Watercolor (Dragonfly)

by Moore, Leigh Talbert

  “Make that two,” Wade returned. “Now they know about the guys after Mo.”

  Montage sat down heavily. “I’m sorry, bro,” he said under his breath.

  Brad clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s all good. They’ll find those guys, and then you can rest easy.”

  “I guess I did take one for the team,” Julian joked after lunch as he walked me to class. My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out to see a text from Lucy.

  Coffee after school? it said.

  “Oh, wow. I haven’t talked to Lucy in ages,” I said under my breath. “I need to meet up with her.”

  “I’m still helping Blake with that truck,” Julian said. “Take off.”

  I texted her back that I’d be there. “He should give you a discount on it,” I said.

  I thought about Mr. Kyser and wondered what the hold up might be. Maybe he was figuring out a way to surprise Julian? Maybe a graduation present? He needed to hurry up.

  “I’ll tell him you said that.” Julian kissed my head and took off.

  The Fairview coffee house also specialized in homemade desserts, and Lucy was waiting with a small chocolate cake when I arrived. She was dressed in her field clothes, and I’d never seen her so casual. She wore old jeans and a dirty khaki shirt, but her hair was smoothed up in a pony tail. Her face was made, and she was as beautiful as ever. When I walked in, she hugged me, but something was wrong. Her expression was serious. My mind immediately went to Jack.

  “Did something happen?” I asked, fearing what she might say.

  “Can you keep a secret?” Her voice dropped low.

  You have no idea, I thought. “What kind of secret?”

  She took a deep breath and glanced around, then she leaned forward, speaking so softly, I could barely hear her. “Dad’s having an affair.”

  My eyes flew wide and my jaw dropped. I closed it, but I couldn’t decide if I should act surprised or what. Then I realized—this could be a way out of my problem!

  “What?” I pretended to be shocked.

  Her brow lined. “Is affair the right word? Or should I just say he’s sleeping with someone. I mean, technically he hasn’t been married since…”

  “What happened?” I urged. I had to know if she’d seen Julian’s mom at her house, and if she had, what then?

  “I’ve been spending more time with B.J. since Christmas, and well,” she glanced down, “I confess, I haven’t been going home as much.”

  I nodded, trying not to scream Go on!

  “This morning, I’d run out of jeans, and normally, I’d just skip it and wear a skirt.” She picked up her coffee cup and took a sip. “This one time I wore shorts, but that was a disaster. My legs got all scratched up—”

  “Lucy!” I cried, unable to help myself.

  Her eyebrows went up. “Was I rambling?”

  “A little,” I tried to laugh and play it off like I wasn’t bursting for her to get to the point.

  She did a little laugh back. “Well, anyway, I got home, and Dad’s room is down from mine, pretty far actually…”

  I know, I know! I thought, remembering the morning I’d been there.

  “I wasn’t meaning to snoop, but the house was so quiet.” She sipped her coffee again, and I was sure this was yet another torture test. “I heard laughter, so I walked down the hall, and what do you think I saw?”

  I’d just picked up my cup and dared to take a sip of the hot liquid when she stopped speaking and waited, staring at me. I almost spit it back in the cup. “A woman?”

  “And not just any woman. She was gorgeous!” She shook her head and looked down. “I suppose I should’ve expected that.”

  “Did you recognize her?” I almost couldn’t stand it. If Lucy knew they were together, how could they keep it a secret anymore? And then if Julian started coming around, I knew Lucy would figure it out. She had to see it…

  The side of her nose curled with a frown. “No,” she said. “I don’t know who she is. I didn’t get a very good look. Her back was to the door, so all I saw was long, dark hair.”

  I exhaled loudly, my brows pulling together. “But you said she was gorgeous. How could you know if you didn’t see her face?”

  She sat back, picking up the fork and poking the dark cake. “I could just tell. I’ve never seen Dad that way in my life.”

  I snorted a laugh then. “Naked?”

