by Jamie Beck
Vivi’s mother’s and brother’s faces popped into her mind. If they had survived, nothing could’ve kept Vivi away. Heck, she even visited her dad at least once each month despite their difficult relationship. Then again, who was she to judge?
“I’ve never been. It looks so romantic in the movies. I’d love to go to Tuscany to paint someday.” She momentarily checked out of the conversation and pictured herself on a balcony of an ancient stone villa with a red tile roof, overlooking a patio decorated with terra-cotta planters overflowing with ivy and flowers, sketching the rolling gold and green landscape.
“Music, photography, and painting.” Franco grinned, bringing her back to the present. “A true artist.”
“Not a great one, but I enjoy making art with my school kids.” She smiled at the thought of her eager students. Of being covered in paint with them. Of their joy. “An easy-to-impress crowd. My favorite kind. In fact, maybe we should import them to the party tonight.”
“Just accept the compliment.” He sat forward. “Anyway, passion moves people more than skill where art is concerned, and you’re obviously a passionate woman.”
When he reached across the table to cover her hand with his, the dark flicker of desire in his eyes flustered her. She suspected he didn’t have to work very hard to get most women into his bed. He’d soon learn she wasn’t one of those women.
“Passionate about life.” She withdrew her hand and sipped her soda. “I’m a big fan of nature walks, the movies, Indian food . . . well, all food, actually. How about you?”
Vivi continued to smile. If he didn’t have any genuine interest in them getting to know each other, this would be their only date, because Vivi would never be his easy lay.
“Am I passionate?” He flashed a wicked grin. “I think so. Would you like me to prove it?”
“Poor Franco, setting yourself up for disappointment.” She laughed so she wouldn’t feel like his prey. “I keep warning everyone about the dangers of excessive expectations.”
“I like your candor.” He chuckled. “Relax. I’m just joking. I like you, so I’m not going to do anything to scare you away.”
He liked her. How heartwarming. “So, let me travel vicariously through your experiences. Where is your favorite spot on the planet?” Vivi sat back. “I’ve never even been outside the U.S.”
“Really?” His leaned forward, extending his palms across the table. “Maybe we can remedy that with one of my upcoming assignments. I can help you improve your landscape photography.”
“I’d love a photography lesson! But maybe we could start in Central Park?” She sipped her tea, stalling. “So, back to my question. Where’s your favorite place?”
“I can’t pick one, although I prefer cities to places like this.” He gestured out toward the island. “I need the buzz of people, traffic, lights . . . signs of life.”
Vivi preferred nature’s beauty—mountains, lakes, forests, and oceans. Of course, foreign cities with ancient buildings also held a certain appeal. She’d dreamed of sitting on the edge of the Trevi Fountain sipping espresso, then strolling through the Vatican and Sistine Chapel to look at Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
In those dreams she was always with David, who would know as much as any docent about every place they would visit.
She looked across the table at Franco, disappointed by his vague answer. She continued questioning him about his family, friends, and hobbies. By the end of lunch, he’d neatly evaded her probing questions with breezy responses.
Although they’d laughed, and conversation was never stilted, she felt like she’d eaten a sugar-free dessert. A cheap imitation of something real.
Of course, this was her pattern. Meet a guy, get excited, then compare him unfavorably with David. Her muscles tensed. While Franco paid the bill, she rubbed the crease between her eyes and considered her fault-finding history.
Not again. There was nothing wrong with Franco. He’d been perfectly pleasant. No guy bares his whole heart and soul on a first date. She had to stop projecting too far ahead. Stop focusing on what was missing at the expense of what was available.
When he took her hand as they walked to the car, she didn’t pull away. He’d be leaving the island tomorrow. Today would be about adventure and possibility, not doubt and worry.
When Franco drove up to the front of the St. James home, she noticed Laney’s and Jackson’s cars parked in the gravel driveway. Vivi fumbled with her seat belt latch while he reached into the backseat.
