Emory looked down at the painting “I’d say you could have it, but I don’t think I’m willing to let it go.”
“That’s okay. I was kind of hoping for joint custody.” And giving in to the temptation that had been with her since she awoke, she slid her fingers into Emory’s sun-streaked hair and pulled her in for a kiss that left them both breathless and stumbling back to the bed.
Epilogue
Six months later
The gallery was still bustling as they approached the last hour of the showing. Intense-looking people dressed to the nines perused the various pieces that lined the walls as waiters moved about the room with trays of champagne and canapés.
Emory felt the butterflies in her stomach enter into a last dance and sighed in relief that she’d almost made it through. It was one thing to head up a multimillion dollar company, but quite another to have your art, your innermost expression, on display for the world to see and critique at will. She’d be lying, however, if she said it wasn’t exciting at the same time. Because it really, really was. As she sipped her champagne in the corner of the room, she heard a patron’s voice behind her.
“I can’t stop looking at it,” the male voice said. “On each reexamination, I see something I hadn’t noticed before, but by far, the most intriguing aspect of the piece is the way the artist juxtaposes nature against the urban landscape. I mean, look at that and tell me it’s not thought provoking.”
“Find the gallery owner,” his female companion said. “Let’s see what it’s listed at.”
Emory hadn’t been able to contain the small smile that grew steadily on her lips as the evening went on. She knew the opening’s success would hinge on how many of the pieces actually sold, but for her, it was enough to hear that others appreciated her work, saw value in something she’d created. It came with a certain kind of gratification unlike anything else she’d experienced. The rush was palpable, indescribable, and immediate. She realized very quickly that she could get used to this.
“There’s the famous artist now!” Emory smiled in recognition of the familiar voice and turned just in time to feel the arms of Yolanda Matamoros envelop her in an all-consuming embrace. Yolanda, Emory had come to discover in recent months, gave the best hugs in the history of the world.
She felt herself light up. “I’m so happy you both came. You didn’t have to, you know.”
“Are you kidding? And miss all this? Never. It’s an important night for you.”
Roberto placed a hand on her arm. “Your work is beautiful, Emory.”
Yolanda thrust a camera at him. “Take our picture, Berto. I’ll say I knew her when.” Emory wrapped an arm around Yolanda and smiled warmly into the lens.
“We’ll let you get back to your show,” Roberto said. “We’re off to see the rest of the paintings. See you Sunday for dinner?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” And she wouldn’t. She smiled after the people who had become her surrogate parents, still surprised at how much they’d come to mean to her in such a short time. She made her way into the next room, where most of the work was displayed. The lights were dim, and mellow music emanated from the classical guitarist in the corner. She hadn’t made it but ten feet into the room before Grace was at her side like a rocket. “Emory, only two paintings are left.”
She smoothed the back of Grace’s hair and looked down at her. “That can’t be right. Who told you that?”
“The gallery owner, Melody. She said I’m her assistant. See? Here’s the inventory.”
She thrust the clipboard upward for Emory to see. Emory scanned the page in mystification. “I didn’t think too many would actually sell,” she mumbled to herself as Grace scampered away.
“I did,” her favorite voice in all of history said in her ear. Emory turned around to Sarah’s sparkling eyes. “You’re a hit. It’s confirmed. I just finished talking to a reporter from CityBeat. She’s in love with your work and said to look for her review on Monday. How does that sit?”
Emory shook her head. Something about being in Sarah’s presence made her incredibly honest with her feelings and emotion was now bubbling to the surface in rapid waves. “It all feels so surreal, in a good way, but still surreal.” This was the kind of night she had imagined growing up when she was young and the world seemed to have endless possibilities. She’d long ago stuffed those idealistic daydreams aside and now, to actually have one come true struck a chord. “I don’t know what to say, other than, thank you.”
Sarah quirked an eyebrow. “For what?”
Emory took Sarah’s hand and pulled her into the corner of the room, outside the earshot of the meandering guests. “For this. If I’d never met you, Sarah, I’d be sitting behind a desk at the office up to my elbows in paperwork, alone and unaware of how much of life I was actually missing out on.” Her voice softened. “So, yes, thank you for coming into my life.”
