The Edge of You

by Theresa Dalayne

  Beth opened the door to the bathroom, wearing an ankle length satin dress with a slit up to her thigh. She turned to show the low back. “Can you get this hook on the side?”

  “Wow. Where did you get this dress?”

  Beth lifted her arm to show the clasp above the zipper. “That boutique we always used to pass by the boardwalk.”

  Maya looped the hook in place and stepped back. “You look so…” She glanced down at herself and tried not to pout.

  Beth stepped out of the bathroom and rested her hands on Maya’s shoulders. “You are the star tonight. I’m just there to lure horny old men with money toward your painting.” She grinned.

  Maya smiled, reminded why they had been best friends since they were kids. Beth always knew how to cheer her up.

  Jake walked out of the bedroom without a word. Beth leaned in toward Maya. “Is he okay?” she asked in a low tone.

  Maya shrugged. “I don’t know. You noticed it, too?”

  Beth rolled her eyes. “It’s kind of hard to miss.” She grabbed her clutch purse off the bathroom counter. “All right. Let’s get you to your show.”

  ***

  The modest Kodiak Art Museum had been transformed for the night. Silk scarves draped between imported Greek-inspired columns, the walls lined with easels, each proudly displaying a piece of original art.

  Her eyes feasted on the variety, ranging from a bald eagle soaring above sparkling waters, the snowcapped mountains in the distance dotted with trees, to a pod of humpback whales painted in cool colors, to a little girl in a white dress and bonnet, standing in front of a willow tree with her blonde curls carried away from her shoulders in the wind.

  Another canvas showed the profile of an old man, the wrinkles etched in his skin telling the secrets of his knowledge, while the one next to him featured a woman’s nude figure with a zipper sewn into her flesh. Long, brown hair fell over her face, masking what must had been features of agony. She pulled the zipper up the length of her long, lean leg, completely undoing herself.

  Maya had felt that way so many times.

  “Over there.” Beth tapped her arm and pointed to Maya’s canvas. “Oh wow. It looks amazing,” she squealed.

  The tranquility emanating from the eyes of Gracie’s painted features caused Maya to pause. Her throat ached.

  “So.” Beth turned. “What now?”

  “I guess we just wait for the judging to start,” Maya said as she scanned the growing crowd, her nerves increasing by the second. “Do you think my parents will come?” As angry as she was at them, their support would mean everything. It would mean her mother still loved her, and her father was willing to tear himself away from work—just once.

  Beth tilted her head. “I don’t know, honey. Do they know it’s tonight?”

  Maya nodded. “There’s a flyer on our refrigerator at home.”

  “Well, if they don’t make it, that’s okay, right?” Beth shrugged. “I mean, tonight is about you. Not them. So just enjoy your time. I’m here. And Jake is, too.”

  Maya’s eyebrows furrowed, scanning the crowd. “Where is he?”

  “I haven’t seen—” Beth glanced over Maya’s shoulder and smiled. Maya turned to find Jake standing behind her with a rose extended. She gently lifted it from his hand.

  “Okay,” Beth said. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to run to the bar and get a club soda.” She glanced down at Maya’s hands. “Two. Maybe holding something will make your hands stop shaking.”

  Maya pumped her trembling fingers. Damn it. If Beth noticed, everyone else would too.

  “You really do look amazing,” Jake said, luring back Maya’s attention.

  She pressed the silky petals of the rose against her nose, studying him. Tonight was the first time she’d seen him dressed in anything but a pair of jeans or mesh shorts. He looked so handsome.

  “Maya Reed.” The man’s voice was familiar. She turned to see Jake’s Uncle Mike and Aunt Sara. “Glad to see you’ve finally cleaned up and got a legit job.”

  “Michael!” Sara slapped the back of his arm. “Would you knock it off?” Sara whispered harshly. Mike chuckled. “Jake told us about your show,” Sara continued. “I hope you don’t mind that we came.”

  “Are you kidding? I’m so glad you’re here.” Maya hugged Sara, careful not to press against the growing baby bump.