“Hang on.” He brought forth a gift bag.
“What’s this?” She picked through the tissue paper and discovered an ultrasoft jersey-knit halter dress in French blue, lavender, and white. “For me?”
“You mentioned you hadn’t packed anything nice to wear to the party. I saw this in town and thought of you.”
“That’s so considerate.” Her eyes widened in surprise. Wariness then spoiled her gratitude. “But I can’t accept it.”
“You don’t like it?” He tilted his head, assessing her.
“I like it a lot. I mean, look at the colors!” She slid the silky-feeling fabric through her fingers. “Still, we barely know each other. You shouldn’t buy me expensive gifts.” She returned the dress back to the bag before handing it to him.
“I want you to have it.” His mouth twitched and he kept his eyes on the bag.
Crap. Everything about his expression told her she’d insulted him. Vivi failed at many things, but boy, could she succeed at sabotaging happiness.
“Okay, I’ll keep it.” She reached over to touch his forearm. “It’s pretty, Franco. You have good taste.”
He smiled and looked at her again. “I’m glad you think so.”
“I do. I really do.” She squeezed his arm. “You’re very sweet.”
“I can be when properly motivated.” He shot her a wolfish grin, which made him look anything but sweet.
Vivi laughed and kissed him on the cheek before waving him off. As he turned out of the driveway, she dashed inside the house.
“I’m back.” Her bellow was met by silence. “Anyone here?”
She bounded down the steps, changed into a swimsuit, and then started down the cliff-side staircase. When she rounded the first bend, she saw the group below and picked up her pace.
“Hey.” She laid her towel beside Cat’s umbrella. David smiled at her. Laney barely looked up from her book. “Where are Jackson and Hank?”
“Not sure.” Cat sat up and narrowed her gaze. “So, are you all set?”
“Yeah. It went well.” Vivi curled her ponytail around her hand and drew it in front of her shoulder. “Of course, I suggested guests be forced to drink at least one shot of tequila when they arrive so they won’t notice our mistakes.”
“I’m glad you can joke.” Cat slung back on her elbows. “I got worried when you took so long to return.”
“Franco took me to lunch after rehearsal.” She fidgeted with her hair as she recalled how she’d handled his surprise.
“Uh-oh. What’s that look?” Cat studied Vivi’s face. “Did something happen?”
David’s gaze fell on Vivi, too. Their focused attention made her twitchy. She shrugged while sifting sand through her fingers.
“He bought me a dress to wear tonight.”
“Ooh la la.” A knowing smile graced Cat’s face. “That’s interesting.”
“At first I told him I couldn’t accept it.” Vivi scrunched up her face. “I could tell I’d hurt his feelings, so I kept it.”
“Why couldn’t you accept it?” Laney piped up.
Vivi snapped her head toward Laney. “We don’t know each other well. Lunch was our first real date. It seemed too personal, under the circumstances.”
“It’s a present from a handsome man, not something sinister.” Laney placed her book on her thighs and crossed her arms. �
��Just enjoy it.”
“I don’t want to create any expectations.” Vivi frowned.
“You’re overthinking it. He bought you a gift. He didn’t hand you a hotel key and a condom.” Laney rolled her eyes and resumed reading, oblivious to Vivi’s stunned reaction.
“If you’re not comfortable, give it back,” David interrupted.
Laney lowered her book, pinning David with a derisive glare.
“How interesting, David.” She narrowed her gaze. “Perhaps I should’ve declined the gifts you’ve bought me instead of assuming you bought them as tokens of affection.”
“Don’t twist my words, Laney.” His snappish tone made Vivi gulp. “If Vivi’s uncomfortable, she should return it.” He tilted toward Vivi, his hand stretching across the sand toward her leg. “You’ve always trusted your gut. Don’t stop now.”
The temperature on the beach couldn’t compete with the caustic showdown between David and Laney. Apparently they hadn’t resolved the argument they’d begun at the breakfast table.