Sarah didn’t answer. Instead, she kissed her simply. “I love you, you know that?”
Emory smiled. “I do. It’s awesome.”
“Don’t let me interrupt,” Melody said, approaching. “But I wanted to break it to you myself.” She looked somber and Emory didn’t like that.
“Okay. What’s up? Is there a problem?”
“Unfortunately. I’m afraid you’re going to have to part with every last piece we’ve displayed at this little showing of yours.” Melody broke into a triumphant grin.
“Wait. So that means…”
“Sold out. Entirely. And we’re still getting inquiries. How fast can you paint exactly?”
Emory laughed out loud. “I don’t believe it.”
“It’s pretty impressive, actually. I don’t recall another artist I’ve worked with doing this well their first time out.”
Sarah squeezed her hand. “Of course not.”
Melody checked her watch. “We should be wrapping up soon. Shall we get drinks and discuss the future?”
“Ah, can’t tonight.” She glanced at Sarah. “We kind of have plans.”
Sarah nudged her shoulder. “It’s fine. Go.”
“No way. I’ve been looking forward to this. Melody, can we do it Tuesday?”
“Tuesday’s great, actually. I’ll call you. And congratulations, Emory, you deserve it.”
Emory watched her walk away and turned back expectantly to Sarah. “How quick can you wrangle the kiddo and meet me in the car?”
“Time me, superstar.”
*
An hour and a half later, the kitchen table at the beach house was covered with blueberry French toast, hash brown potatoes, maple bacon, and Emory’s contribution, “Hobo Scramble,” which consisted of eggs, cream cheese, scallions, and ham. Sarah had to admit, it all tasted amazing.
Grace helped herself to a second spoonful of hash browns. “I think I adore breakfast for dinner.”
“Not more than me,” Emory echoed. She sliced excitedly into her French toast.
Sarah watched them, amused by their matching kid-like expressions. Over the past few months, she’d watched Emory slowly relax into life. She went into the office a couple of days a week to consult on any pressing issues, but for the most part spent her time in the spare room they’d converted into her art studio or painted on the beach. Her eyes shone brighter and she seemed so carefree, unencumbered. It was wonderful to see her so full of life.
“Mom, can I give Walter a piece of bacon?”
Sarah glanced over at Walter, who sat obediently back from the table watching each and every move they made as if his life depended on it. “Sure. Make his day.” Walter accepted the offered piece of bacon with lightning speed and then licked his lips in gratitude. He collapsed comfortably back into his spot on the floor and rested his chin atop his toy raccoon, his best friend in the world next to Grace, whom he followed throughout the house religiously.
“That’s a good buddy boy, Walter,” Emory said affectionately. “You’re the cutest of the cute, you know that?”
His tail wagged in
seeming appreciation.
When dinner was done, Sarah and Grace worked together to clear the table, as Emory started the dishes. “Go get your pajamas on, monster, if you want to watch the movie. I’ll finish up.” Grace scampered up the stairs to her room and Sarah brought the last dish to the sink. In doing so, she couldn’t help but let her eyes drift down Emory’s body in appreciation of her in those yoga pants. Her mouth went dry, as it always did where Emory was concerned.
“Mom, it’s your turn to pick the movie!” Grace’s voice from upstairs brought her back from where she’d drifted, but not before Emory caught the stare.
Emory was smiling as she shook her head. “You cannot look at me like that. Not when our daughter will be back down here any second to watch a two-hour movie.”
Sarah feigned complete mystification. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m trying to clear the table. Could you focus, please, on the dishes?”
Emory moved in and stole a playful kiss. “You’re a bad liar. I will deal with you later.”
Sarah grinned. “Then my plan has worked.” Hearing Grace in the living room, she headed that way.
“Did you pick a movie, Mom?”
“I’m in the mood for a classic. How about To Kill a Mockingbird?”
“Oh, that gets my vote.” Emory snuggled in next to Grace on the comfy couch, a Matamoros contribution to the beach house when they’d moved in. “You’ll like it too, kiddo. It’s right up your alley.”