  “Where are your parents?” Mike asked. “I’m looking forward to finally meeting them.”

  She dropped her gaze to the floor. “Um…”

  Jake stepped forward. “They’re running late. Why don’t you guys get a drink?” He gestured to the bar. “Non-alcoholic for the pregnant lady.”

  Mike took Sara’s hand. “Come on ‘pregnant lady.’” He glanced between Jake and Maya. “We’ll be right back.”

  Maya raised her head as his aunt and uncle walked away. “Thanks.”

  Before Jake could respond, a woman’s voice echoed through the room. “Ladies and gentlemen.” Maya turned toward the speaker, who stood on a small platform. The crowd hushed at the woman’s introduction. “Many of you know me as the Director here at the Kodiak Art Museum, and it is with great pleasure that I welcome you here tonight. As you tour the room, you will be treated to some of the finest art, created by not only established artists, but emerging talent as well. Our prestigious judges, who were kind enough to travel all this way, will be judging for the next hour. All of the pieces that do not place in one of the top three slots will be available for purchase. So please stay after the judging is over. You could take home one of these gems.”

  As the woman stepped down, the room returned to a mixture of hushed voices and clinking glasses.

  Maya played absentmindedly with the angel trinket on her bracelet as she waited for someone to pass her painting. She did her best not to look like a deer in headlights. Worse, a deer in headlights with sweaty palms.

  A couple slowly passed, and paused, examining her canvas. Maya stepped forward. “Hi—” Before she could get out a complete sentence, the couple walked away, leaving her with her hand extended and nobody to shake it. She quickly pulled it back and drew in a deep breath. Where the hell was Beth with that drink? Maybe holding it would give her an excuse not to have to shake anyone’s hand.

  As if on cue, Beth walked toward her holding two stout glasses. “Here you go, honey.”

  Maya took the drink. “Thanks.” She sipped the bitter, carbonated water. Not her favorite, but it would at least restore moisture to her dry throat.

  Maya’s eyes widened when she spotted one of the judges. There was no need to see the nametag of the number one art dealer of New York—Adélie Bourg.

  “What’s wrong?” Beth asked, resting her hand on Maya’s shoulder. She leaned in closer. “If you’re going to puke, the bathroom’s over there.” She gestured discreetly to the far wall.

  Maya shooed Beth away, her voice trapped in her throat. What if Adélie Bourg hated her painting?

  Her stomach lurched. Maybe she would be sick.

  Her focus shifted to Mr. Stuart walking toward her. “Hi, Maya. Are you excited?”

  Maya managed to nod and took another sip of her drink. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  Mr. Stuart pushed his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose. “Wouldn’t miss it.” He scoped out the crowd. “A good turnout tonight, huh?”

  Maya’s eyes fluttered nervously. “Yeah. It’s great.”

  “Good luck. And even if you don’t place, you should be proud to have your art displayed today. That’s an accomplishment in itself.”

  An hour later, the woman took her place on the pedestal and tapped the microphone. Reverb screeched, quieting the crowd. Maya froze, still clenching her glass, though it had been empty for a while already. “Ladies and gentlemen, the results of the judging are in.”

  Maya gripped the glass harder. Beth gently placed her hand on Maya’s shoulder while Jake stood on her other side.

  “And the winners are…” The Director slippe
d out a card from an envelope. “Third place goes to, Glorious Night. Second place goes to, Eternal Adoration of Venus.” Maya could hear her heart pounding in her ears. “And first, winner of the ten-thousand dollar cash prize and the one year apprenticeship under one of our star judges goes to…A Woman Undone!” The crowd applauded as the artist standing beside the painting Maya had been admiring earlier waved at the crowd.

  Maya’s shoulders slumped forward.

  She didn’t win.

  She didn’t even place.

  Beth shifted forward. “Oh, honey.” Her voice was soft. “You should have won. Those stupid art people don’t know a good painting when they see it.”

  Maya blinked. “No.” She swallowed. “It just wasn’t good enough.” Just like everything else she did. Just like her.

  She never should have left California.