  She burst out laughing, too. “Holy shit, no! I would’ve screamed if I’d seen that. They were just talking.” She smiled, but her expression changed to thoughtful. “He was just so… happy. And, well…” she paused, a sudden sadness passing over her. “I realized I’ve never seen my own father happy.”

  My throat tightened as I watched her eyes grow damp. My own eyes misted, and I leaned forward to catch her hand. “But that’s good, yes?”

  She pressed her lips into a smile and nodded.

  I tried to think of anything. “You said they were talking. Did you hear what they said?”

  “Yes,” she said, shaking out of it. “It was weird. Dad said she could have Will’s old car.”

  Again, she caught me mid-sip, but this time I inhaled hot liquid into my lungs. I coughed so hard, I had to stand.

  “Oh my god, Anna!” Lucy was right at my side beating on my back. I grabbed her arm, struggling to get control.

  “What did she say?” I managed to ask, my eyes flooded.

  Lucy shrugged. “I didn’t stick around to hear. I’m sure she said yes, why wouldn’t she? It’s practically a brand-new Beemer!”

  I swallowed the lump in my throat. Everything was coming to a head now, and the secret was right on the verge of exposure. If Julian showed up in Will’s old car and Lucy saw it, would she see what that meant? I was practically shaking when I said my next words.

  “When you and Julian were dating—”

  “I wouldn’t say we dated,” she interrupted. “We only talked on the phone a few times, and then I was at his house that night I had the accident…”

  “Yes,” I jumped in. “That night. Was it just the two of you? I mean, was anybody else at his house?”

  “I don’t know if anybody was there,” she leaned back and sipped her drink. “I didn’t see anybody.”

  For a moment I sat in silence, thinking. Lucy had never met Julian’s mom—at least not that she could remember. Clearly, there were no pictures of Ms. LaSalle around the Kyser house, and as I thought back to the reception, they didn’t speak. Lucy didn’t seem to know her. I wondered if she would even remember Julian’s mom from that night in January.

  “Why?” she asked. “You’re not worried that he and I—”

  “Oh, no,” I said quickly. “I didn’t mean that.”

  Her brow lined, and she studied her cup. I’d forgotten how smart Lucy was, how much people underestimated her. “Julian has dark hair…” her voice trailed off as she thought, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. “What do you know, Anna?”

  My mouth dropped open, but I couldn’t say a word. All of the knowledge that was hanging over us felt like a knife that could cut this situation either way. “Nothing,” I said quickly, looking down.

  Her eyes narrowed. “Julian said his mom owned a little shop in Dolphin Island. Would you take me to it?”

  “I don’t know.” My whole body was tight as a drum with anticipation and fear of the unknown.

  “Please?” She looked directly at me with those blue eyes just like her father’s, just like all of them. It was the second time I’d seen such determination in her. “I need to know what’s going on.”

  My lips pressed together, and I stood, collecting my bag and keys. She followed me, and we went out to Mom’s Civic. I’d bring her back for her car later.

  Ms. LaSalle’s shop was closed when we arrived, and for a moment, I breathed a sigh of relief. I hadn’t had a chance to process what might happen—how much Lucy might already know and how much Julian’s mom might think I’d told her.

  “I guess we missed her,” I
started to say, but the words died on my lips. In a swirl of colorful fabric and long, dark hair, Alexandra LaSalle stepped out of her shop into the breezy afternoon and then turned to lock the door.

  Lucy made an audible gasp. “It’s her.” And she was out of the car before I could stop her.

  I sat in the car as she first ran to the steps leading up to the shop’s porch and then stopped when Julian’s mom turned around. Ms. LaSalle froze, her expression stunned as she faced the girl. Lucy’s blonde hair blew across her shoulder, and for a moment, they didn’t move. My eyes filled with tears at the memory of what I’d read. Lucy had been named for her mother’s best friend, and I couldn’t help but wonder if this was how Meg might have looked facing her today.

