed her hands along her sides. “It’s okay?”
“It’s more than okay. You look… great. Really great.”
She smiled at his compliment.
“Okay, you two kids run along to your fancy party.” Robin opened the door.
“I wish you were coming.” She grabbed Robin’s hand. “I could use all the reinforcements I can get tonight.
“You’ll do fine.” Robin hugged her. “Now, go. Meet the fancy people. Get your name out there.”
He stood out on the porch with her, unable to take his eyes off this artsy, accomplished woman beside him. What was he doing taking an accomplished artist to a fancy party where he’d know no one? So out of his league. He cleared his throat. “We can take my car…”
She turned to him. “Do you mind if we walk? It shouldn’t take that long. And it’s nice out this evening. I told my family we’d just meet them there.”
“Walking is always fine by me.”
They walked in comfortable silence until her pace got slower the closer they got to the Montgomerys’ beach house. Their house was nestled in with a line of other large rambling houses, directly on the beach. Well, not exactly nestled. Each house seemed a bit larger than the next one.
They walked up the long, curved drive and climbed the stairs to the front door. The door was opened by a uniformed man. “Good evening. Welcome.” He motioned for them to step inside.
They entered, and Ben looked around at the rooms brimming with people. He looked down at his slacks and dress shirt. Not as snappy as some of the men here, but passable.
A server walked up to them and handed them each a glass of champagne.
“We might never find your family in this crowd.” He looked around, scanning the faces.
“And that’s a bad thing?” Her laughter tripped across the entryway.
They went to a room to their left where people were milling around looking at a handful of paintings placed in the room. He felt Charlotte freeze at his side. He looked in the direction she was staring and saw a delightful painting of a beach scene. A man and a dog—who he swore looked like Noah McNeil and his dog Cooper—played fetch by the waves. He stared at the small artist card in the corner.
Charlotte Duncan. Local Artist.
He turned to stare at her. “That’s your work?”
She nodded silently.
She never ceased to amaze him. She was a very talented artist. The question was, why was she here with him? He was just a boat mechanic. Okay, he ran the marina, too. Managed their chain of marinas. But still, he didn’t seem her type. “It’s wonderful. You didn’t tell me it would be on display here.”
“I… I thought it would be tucked back in some corner. Not right out here in the first room everyone passes by when they come to the house.” Her voice was a whisper.
“You must be so proud.” He squeezed her arm.
“I’m… terrified.”
“Charlotte, there you are. It figures you’d be late.” She turned to see her sister and parents standing in the doorway to the front room. “I know it’s fashionable to be late… but really? You were supposed to meet us here at seven.” Eva swept into the room, her parents trailing behind her.
Ben looked at Eva and smiled. Of course. Now he had the woman he really wanted to be here with.
“What are you wearing? Where is that gorgeous dress Mom picked out for you?” Eva frowned.
Charlotte tried to get out some words. Any words.
“And what were you two staring at?” Eva turned to glance at the painting and walked over to inspect it. She whirled back around toward Charlotte. “You did that?”
She nodded.
Eva’s eyes widened in surprise. “But that’s not the style of painting you do. Your work is… impressionistic. Marketable. This is just so… nostalgic. It isn’t… well, not the kind of painting a person would want hanging in their home. It’s not artwork. Why on earth is it on display here at the Montgomerys’ house?”
At that very moment, Camille entered the room, along with Delbert. “There you all are.” Camille smiled welcomingly at Eva and their parents, ignoring Charlotte. “I see you’ve found Mama’s art display. She does so love to show some artwork at her parties. Paul Clark sets it up for her. She’s quite a patron of the arts.”
Eva nodded toward the painting. “That’s Charlotte’s.”
Camille walked up close to it and frowned. “Well… isn’t that… ah… nice?”
Delbert stepped forward. “I love this painting. It’s so real and emotional.” He turned to her, and she realized she still hadn’t said a word, so she just gave him a weak smile.
Delbert turned to her parents. “You must be so proud of her. Are you all going to still be around for the local artist show next Friday? I hear Charlotte will have some work shown in it.”
“No, I’m afraid we’re leaving on Sunday,” her father said.
“That’s a shame. I’m sure it’s a thrill to see your daughter’s artwork in a gallery.”
Eva stepped forward. “She used to do real artwork. I’m not sure why she’d be doing paintings like this.” The disdain was clear in her voice.
Charlotte took a deep breath, fighting against the anger surging through her. The anger won.
She whirled around to face her sister. “Because I like doing these paintings. Working on these paintings is the first time I’ve come alive in a long time. And I need the money. I’m broke.”
She heard her mother gasp and look around the room to see who was hearing her daughter’s outburst.