“Okay, cool.” Walter wedged himself tightly on the other side of Grace, placing his head in her lap as Sarah set up the DVD. She then settled in next to Emory and took her hand just as the opening credits appeared on the screen. Sarah looked across at Grace and exchanged a private smile, her mind drifting to how far they’d come in just a year’s time. So much had changed. So much had fallen into place.
But now they were home.
Her family was complete.
And she was so very lucky.
About the Author
Melissa Brayden currently works as a theater director at the performing arts center of one of the largest high schools in the state of Texas, a job she completely enjoys. Recently, she’s fallen down the rabbit hole and rediscovered her love for creative writing. Her first novel, Waiting in the Wings, was honored with two 2012 Goldie Awards for Best Debut Author and Best Traditional Contemporary Romance.
Melissa is married and working really hard at remembering to do the dishes. For personal enjoyment, she spends time with her Jack Russell terriers and checks out the NYC theater scene several times a year. She considers herself a reluctant patron of the treadmill, but enjoys hitting a tennis ball around in nice weather. Coffee is her very best friend. www.melissabrayden.com
What Reviewers Say About Melissa Brayden’s Work
“This was an engaging book with believable characters and story development. It’s always a pleasure to read a book set in a world like theater/film that gets it right…a thoroughly enjoyable read.”—Lez Books
“This is Brayden’s first novel, but we wouldn’t notice if she hadn’t told us. The book is well put together and more complex than most authors’ second or third books. The characters have chemistry; you want them to get together in the end. The book is light, frothy, and fun to read. And the sex is hot without being too explicit—not an easy trick to pull off.”—Liberty Press
Books Available from Bold Strokes Books
Crossroads by Radclyffe. Dr. Hollis Monroe specializes in short-term relationships but when she meets pregnant mother-to-be Annie Colfax, fate brings them together at a crossroads that will change their lives forever. (978-1-60282-756-1)
Beyond Innocence by Carsen Taite. When a life is on the line, love has to wait. Doesn’t it? (978-1-60282-757-8)
Heart Block by Melissa Brayden. Socialite Emory Owen and struggling single mom Sarah Matamoros are perfectly suited for each other but face a difficult time when trying to merge their contrasting worlds and the people in them. If love truly exists, can it find a way? (978-1-60282-758-5)
Pride and Joy by M.L. Rice. Perfect Bryce Montgomery is her parents’ pride and joy, but when they discover that their daughter is a lesbian her world changes forever. (978-1-60282-759-2)
Timothy by Greg Herren. Timothy is a romantic suspense thriller from award-winning mystery writer Greg Herren set in the fabulous Hamptons. (978-1-60282-760-8)
In Stone: A Grotesque Faerie Tale by Jeremy Jordan King. A young New Yorker is rescued from a hate crime by a mysterious someone who turns out to be more of a something. (978-1-60282-761-5)
The Jesus Injection by Eric Andrews-Katz. Murderous statues, demented drag queens, political bombings, ex-gay ministries, espionage, and romance are all in a day’s work for a top-secret agent. But the gloves are off when Agent Buck 98 comes up against The Jesus Injection. (978-1-60282-762-2)
Combustion by Daniel W. Kelly. Bearish detective Deck Waxer comes to the city of Kremfort Cove to investigate why the hottest men in town are bursting into flames in broad daylight. (978-1-60282-763-9)
Ladyfish by Andrea Bramhill. Finn’s escape to the Florida Keys leads her straight into the arms of scuba diving instructor Oz as she fights for her freedom, their blossoming love…and her life! (978-1-60282-747-9)
Spanish Heart by Rachel Spangler. While on a mission to find herself in Spain, Ren Molson runs the risk of losing her heart to her tour guide, Lina Montero. (978-1-60282-748-6)
Love Match by Ali Vali. When Parker “Kong” King, the number one tennis player in the world, meets commercial pilot Captain Sydney Parish, sparks fly but not from attraction. They have the summer to see if they have a love match. (978-1-60282-749-3)
