by Tanya Stowe
She absorbed everything around her. She touched it, tasted, and consumed it like a sun devouring meteors. Every time he saw her absorbing something new, he wondered if this would be the time the explosion would come.
Someone had told Alex the story of the accident. Lara had been preparing to graduate from her exclusive Swiss finishing school, and her mother arrived early to take her shopping for the event. A late cold snap created black ice and Lara’s mother lost control of the car.
Lara spent the next two years in and out of surgery and recuperation. This accounted for her innocence, as if her development had been on hold while she struggled to survive. She had wisdom, the kind coming from loss and pain, mixed with naiveté. She didn’t know herself or her capabilities. But now, healthy and strong, she was about to discover what she could do. Any minute, the awareness would come to her. Would it come as an explosion or a subtle shift? He loved watching her. The waiting fascinated him.
Or was his attraction based on something else? He glanced back at the Fallon School of Art. Was it because she and Fraser had an understanding? He’d met the man on two other occasions and they’d rubbed each other the wrong way on both. Fraser represented everything Alex disliked. Structure. Social acceptance. Power. His father would love Fraser.
Did Alex want Lara because she was a part of that? Not just a part, but the favored daughter. Was he attracted to her because she was the forbidden fruit?
He honestly didn’t know. This trip had resurrected feelings about people and incidents from his life he’d believed long dead and buried. Being suddenly confronted by the ghosts of his past made him uncomfortable. His inner peace had been shattered…but his music had come alive. He’d played like he hadn’t played for years and given time, he would write. He was inspired. Maybe there was something magical about Sedona.
He brushed his hands against his pants once more. Maybe he just needed to get his answers and get out of here. He glanced back at the imposing dark, glass-filled backside of the Fallon School of Art. A lot of money was tied up in the building…too much for its owner not to have taken an active interest in it.
Lara said her father never failed. Alex believed it. So why would he invest so much money into one project and then hand it over to two employees who seemed incapable of managing it?
The question piqued Alex’s curiosity.
Daniel Fallon didn’t seem concerned about the success of the school, so what was his real reason for building it? Could it be a cover for something else?
Those were UNESCO’s suspicions. Fallon Enterprises was a multinational corporation dealing in international antiquities and estates, and sometimes served as a broker for museum pieces. The company had the resources and the means to finance and ship antiquities to any location in the world, and in fact did so on a daily basis. They’d had a squeaky clean record.
But recently, an unusually large supply of Chaco pottery had made its sudden appearance on the black market. An undiscovered cache, an ancient village or burial site, had been found and was systematically being looted.
Logical, wasn’t it, to question the coincidental creation of the Fallon School of Art, very close to the source of this new cache of pottery?
Alex had served as an advisor to the international Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property. He was an ideal recruit…passionate about art and history, and always at the right place at the right time. In the past, his assistance had been advantageous to UNESCO and the work had been easy for him.
But this time, he suspected it would get tricky, especially if he didn’t make another friend at Fallon Enterprises…one who wasn’t quite so innocent and not forbidden. With a rueful shake of his head, he walked back to the building, looking for a way inside. The tour had given him the layout of the building…and Brett Fraser’s office. That was a good place to start.
~*~
The drive through town was silent, empty. Lara told herself this was what she wanted, the best thing. Still, a few moments ago, life had seemed vital, more exciting.
When the car stopped at the guesthouse, Lara jumped out before the driver could help. Thanking him, she hurried to the front step. On the ground in front of the dark wood door was a Christmas bag with handles.
Lara shoved the tissue away to find three CDs inside. Carlos had already delivered his promised gift.
The tires crackled on the gravel as the car drove away.
Lara stepped into the sun to study the CDs.
On the first cover was a headshot of Alex. He leaned against the neck of the guitar, and couldn’t have been more than twenty. His features were young, vibrant and crisp, his hair much longer. His long fingers wrapped around the guitar neck. A faraway, dreamy look in his eyes created a romantic pose and took advantage of his stunning looks.
On the next cover, he looked older with his hair tugged back into a ponytail. His position, his concentration, everything about him said he was actually playing the guitar when the photo was taken, as if his music was everything and the photo meant nothing.
The third CD was more recent. Carlos stood like a dim shadow in the background. Though his hair was shorter, a slightly smiling Alex appeared as he did now. His features had lost the youthful glow of perfection and appeared more mature, even a bit weathered…but still, his expression conveyed the idea he knew something no one else did.
Lara was beginning to believe he did. He possessed the secret of living, the key to a rich and fulfilling life. That was his mystique. The thing Lara found so utterly irresistible…as did every other woman he met.
He was too compelling, too attractive, and if she weren’t careful, she would be another notch on his belt.
~*~
Lara arrived at the main house with ballet shoes in hand, only to find that Eliza had not yet returned from the reception. Fortunately, she had left instructions. The maid led Lara up the curving stairs and down the hall. Inside the room, she found ceiling-to-floor windows, a wall full of mirrors and a dance bar.
“Mrs. Madrigal said to make yourself at home until she returns.”
“I can’t believe they built a dance room.” Lara turned around, eyes wide.