Despite Vivi’s efforts to be gracious, each day of this trip kept getting harder, not easier. The lies, half-truths, and mixed signals were taking a toll on her peace of mind. Although she’d love for David to dump Laney, she didn’t want to be the source of their problems.
“Maybe I’m overreacting.” Vivi forced a smile. “It’s a pretty dress. He said he bought it because I’d mentioned not having anything to wear to the party. It was really thoughtful, actually.”
Cat’s silence didn’t fool Vivi, who knew her friend was biting her tongue. Finally, Cat stood and fixed her eyes on Vivi’s. “Let’s walk.”
Once they’d moved away from the couple, Vivi asked, “Did you figure out what’s going on with them?”
“I’ve no idea. Laney’s been on a tear all day. I might feel bad for David if I weren’t still a little peeved with him.” Cat snickered. “Karma’s a bitch. Apparently one from Chicago.”
Even if Vivi hadn’t known the truth behind David’s absence, she wouldn’t have taken pleasure in his misery.
“Not nice, friend.” Vivi batted Cat’s arm, then walked in silence for a few yards. Careful not to raise too much suspicion, she said, “It’s obvious David wants things to get back to normal with you and Jackson. Can’t you just throw him a bone? Talk to him.”
“He avoids direct questions.” Cat waved her hand in disgust. “Such a lawyer.”
“Whatever is going on between him and your dad, they have to sort it out. Don’t let it affect your relationship.” Vivi clasped her hands behind her back and stared across the waves.
Had she said too much? God, three more days and nights. She’d never survive all the tension! For the first time ever, she wished for vacation days to pass quickly.
When they returned to their towels, Laney was gone. Cat looked at her brother, awaiting some explanation. “What’s going on with you and Laney?”
“Please, Cat, don’t grill me now. I’ve been on the defensive all day.” He returned his attention to his book, shutting down any further discussion. Cat gave Vivi a “told you so” look, then tipped up her chin before gathering her things.
“Well, if I’m going to party tonight, I think I’ll get a little beauty rest.” Cat started toward the steps, carrying her towel and water bottle. “Vivi?”
“I’ll be up in a minute.” Vivi hesitated, drawn to David despite everything. She knew eventually her broken heart would mend, and their friendship was a rare gift worth keeping.
She sat down and stretched out her legs. “Do you want to talk?”
“Actually, I have a little good-luck token for you in case you get nervous tonight.” He handed her a slip of paper he’d withdrawn from inside the back cover of his book. “It’s not so extravagant as a new dress, but it’s from the heart. Mind you, it’s an abridged version, and not perfect for the occasion. I hope you’ll get my meaning.”
“Thanks, David. That’s sweet.” Vivi unfolded the note and read the abbreviated sections of the poem he’d copied.
“The Singers”
God sent his Singers upon earth
With songs of sadness and of mirth,
That they might touch the hearts of men,
And bring them back to heaven again.
. . .
These are the three great chords of might,
And he whose ear is tuned aright
Will hear no discord in the three,
But the most perfect harmony.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Oh, gosh.” She looked at his grinning face. “Jeez, talk about pressure. Touch the hearts of men?” She chuckled. “Leave it to you to quote Longfellow. You couldn’t have just gone with a four-leaf clover or something?”
“No. It had to be this. I’ll never stop trying to get you to appreciate the classics.” He squeezed her ankle. “The meaning of the actual poem isn’t fitting, but these lines are a reminder that the power and beauty of song isn’t about having a perfect voice. I don’t even need to hear you to know your voice will reflect your generous spirit, and so it will touch the hearts of men, even if you hit an off-key note or skip a word or two.”
“We’ll see if you can look me in the eye later tonight and say that without laughing,” she teased to dispel the urge to launch herself into his arms. “I appreciate the sentiment. Thanks.” She refolded the note, holding it in her hand. “So, let’s stop talking about me and tell me what’s going on with Laney. You know I feel responsible after the way I lit into her this morning.”