“How can you be broke? You sold really well in L.A. and had some other national showings.” Eva frowned. “Why turn to this?” She flung her hand toward the painting.
She squared her shoulders, anger gurgling to the boiling point. “I like painting these scenes. Yes, they are different than my other work, but they are… They fulfill something deep inside me. They are the first work I’ve been happy with in a very long time.”
“So… you just spent up all your money?”
“Sh… girls,” her mother interrupted.
She ignored her mother’s warning. “No, I didn’t spend it all. Worse. I let my agent, Reginald, trick me out of it. And now he’s left the country, so that is that. Now I need to start earning again. I’m going to do more of these paintings and have an exhibit at Paul Clark’s gallery here on the island. And I’m going to paint furniture to sell at Bella’s shop on Oak Street.”
Eva flicked her perfectly curled hair behind her shoulder. “You’re going to paint furniture?”
“Yes, if Bella will take my work on consignment.” She paused, surprised to find that Ben still stood by her side.
“Well, you should be really proud of this work,” Del interrupted, obviously trying to smooth things over.
Eva ignored him. “You just need to quit messing around and get a real job.”
“And you should quit telling me how to live my life.” She stood in front of her sister, anger and resentment rushing through her. “I’m done with it. Art makes me happy. I love these paintings I’m doing now. And I love do
ing the furniture, too. I’m hoping to make enough to live off of. I don’t need much. And it’s too bad if you don’t approve because I just don’t care.”
Eva finally looked around the room and everyone staring at them. “Sh! Keep your voice down. No one wants to hear your problems,” she hissed.
Her father stepped up. “I think we should table this discussion for another time. How about we go out and get some Chardonnay for you ladies?”
She stood and stared at her father for a long moment. “And another thing. I hate Chardonnay. Always have. I’ve told all of you that a million times, but you just don’t listen to me.” She turned around on her heels and stalked out of the room, passing by Delbert who gave her a surprisingly supportive look, and Camille—whose look wasn’t supportive at all.
She nodded at Camille as she walked past. “Great party.”
Then she passed by Eva who was glaring at her, shaking her head, and her mother who looked mortified. She didn’t say another word to either of them.
Chapter 16
Charlotte rushed outside, into the fresh night air, and hurried down the driveway. Away from the Montgomerys’ monstrous beach house. Away from Eva’s cruel words and her mother’s dismayed face.
And away from the offered glass of detested Chardonnay.
She turned at the sound of someone hurrying up behind her and paused. Then frowned. “Ben, what are you doing? I’m fine. I’m just going to walk back home.”
“You came with me, I’ll see you home.”
“No, that’s okay. Go back in. Go on after her.”
“After who?”
“Eva. I’m sure she needs someone to calm her down now that I finally got the nerve to stand up to her. She looked… very ticked off.”
“Why would I want to go after Eva?” His forehead wrinkled.
“Because you’ve always had a thing for her. I’m sure you’d rather be with her than walking me home.”
“I—well, maybe in high school I had a silly crush. Most of the guys did.” He shrugged. “But I don’t want to go after Eva.” He reached out and took her hand. “Charlotte… I’m interested in you. I want to take you out.”
It was a good thing he was holding firmly onto her hand because she might have fallen if he didn’t steady her. “You… what did you say?” Her heart pounded in her chest. And not from the confrontation with her family.
“I said I want to ask you out. I mean, I’m asking you out. Will you go out on a date with me?”
“A date?” She couldn’t quite comprehend what he was saying. This night had been a whirlwind of surprises and she couldn’t catch her balance.
“Yes. How about Sunday night? We could go to Magic Cafe for dinner. Or anywhere for that matter. I just want to take you out.”
“On a date?” She knew she was repeating herself.
He grinned then. “Yes. A date. You know, where two people go to the same place. Maybe have something to eat. Talk a bit. Get to know each other better. You’ve heard of them.”
She smiled then. “I’ve heard of them.”
“So… is that a yes?”
“Yes, it’s a yes.”
“Perfect. Now how about I walk you home? We could crack open a bottle of red wine… I hear you don’t like Chardonnay.” He grinned again.
She threw back her head and laughed, letting the feeling sweep away her anger at her family and wrap her up in this surprise date request from Ben. “Sounds perfect.” She tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, and they slowly made their way back toward their bungalows.
Ben suddenly stopped. “Hey, I have a better idea. How about we go aboard Lady Belle? It’s a beautiful night. We can sit on her and watch the bay and the stars.”
“I’d like that.” It did sound peaceful. She needed some peace. Her mind was still reeling from the events of the night. She knew she would pay the price with her family for making a scene at the party, but she didn’t really care. It had been long overdue, and Eva had been… impossible.