The maid smiled. “She said you would be surprised.”
“Shocked is a better word.”
“Well, you enjoy yourself. I’ll send Christy in when she finishes her studies.” She closed the door behind her.
A table in one corner held a CD player. Next to the table, a guitar rested on a stand, an open case beside it. Lara dropped her bag on the floor and fingered the guitar’s polished surface. Images of her dream returned and she turned to the windows, desperate to escape the persistent visions.
The view across the canyon spilled into the room through the wall of windows, creating the illusion of standing outside.
Not wasting another minute, she untied her multi-colored wrap-around skirt and began to stretch. She was full into her routine when Eliza breezed into the room.
Lara jumped up from her warm-up mat. “Eliza, this is incredible. I hope you didn’t do all this for me.”
Her friend gripped both her hands. “Yes and no. I only have a few minutes before Christy gets here so I have to make this short.” She hesitated. “You know, I’ve been planning this for two months and now the time is here, I don’t know where to begin.”
Lara squeezed her hand. “Start anywhere,” she said in a low voice, “and hurry. You’re starting to scare me.”
“The time to worry was two months ago when my marriage was failing.”
“Oh, Eliza, now I am scared. Your marriage is one of the few stable things in my life. Please don’t tell me it’s about to end.”
“I think things will be better now, with your help. For the last two years, Troy’s life has been wrapped around this school. It’s consumed him. I found myself with more and more time to myself…which I devoted to Christy. And Christy, being a healthy young animal, has learned to take advantage of her poor mother.”
“She’s el
even. It’s her job to make you crazy. I’m sure I was just as obnoxious at that age.”
“You were an angel.”
“You should have talked to my mother about it. I’m sure she had a different opinion.”
“I did, frequently. But your mother wouldn’t listen. She wouldn’t settle for anything less than perfection from you.”
“Eliza, I’ve never heard you talk about my mother this way.”
“It’s true, Lara. She and I went round and round. How can you have forgotten the rows we had?” Eliza paused to stare to one side. “Of course, she was always careful to make sure there were no dissenting voices around you. She was incredibly strict where you were concerned.” Eliza shook her head, as if shaking off the memories. “But that’s not important now. What I need to tell you is that I’ve gone the opposite way. I’ve indulged my daughter so much, it’s actually impacting her health. Troy warned me, but I was resentful about his time away from home, and I wouldn’t listen.”
“You’re a good mother, Eliza. Don’t you dare doubt it.”
“Perhaps. You know, I wanted a house full of children, but we had so many problems, we were lucky to get Christy. Then when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and I realized I carried the gene, I was overwhelmed with guilt. I’ve been parenting with that guilt, Lara. I can’t stand to see her in pain so I do everything for her. I’m always available to her and now she’s paying for it.”
“It can’t be so bad. It’s only been six months!”
Eliza smiled a weak smile. “I’m making it sound worse, but I’m just worn out from the battles with her. I needed you to come and give me a shot in the arm.”
“Funny, that’s what Troy said.”
“You should believe him. He’s a very clever man, you know.”
“Oh really? Is that why you listened to him when he said you were spoiling Christy?”
“No,” Eliza said with a wry grin. “I didn’t listen, and that’s the problem. She won’t make herself get out of her wheelchair. She sits in it and doesn’t move. It’s the worst thing that can happen to a person with R.A. There’s a saying…if you don’t use it, you lose it. That’s what’s happening to Christy. She sits there, feeling sorry for herself. Her muscles are freezing up. And she won’t listen to me anymore. Our days start and end with arguments.”
Lara grasped her hands. “Eliza, how awful. I should have been here to help.”
“Actually, Troy became my knight in shining armor. He saved us from ourselves.”
“But you said Troy was too involved with the school.”
“He was, but one day he walked in on one of Christy’s temper tantrums. She was yelling at me and saying awful things. I was in tears. Troy used this booming tone he’s never used before. He told her never to speak to me like that again, and if she didn’t apologize that very instant, she would spend the rest of the day in her room with no television and no phone.”
“Wow. Troy said that? I can’t imagine it.”
“I know. Christy didn’t believe it either, so she launched into an ear-splitting argument. He snatched her up from the wheelchair, carried her upstairs and dumped her on her bed. Then he took her phone and television out of the room and told her if she needed to go to the bathroom she could get up and walk. Her dinner would be on a tray by the table, and if she wanted to eat, she could walk to that, too. Of course, I objected, insisting she needed to eat to keep her strength up, so Troy grabbed my hand, left instructions with Christy’s nurse and practically dragged me out of the house.”
“This can’t be our Troy you’re talking about!” Lara exclaimed.
Eliza giggled. “Isn’t it wonderful? He was determined and forceful and so passionate. There’s a path behind the guesthouse leading to the top of the canyon. We walked up and sat down and talked for hours. We even watched the sunset. Troy said he knew he was losing us—Christy and me—and he was desperate to get us back. He said he’d spent years of his life and sank all of our money into the house but he would walk away from it tomorrow if we could be a family again. It was the most romantic thing he’s ever said to me, Lara.”
“Sedona sunsets seem to do that to everyone,” Lara murmured.