  Chapter Forty

  Jake

  Jake wasn’t sure if he should try to comfort Maya or let Beth handle it. There was no one better to console her besides her best friend. He’d just give them space.

  A man in a black suit with a blue bowtie approached Maya, extending large, white card and a pen. She took it from his hand and examined it. “Fifteen hundred dollars?”

  “It’s the set price for all of the paintings. Just sign the paper, and then stick it to the bottom of your easel.” He smiled politely and then walked away, continuing to hand cards to the rest of the artists that didn’t place.

  “What a joke,” Beth scoffed. She snatched the card out of Maya’s hand and grabbed the pen, then yanked the lid off with her teeth. She scribbled on the card and pressed the lid back onto the marker. “There.” She held it up, now with an extra zero at the end.

  “Beth.” Maya shook her head. “My painting’s not going to sell, and it sure as hell won’t sell for fifteen grand.”

  “Well, it’s worth a shot. And it’s worth the money, too. Anyone who can’t see that doesn’t deserve it.” Beth stuck the paper to the bottom of the ease, and then turned back to Maya, adjusting her cleavage. “Okay. Plan B,” Beth whispered. “Horny old guys with money.”

  As Maya’s friend walked away, Jake smiled softly. As crazy as Beth was, Jake was glad she was there.

  He stepped beside Maya, determined to put a good spin on the evening. “This was fun.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ve never been to anything like this before.”

  Maya rested her head on his shoulder. The sweet perfume she wore was now a familiar scent. He’d miss it when he was gone. “Well, I don’t think I’ll ever do this again. But thanks for coming.”

  “Why wouldn’t you do this again?” She lifted her head and shrugged. “Mr. Stuart was right,” he continued. “You should be proud of yourself. You worked really hard.”

  A soft, sweet smile played over her lips. “At least my winning doesn’t determine if you’re going to stay on Kodiak or not anymore.” She huffed. “That would have really sucked.”

  He shifted his weight. “What do you mean?”

  “It was a stupid, way overenthusiastic idea. But I was going to use my prize money for the copay of your mom’s surgery so you didn’t have to leave. She really needs it, and I know how much she means to you.” Maya wove her fingers between his. “And how much you mean to me.”

  Jake pulled his hand away from hers and stepped back. “You can’t do that.”

  “What do you mean? It’s not like it matters anyway, but—”

  “Damn it, Maya.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “You can’t…” Heat rose in his chest, tensing his muscles. Just like he refused handouts from his uncle, he wouldn’t take it from Maya either. She had enough problems as it was. He wasn’t about to add to them, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to spend her prize money to take care of his responsibilities.

  “Never mind. Just forget it.” He turned and walked out the door, onto the front steps of the museum. His breath puffed clouds of white into the air, and for once, he was thankful for the chill of the night. It helped cool the heat curled around his muscles. He walked down the rest of the steps and kicked at the ground, spitting dust and rocks into the air.

  Jake cringed when he heard the museum door creak open and slammed shut.

  “What the hell is your problem?” Maya shouted. Her voice echoed into the empty parking lot.

  Jake stopped mid-stride, rushing to organize his thoughts. He didn’t want to say anything he would regret, but damn him if hearing the angry twist in her voice didn’t make him feel even more like a loser. He let down his mom, himself, and now Maya.

  “So you’re not going to answer me?” Maya shouted. “I deserve an explanation for what just happened in there. And I sure as shit don’t deserve to be treated like that.”

  He turned to face her. Why did she have to look so beautiful, standing under the lights of the entryway? “You’re right.”

  Maya walked down the rest of the steps until she stood in front of him. “Why don’t you tell me why you’ve been acting so weird? Why you got so angry?”

  He ran his fingers through his hair. The last thing he wanted to do was tell her how much she really meant to him, and that he was such another epic fuck up who let her down. “Maya…” He clenched his jaw. “Prize money or not, I have to go home. Next week. There’s no way around it. I just didn’t know how to tell you.” Her lips gently parted, and god help him, all he wanted to do was kiss her. “I’m sorry.”