  Julian’s mom took a cautious step forward, and Lucy didn’t budge. She didn’t speak or run, and from where I sat, I couldn’t tell if any recognition passed over her face. It was only those few moments, however, that space of confrontation suspended in time. I didn’t see who spoke first, but words were exchanged, and in two steps, they were in each others arms, hugging. Tears filled my eyes. All those years ago, the last time Ms. LaSalle had seen her best friend was almost at this very spot. Was it possible the love of friendship couldn’t be stopped by the barriers of time or injury? Was there a chance those old wounds might still be healed?

  They released each other and then laughed, seeming embarrassed by their display of affection. I stepped out of the car and carefully closed my door, not sure if I’d be welcome or not. Lucy glanced back at me and held out her hand.

  “This is my friend Anna,” she said. “I guess you know her from Julian. I asked her to bring me here.”

  My eyes were big as I walked toward the two. Ms. LaSalle didn’t speak, and I was sure she wondered the extent of Lucy’s knowledge and how much I’d said.

  “She saw you at the house this morning,” I said quickly.

  Her face flushed pink, and she turned to Lucy. “I’m sorry,” she stammered.

  “Please don’t!” Lucy cried. “I mean, I know this is awkward, but please. My dad’s been alone for so long, and I’ve never seen him happy like this. I hope, I mean, I’d like to know you better. Have you always lived here?”

  Alex nodded, and Lucy brightened. “Did you know my mother?”

  Ms. LaSalle’s mouth dropped open, and my heart stopped. “I… I did,” she said.

  “Would you tell me about her?” The tone in Lucy’s voice was so eager it was almost heartbreaking. “I mean… if that’s not weird?”

  Ms. LaSalle nodded and blinked down. “What do you want to know?”

  “Everything.” Lucy made a little laugh.

  It was time for me to leave them alone. “I’ve got to get to the paper office,” I said. “Maybe Ms. LaSalle can give you a ride back to Fairview? Or to your house even?”

  “Fairview would be fine,” Lucy said. “If you don’t mind, I mean.”

  Ms. LaSalle’s eyes were shining as she looked at her namesake. “Of course,” she said. “We can go back inside.”

  I watched the two walk up the steps and into the shop before I headed back to my car. Driving back to Fairview, hope filled me and not just for Julian. Maybe this was the start of something bigger—the door to healing slipping open.

  Chapter 22

  Julian didn’t seem to know anything about Lucy’s visit with his mom the next day. We went through the entire school routine, business as usual, and no mention of Lucy. I chewed my lip, debating whether to ask him as we walked to our afternoon classes, but he cut through my thoughts.

  “I know it’s a school night, but could you get away for a little while this evening?” he said, catching my hand. The sly twinkle in his eye made me forget everything but us. “Something’s come up, and I want to show you.”

  “I bet I can steal away for a few minutes.” As I leaned forward to kiss him, I wondered if we’d have the house to ourselves. I wondered if we could postpone our deal now that the end of school was rapidly approaching. Who cared who his dad was? We had a major separation looming ahead of us.

  “I’ll pick you up at your place around eight,” he said, kissing me back before he took off for class.

  I was left to wonder how I’d make it through the next eight hours.

  Waiting for Julian at my house, I couldn’t resist sending Lucy a text. I hadn’t heard from her last night, and I wondered if she was late with Julian’s mom or if they’d gone out to eat. Since Julian hadn’t mentioned anything, I was dying to know as I waited for her reply.

  Love her!!!!! Lucy replied. Talked for hours. She loves Dad and told me so much about my mom.

  My brow creased at that. Was it possible Ms. LaSalle would only tell Lucy half of the story? Chewing the inside of my lip I studied my phone before sending a short reply.

  Great news! No wicked stepmothers?

  Seems v. unlikely, she replied. More soon!

  After what felt like an eternity, Julian texted that he was in the driveway. It was strange because he always came right in—either to flirt with Mom or through my window; although, it had been a long, sad time since he’d used that tree. Maybe I could suggest we try again. See if we could keep our hands to ourselves. Doubtful.

  Dashing down the stairs, I caught a glimpse of my parents on the couch. “Be right back,” I called before running through the door.