Ben led Charlotte to the marina and down the long dock to the end slip. They climbed aboard Lady Belle. Charlotte settled down on a cushioned seat while he slipped inside to grab some wine.
He couldn’t get the look on Charlotte’s face out of his mind. The look when Eva had torn into her in a mean-girl style he hadn’t seen in action since high school days. But he’d been so surprised and proud when Charlotte stood up to her and held her own.
He couldn’t imagine having a family that never supported you. His parents had always supported him and his brother and the choices they made. Even when his brother chose to leave and take a job up in Michigan, they’d supported him.
He couldn’t remember Charlotte’s parents ever being supportive of her. His mind flashed back to a high school art show. Charlotte had won first place at the show, and he remembered her standing alone when the principal announced the winner. Her parents had been nowhere around, even though many other parents had been there to cheer their children on.
But they’d been there when Eva had been recognized for making the highest SAT score and when she’d been crowned Homecoming Queen.
He scowled and dug out two nice wine glasses. He put the wine and glasses on a tray, grabbed a light throw blanket, and headed back outside.
Charlotte looked at him and smiled when he came out. She’d kicked off her shoes and tucked her legs up under her skirt.
“Getting unwound?” He settled beside her and poured the wine.
She took the offered glass. “Trying to. It was quite a night. I’m sorry you had to see that scene between my family and me. I don’t usually do those kinds of things in public.” She laughed. “Who am I kidding? I don’t usually do that in private, either. I’d gotten so I just always let them have their say. It seemed easier that way. But tonight… well, it was just too much.”
“They’re wrong, you know.”
“About what?”
“Everything. Your outfit is stunning… you look stunning. And your artwork is wonderful. You’re very talented.”
She blushed in the moonlight. “You’re like a one-man cheering section.”
“And everything I said is the truth.” He reached over and brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “And I have another truth for you.”
“What’s that?” She looked up at him.
“I want to kiss you.”
Her eyes widened. “You do?”
“I do. Do you think that would be okay?”
“I think… I think it would be… a good idea.”
He lowered his lips to her and kissed her slowly, gently wrapping a hand around her neck and pulling her close to him.
She sighed.
He growled and deepened the kiss. When he finally pulled away her eyes were dreamy and her cheeks a rosy pink color. He draped the blanket around them and pulled her close to his side.
“I have a truth, too,” she said quietly, looking down at her hands, then back up to him.
“What’s that?”
“I want you to kiss me again.”
“This truth-telling is working out really well.” He grinned and did as she asked.
Chapter 17
Charlotte woke up early the next morning and stretched lazily. Then the memory of last night’s blow-up at the Montgomerys’ party came back in full force. She frowned. But just as quickly as the memory of the party assaulted her, the lovely memory of sitting on the boat with Ben overcame it.
Ben’s kind words.
Ben’s kisses.
The enchanting night with moonlight and stars. They’d talked for hours, then he’d finally walked her back to the bungalow.
She jumped out of bed, a smile on her face, and headed to the kitchen for coffee.
“Morning.” Robin handed her a steaming cup of coffee then stood and eyed her skeptically. “What’s up?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re smiling and it’s only seven a.m.”
“I had a fabulous evening.”
“At the party? Did you meet any interesting people? Did everyone love your painting that Paul put on display?”
She held up a hand. “I did not meet any interesting people. No, not everyone loved my painting.”
Robin frowned. “And yet, you’re smiling.”
Charlotte slipped into a kitchen chair. “I am smiling.”
Robin sat across from her. “So, tell me the rest.”
“I had a huge blowup with my family. At the party. In front of… well, a lot of people.”
“You did?”
“I’d tell you that Eva started it… but that sounds so childish.”
“But she did, right?” Robin grinned.
“She did.” Charlotte laughed. “And I’d had enough. She started with the stupid dress they bought that I didn’t wear then moved on to criticizing my painting.”
“And how did that go for her?”
“I stood up to her. And I shocked her with my idea of doing painted furniture on consignment. And I told her I was broke. I guess the whole town knows I’m broke by now because I wasn’t exactly speaking quietly when I told her off.”
“Good for you.” Robin’s eyes shone with pleasure. “High time you put Eva in her place.”
“Mother was mortified. Then Dad tried to smooth things over by saying we should all go and have a glass of Chardonnay and calm down.”
Robin threw her head back and laughed, her brown hair tumbling around her shoulders. “Bet that went over well.”
“Let’s just say I’m pretty sure they all will now remember that I hate Chardonnay.” She grinned at her friend.
“That does sound like a great night.”
“There’s more.”
“Spill it.” Robin leaned forward, forearms on the table with her hands wrapped around her mug.
“Ben and I went back to his boat after all that. It turns out he’s not interested in Eva. He’s interested in me.”