He shook his head. “I can’t talk about Laney with you, Vivi.”
“Why not?”
“Because . . .” His brows furrowed as he rested his book on his thighs. “Because it feels weird to discuss our love lives. We’ve never done so before, not once in thirteen years.”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” She wore an overly broad smile to convince him, if not quite herself, that she had moved past her old feelings.
“I don’t want to. I like the way we’ve always been—inside our own bubble where the rest of the world sort of disappears.” His wan smile reflected the melancholy note in his voice. “And I really don’t want to hear the intimate details of your relationship with Franco, or anyone else for that matter.”
“Why not?” The words flew from her mouth before she thought better of them.
David swallowed hard and shifted uncomfortably in his beach chair, looking everywhere but at her. His gaze followed the gull that had swooped down and flown out over the glittering sea.
Time slowed. So did her breathing.
Seconds that seemed liked hours ticked by before he finally answered with a tight voice. “I just don’t.”
Her palms smoothed the sand around her legs while she tried to compose her thoughts. These kinds of exchanges were why she’d held on to hope for far too long. Frustration shot through her, making her angry—whether at him or herself, she wasn’t sure.
“Really? So you’d rather retreat and pout, and let everyone else squirm in discomfort than open up about Laney?” She pointed her finger at him. “You think I can’t handle it because of how I always felt before? Well, I can now.”
“Maybe I can’t, Vivi.” He rubbed his hands against his thighs without making eye contact. “Please let it go.”
A moment of silence passed before Vivi let out a long sigh. Much as she’d always love him, she’d moved beyond the point of begging David for anything.
“Fine. But don’t complain to me about the changes in our relationship and then shut me out whenever you decide something is off-limits. You can’t have it all ways and only on your terms. We can be friends, or not. Let me know once you decide.” She grabbed her towel and stormed off before he responded.
Well, that didn’t go as she’d hoped. Seemed nothing ever did.
She clut
ched the poem in her hand as she climbed the stairs, as if pretty words alone would make everything better.
At six thirty, Vivi stood in front of the mirror. Cat had insisted on applying Vivi’s makeup, claiming she needed to wear enough to be seen from the stage. Now Vivi barely recognized the face staring back at her. She braided two small sections of hair at each temple and let the rest hang wild and free. It looked decent at that point, but in this humidity she would probably resemble a Chia Pet by nightfall. Shrugging to herself, she slipped into her new dress and stepped back to take a look at the final product.
Oh no!
“Cat!” She clutched at the halter, then pushed and prodded her bra straps in every direction. “There’s no way I can wear a bra in this dress.”
“Nope. No bra.” Cat finished buckling the belt of her own crimson wrap dress. “It’s lined, right?”
“Barely. And I never go braless.” After removing her bra, Vivi swayed her body and moved her arms around, frowning. “I’m going to jiggle the whole time I’m performing.”
Cat’s devilish grin widened. “Well, now we know what prompted Franco to buy that dress.”
“Oh, God.” Vivi bugged her eyes out and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I should change.”
“Hell no!” Cat’s hands clamped onto Vivi’s shoulders. “Stop hiding from men. Embrace your sexuality. Embrace Franco’s attention. Act your age and have fun. In ten years, gravity will make it impossible to look decent in a dress like this, so enjoy it now.”
Taken aback, Vivi uncrossed her arms and stared at herself again. Maybe Cat was right. She had been hiding behind ratty clothes for as long as she could remember. Squaring her shoulders, she drew a deep breath and followed Cat upstairs.
Hank whistled when the girls entered the living room. Jackson threw down the magazine he’d been reading and flashed his dimples.
“Let’s go.” He clapped his hands together and winked at Vivi.
“Where’s David?” Cat glanced at the light emanating from the top of the stairwell.
“They’re running late. I think Laney’s giving him a hard time.” Jackson cast Hank a sidelong glance and smirked. “They’ll be along in a little while.”