  How I didn’t see it coming, I’ll never know, but I dashed through the door and froze on the spot. My mouth dropped open, and it was all I could do not to give myself away. Julian was in the driveway, leaning against a polished, steel-grey BMW.

  “Well?” He grinned, watching my reaction.

  “Oh my god,” I gasped, recovering quickly. “But I thought you were getting a truck?”

  “Climb in,” he said, stepping forward and holding my door. “You’re not going to believe how much nicer this rides.”

  I laughed jumping inside. “I bet it does.”

  He ran around and climbed in, sitting for a few moments after the car roared to life on the first try. “It’s not brand new, but it’s new to me!”

  “How did you get it?” I was doing my best to be stunned and not smug. Tomorrow I’d be in the Phoenician tower personally thanking his dad. I wanted to hug him for the light in Julian’s eyes.

  “We’ll just go up the road,” he said, backing out of the driveway. The car might not’ve been new, but it smelled new. And the leather interior barely looked used. Of course, Will was the only one driving it, and I wasn’t sure how much he even drove in New Orleans.

  “If you don’t tell me the story…” I said.

  He stopped before turning out onto the road and kissed me fast. Then he smiled and kissed me again slower. I was just reaching for his face when he pulled away and turned his attention back to driving. “Mom said she’d been saving up for college. Then when I got the scholarships, she said she wanted to get me a decent car for my regular trips home.”

  He didn’t look at me as he spoke, and I pressed my lips together, unsure if I wanted to pursue it. “Okay,” I said, watching him.

  But he turned to me quickly. “This is a lot better than decent.”

  I nodded.

  “Whatever,” he exhaled, speeding up on the deserted road. “I’m not looking a gift car in the mouth.”

  Julian’s Beemer was the talk of school the next day, and it reminded me of when Brad got his Camaro last fall. Only this time, Julian gave him an immediate “No” when Brad suggested they take it drag racing.

  “I told you I’ve taken my last hit for you,” Julian laughed.

  Brad slapped him on the back. “You’re getting soft,” he teased.

  Summer was equally impressed, and she was even more adamant about us being Cutest Couple in the yearbook. I was worried she kept saying it in front of everyone until Rachel reminded me she and Brad were up for Mr. and Miss Fairview High School. After that, I was onboard. If only our “couple” status were less frustrating.

  Julian and I hadn
’t done a thing since our agreement about his dad, and when I’d asked him last night if he’d be back, he’d said no. Ms. LaSalle hadn’t been spending her nights out lately, he said. I couldn’t help wondering if getting caught by Lucy had anything to do with her sudden stay-at-home habits.

  Either way, after school, I was in my car headed to the Phoenicians to thank Mr. Kyser and let him know how happy he’d made his son.

  Riding up the elevator, I wondered if he knew about Lucy’s discovery. And if he did, I wondered if he might be more open to try again with telling Julian the truth. The metal doors opened at the penthouse, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. Will stood in the breezeway waiting, and when he saw me, his face turned into a scowl.

  Quickly, he stepped into the elevator and pressed the close button, holding it and preventing my exit.

  “What are you doing?” I said, trying to get around him.

  He didn’t move. “I should say the same to you.” His voice was so much like his dad’s, but where Mr. Kyser’s sternness was all business, Will’s felt personally mean. “Why do you keep showing up here? And don’t give me any crap about a book.”

  My eyes flew wide. A book? …Summer! “I told you, I work for the paper,” I said trying not to appear flustered, which I knew he would interpret as me lying.

  At the same time, anger warred against the intimidation tightening my lungs. Why did he have Summer spying on me? And for that matter, why would she agree to do it? Was that why she’d followed me to the paper office? And what about her nonstop picture-taking? Did Will know something about Julian?

  “You used to date my brother,” he said. “Did something happen?”

  I couldn’t look at him without blinking. A little bead of sweat rolled down the center of my back. “No,” I said. “I mean, yes, I did, but nothing happened.”

  He stepped toward me, and I struggled to keep my hands at my sides and not shove him back. “I’m going to find out what’s going on, and if something happened, if you’re blackmailing Dad, don’t think I won’t make you regret it.”