One Touch by L.T. Marie. A romance writer and a travel agent come together at their high school reunion, only to find out that the memory of that one touch never fades. (978-1-60282-750-9)
Night Shadows: Queer Horror edited by Greg Herren and J.M. Redmann. Night Shadows features delightfully wicked stories by some of the biggest names in queer publishing. (978-1-60282-751-6)
Secret Societies by William Holden. An outcast hustler, his unlikely “mother,” his faithless lovers, and his religious persecutors—all in 1726. (978-1-60282-752-3)
The Raid by Lee Lynch. Before Stonewall, having a drink with friends or your girl could mean jail. Would these women and men still have family, a job, a place to live after…The Raid? (978-1-60282-753-0)
The You Know Who Girls: Freshman Year by Annameekee Hesik. As they begin freshman year, Abbey Brooks and her best friend, Kate, pinky swear they’ll keep away from the lesbians in Gila High, but Abbey already suspects she’s one of those you-know-who girls herself and slowly learns who her true friends really are. (978-1-60282-754-7)
Wyatt: Doc Holliday’s Account of an Intimate Friendship by Dale Chase. Erotica writer Dale Chase takes the remarkable friendship between Wyatt Earp, upright lawman, and Doc Holliday, southern gentlemen turned gambler and killer, to an entirely new level: hot! (978-1-60282-755-4)
Month of Sundays by Yolanda Wallace. Love doesn’t always happen overnight; sometimes it takes a month of Sundays. (978-1-60282-739-4)
Jacob’s War by C.P. Rowlands. ATF Special Agent Allison Jacob’s task force is in the middle of an all-out war, from the streets to the boardrooms of America. Small business owner Katie Blackburn is the latest victim who accidentally breaks it wide open but may break AJ’s heart at the same time. (978-1-60282-740-0)
The Pyramid Waltz by Barbara Ann Wright. Princess Katya Nar Umbriel wants a perfect romance, but her Fiendish nature and duties to the crown mean she can never tell the truth—until she meets Starbride, a woman who gets to the heart of every secret, even if it will be the death of her. (978-1-60282-741-7)
The Secret of Othello by Sam Cameron. Florida teen detectives Steven and Denny risk their lives to search for a sunken NASA satellite—but under the waves, no one can hear you scream . . . (978-1-60282-742-4)
Dreaming of Her by Maggie Morton. Isa has begun to drea
m of the most amazing woman—a woman named Lilith with a gorgeous face, an amazing body, and the ability to turn Isa on like no other. But Lilith is just a dream…isn’t she? (978-1-60282-847-6)
Andy Squared by Jennifer Lavoie. Andrew never thought anyone could come between him and his twin sister, Andrea…until Ryder rode into town. (978-1-60282-743-1)
Finding Bluefield by Elan Barnehama. Set in the backdrop of Virginia and New York and spanning the years 1960-1982, Finding Bluefield chronicles the lives of Nicky Stewart, Barbara Philips, and their son, Paul, as they struggle to define themselves as a family. (978-1-60282-744-8)
The Jetsetters by David-Matthew Barnes. As rock band The Jetsetters skyrocket from obscurity to super stardom, Justin Holt, a lonely barista, and Diego Delgado, the band’s guitarist, fight with everything they have to stay together, despite the chaos and fame. (978-1-60282-745-5)
Strange Bedfellows by Rob Byrnes. Partners in life and crime, Grant Lambert and Chase LaMarca, are hired to make a politician’s compromising photo disappear, but what should be an easy job quickly spins out of control. (978-1-60282-746-2)
Speed Demons by Gun Brooke. When NASCAR star Evangeline Marshall returns to the race track after a close brush with death, will famous photographer Blythe Pierce document her triumph and reciprocate her love—or will they succumb to their respective demons and fail? (978-1-60282-678-6)
Summoning Shadows: A Rosso Lussuria Vampire Novel by Winter Pennington. The Rosso Lussuria vampires face enemies both old and new, and to prevail they must call on even more strange alliances, unite as a clan, and draw on every weapon within their reach—but with a clan of vampires, that’s easier said than done. (978-1-60282-679-3)
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