“Maybe, but I know a sunset saved my marriage. Troy had almost given up. He couldn’t fight me, build a school, and create a house that’s more like a work of art.”
“You sound resentful about the house,” Lara said.
“I’m working on my attitude. I always wanted a home with toys, dogs running through and muddy floors from a backyard pool. This place is more like a museum.” She paused.
“But—” Lara prompted.
“I know, I know! It’s incredible. Every line, every feature blends into the canyon as if it were a part of it. And when you step inside, it’s as if you’re walking into another time and place. It’s a piece of art, Lara, and quite frankly, I didn’t think Troy could pull it off. You know, before we left New York, my glass pieces were selling better than his work. I think he felt his career was on the downswing. This house has inspired him and renewed his creativity. How can I be mad about something that’s brought the sparkle back to his eyes?”
“Troy says it’s the only thing he hasn’t compromised. He also says it nearly cost him everything. He’s not sure it was worth it.”
Tears glistened in Eliza’s eyes. “It’s my fault. I made him feel that way and now I’m going to do what I can to make amends.”
“What can you do?”
“For starters, I can go back to work. I haven’t worked for over a year. I could have been selling pieces and helping Troy with his dream. I should have been taking care of my child and supporting my husband. Which brings me to you.”
“It’s about time,” Lara teased. “I was beginning to think there wasn’t room in this story for me.”
Eliza gripped Lara’s hands. “I’m going back to work. Troy built a workshop complete with a furnace behind the house. The furnace has never even been fired up. It’s going to be hard, spending hour after hour out there, mainly because Christy thinks I should be spending all my time with her, but I’m going to work. While I’m working, I’d like you to be dancing with Christy.”
“Dancing! You said she’s in a wheelchair.”
“So were you two years ago. If you can do it, so can she. Since the day her father dumped her on her bed, she’s been walking more and more. Now she uses the chair as an excuse, and besides, she adores you. There’s nothing she’d love better than spending hours with you. Will you do it?”
Lara threw up her hands. “I don’t know if it’ll work, but you know I’ll try.”
Eliza hugged her. “Thanks. I knew I could count on you and if I can just sell two pieces, it will help.”
“Two pieces, Eliza? Are things so bad?”
She nodded. “I think so. Troy won’t admit it, but he’s already making plans to sell some of the antiques he bought for the house. And I know your father is footing the bill for this week. Troy didn’t have the money. And then he and Brett had a major fight over the expenses, especially the guitar and Alejandro. Brett didn’t want to hire him, but Troy insisted. As far as I’m concerned, Troy was right. Alejandro made this event. He’s created such a buzz, people are calling their friends. I’ve had three calls this morning from no-shows, asking if it’s too late to come.”
“And you think it’s because of Alex…I mean Alejandro?”
“I can’t think of any other reason. Can you?”
Lara shook her head, feeling uncomfortable. “Alejandro’s a very charismatic personality.”
“Charismatic nothing. He positively exudes passion and mystery. This crowd is terribly bored and looking for something new. He’s the perfect antidote.”
“Funny. Rupert Townsend said the same thing about me.”
“Rupert Townsend took the time to talk to you?”
“We’ve become new best friends. I can’t seem to avoid him.”
Eliza frowned. “What could you be doing
that’s piqued his interest? And while we’re at it, what do you know about Sedona sunsets? I haven’t seen you and Brett together long enough to exchange glances, let alone share a sunset.”
A blush crept over Lara’s cheeks.
Fortunately, the door opened and Christy wheeled into the room at a dangerous pace.
Lara barely avoided getting her toes run over as the child came to a skidding halt and threw her arms around Lara’s waist.
Christy was a younger version of her mother. Petite. Red, curly hair, and freckles. But where Eliza had learned to use her flamboyant coloring, Christy didn’t quite know what to do with it. Her hair was pulled back in a tight, unattractive ponytail with fuzzy escapees breaking loose. Freckles spread across her pale skin like dirty spots. She was all braces, elbows, and knees.
Lara’s heart melted as she recognized the awkward age.
“I wanted to wait up for you last night, but Mother made me go to bed,” Christy said.
Lara hugged her, shuddering at the slender feel of her body. “Seems to me she made the right choice. You feel like you need all the rest you can get. Have you lost weight?”
“Mother’s been talking to you, hasn’t she?” The way Christy said the word “mother” could have been a curse.
Hackles rose on Lara’s neck. “Yes,” she said in a clear, firm tone. “She has. And why shouldn’t she? She’s my dearest friend and your mother. She has every right to discuss her concerns with me. Besides, I love you, too. If you’re not feeling well, I have a right to know.”
Christy ducked her head, looking somewhat chastised.
Eliza used the moment to make her escape. “Well, I’ll let you two talk. I’m going to get to work. If you need me, I’ll be in my shop.” Without another word, she hurried out of the room.
Surprised, Christy watched her go. “What’s she doing in her shop?”
“She’s going to work.”
“You mean really work…on a project?”
Lara nodded.
Christy slumped in her chair. “So much for being worried about me. Now both of them will be too busy to care.”