  Her features hardened and she narrowed her eyes. “But you got a job. That was the whole problem, right?”

  “Things changed.”

  “How?”

  “They just have, Maya.”

  She shook her head. “If you don’t feel the same way about me anymore, that’s fine. But you should at least be man enough to admit it.” She crossed her arms, her gaze filled with defiance. “You’re running away from this. From us. And you don’t want to be honest about it.”

  “That’s not it. I would never—”

  “Then what?”

  “My mom’s dying.” Her sharp features softened. “Some foundation gave us the money for her surgery, but I have to be there to pick her up from the hospital and take care of her.” There was a long stretch of silence. “I never meant to hurt you.” He exhaled and threw his hands out. “I didn’t want to fucking get involved in the first place, Maya. But damn it, I couldn’t help it.” He exhaled. The quicker he got this over with, the better.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I didn’t want to ruin your big night.”

  “But… can’t you go back for just a while? Maybe a month or two?”

  “And then what? Move again? Once I leave here, my job is gone, and the construction job in Washington was filled a long time ago. At least in Washington my mom’s worker’s comp will pay the bills while I take care of her.”

  Maya rested her hands on his chest. The last thing he wanted was for her to touch him. It only made what he had to do harder. “We can work it out.” She pushed hair away from his face and brushed her fingers down the angle of his jaw. “I don’t want to lose you.”

  He rested his hand over hers. The familiar warmth of her skin taunted him. “Maya…” He gently took her hands and moved them back to her chest. He couldn’t bear to look her in the eyes.

  Maya stepped back, taking any shred of hope with her. “Coward.”

  Jake flinched. “That’s not fair.”

  “Fair?” Tears shone in her eyes. “Hate to break it to you, but fair isn’t part of the equation.”

  “You think I don’t know that?” Jake shifted forward, balling his fists. “You think life has been hard for you, princess? You think you’ve had it bad?” He couldn’t hold back from shouting. “You don’t have to worry if you’ll get to eat every day, or if you can scrape up enough to pay for gas to get to your double shift at a shitty fucking job!” He jabbed his finger in the air. “All you have to worry about is putting up with your parents, who by the way are way better than the fucked up bulls
hit I’ve had to deal with!” He pressed his fingers to his temple as if holding a gun. “Like having a drunk fuck beat the shit out of your mom, and then hold a gun to your fucking head after beating you half to death.” Maya pressed her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide.

  He’d never told her everything, and now that he was letting it all spill out, there was no turning back. “Don’t believe for one fucking moment I think life is fair. And I choose to wake up. Every fucking day. So don’t you dare call me a coward!”

  He tugged at his tie, then tore it off and threw it to the ground. Maya didn’t respond as he paced in the cold night air. After a stretched moment of silence, Jake finally faced her horrified expression. Damn him for falling for her.

  “Maya.” Her name came out as a soft plea.

  She shook her head, dropping her fingers away from her lips. “I’ve always admired you for your strength, but I had no idea you think so little of me. Of everything I’ve been through. I thought you understood.” She pushed out her chin. “I guess it’s better I know now than later.” A tear slipped down her cheek.

  She deserved to walk away without any regrets. He’d give her that, even if it meant she hated him.

  He would go back to waiting tables or painting houses. Working nights. Double shifts. Clawing his way out, and never getting anywhere. He took his keys out of his pocket. “Let me at least drive you into town.”

  She stepped back, a new kind of coldness behind her eyes. “I’ll get Beth. And then I’ll get my stuff out of your place.”

  Jake turned away. He couldn’t stand to look at her. Not with his chest weighed down so heavily, he could hardly breathe.

  Chapter Forty-one

  Maya

  As soon as she stepped into the showroom, Beth waved, then turned and whispered to a woman standing beside her. She rushed toward Maya and grabbed her by the arm. “Where the hell have you been?” Beth whispered harshly. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

  “What’s going on?” Maya couldn’t tear her eyes away from the group huddled around her canvas.

  “Someone bought your painting!” Beth dragged her forward.