by Kay Correll
Robin took a deep breath. “I’m sure she’ll be pleased.” Maybe. After she got around to explaining to Charlotte how she’d shown her paintings to Paul behind her back…
“Perfect. Here’s my card.” He took a card out of his wallet. “Could you have her call me this evening or tomorrow morning and let me know?”
She reached out and took the card. “I’ll have her call.”
Or she’d be calling and explaining how Charlotte was never speaking to her again and didn’t want a thing to do with the show…
Chapter 13
Charlotte looked out at the bay, loathe to head back to her bungalow. A day in the fresh air and sunshine—well, mostly sunshine—had done her good. She’d never have thought she’d be able to relax like this with her family just a short walk away.
“I’ve got leftover snacks. We could do some cheese and crackers and I’ll see what else I can rustle up. You’ve stayed this long. Might as well stay for the sunset.” Ben leaned forward, ready to stand.
“I’d like that.”
“I’ve got a bottle of red wine we could crack open.”
“Sounds lovely.”
Ben headed inside and she should probably follow him in and help get things ready, but she was feeling very relaxed and lazy, sitting here in the fading sunshine. She stretched like a cat and leaned back on the cushions.
He returned soon with a tray of food and wine. He popped up a table from what seemed like nowhere and placed the tray on it.
She grinned. “More hidden storage.”
“I seriously looked at a million pictures and videos of boats when I started rehabbing Lady Belle. I scoured the internet for clever storage ideas.”
“I’d say you did a great job.”
He sent her a grateful smile. “Thanks.”
She watched the sun shine on his face as he concentrated on his tasks, then plopped down next to her on the seat. He poured two glasses of wine and handed one to her. “To a picture-perfect sunset.”
“To the sunset.” She raised her glass and touched it lightly to his.
His long, tanned fingers wrapped around his glass as he brought it up to his lips and took a sip. She realized she was staring at him and ducked her head. She took a sip of the wine and looked out at the bay.
Not at Ben.
Soon, she couldn’t help herself and stole another look in his direction. He was staring out at the bay, lost in thought. But it seemed like he could feel her staring at him, and he slowly turned to look at her and a small smile tipped up the corners of his mouth.
Ben Hallet had morphed from a gawky teen into a handsome man. Not that it mattered, because he was one of the masses that flocked around Eva, doing her bidding, falling for her charms.
So there was no need to even think about Ben as handsome. Or interesting. Or… well, as anything but an acquaintance, a friend.
She gave him a small smile in return and turned to watch the sunset. It did not disappoint, with a glorious display of oranges fading into dark blue.
“Belle Island is known for those sunsets.” Ben’s quiet voice broke their silence.
“It is just… beautiful.” She spoke in hushed tones, not wanting to break the magic.
Ben stirred beside her and stood with a long sigh. “I should get this cleared up and we should probably head back to the bungalows.”
“Here, let me help.” She stood.
He shook his head. “Nah, I got it. Enjoy the last few minutes of the sunset. It will only take a few minutes for me to get this all put away.” He disappeared into the cabin.
Suddenly she was sitting there all by herself and felt alone, which was strange because she usually liked being alone and was comfortable with it. She stared at the doorway to the cabin.
Why now? Why was she feeling lonely now?
She felt… she felt like she just didn’t quite belong anywhere. She didn’t truly fit in back here in Belle Island yet. The locals eyed her as a bit of a traitor for moving away. Or maybe she imagined that. She sure didn’t fit in with her family—she never had.
And now she was having crazy thoughts about Ben. A man who she’d always thought was smitten with her sister. Not that he would ever look at her as anything more than a friend, especially not with Eva batting her eyelashes at him.
She turned and looked up at the stars that were beginning to appear in the endless sky stretching above her. How had she let herself become this person? And more importantly, what was she going to do to change things?
Charlotte walked back to the bungalows with Ben. They didn’t talk much, just slowly made their way back home. It was a comfortable silence, though. She did feel comfortable just being with Ben.
Still, she reminded herself that was a problem. He was just a friend. And he probably would have preferred if Eva had asked him to Camille’s party. He’d probably hang around Eva at the party anyway. Most men did.
They got to the door and she turned to him. “Thanks for taking us out on your boat, and thanks for the nice evening and watching the sunset.”
“I had a good day,” he said simply. Then he turned and headed across the courtyard to his own bungalow.
She turned the handle and stepped inside. Robin was sitting on the couch, leafing through a magazine. “Oh, good. You’re home.”
“I am.” She sank onto a chair across from Robin.
“How was the boat trip to Blue Heron Island?”
“It was… fun. We got hit by a storm though and Eva wasn’t very happy. But by the time we got back, the sun was shining again. Then I stayed for a bit on Ben’s boat.”
Robin sat forward. “And?”
“And, nothing. You know he has a crush on Eva. We just talked, then had some left-over food and some wine. Watched the sunset.”
“And?”
“And nothing. Again. He’s one of those men who Eva wraps around her finger, and I’m just not interested in competing with that.”
“If you say so. I’m just saying Ben is a great guy.”
“Can we drop it?” She sighed.
Robin stood and paced the floor. “Since you’re already annoyed with me…”
She cocked her head and waited for Robin to continue.
“I did something that maybe you’re going to be a tiny bit mad at me about.”
“I don’t get mad at you.” She shook her head.
“Good, then I’ll tell you what I did. I showed your work to Paul Clark and he wants to add some of your paintings to a local artist exhibit he’s having at the gallery.” Robin rushed out the words.
“You what?” She jumped up from her chair. “You didn’t.”
“I did.” Robin nodded. “And, for the record, he loved your new work. Said it would fit in great with the exhibit.”
Anger rushed through her. How could Robin have done this? “But I’m not ready. I said I wasn’t ready. This wasn’t your choice to make.”
“I just thought you needed a little push. Don’t be mad,” Robin begged.
“I am mad. This should have been my decision. Mine.” Her anger boiled over. “I am sick and tired of people always thinking they know what is best for me. What I should be doing. Making decisions for me. Sick of it.” She stomped her foot.
Robin sank onto the couch. “I’m sorry, Char. I didn’t look at it that way. I was just trying to help, not trying to run your life.”
“And yet, you did this without asking.” She turned and headed back to her room.
“I really am sorry,” Robin called after her.
She ignored Robin, went into her bedroom, and closed the door firmly behind her. She kicked off her shoes and flopped onto the bed. Why did her life seem so out of control right now? It had been ever since Reginald had dumped her and she’d realized he’d pilfered so much of her money.
And why was she thinking of it as pilfered? That was too nice of a word for what he did. He stole her money.
And she let him. And she let her family walk all over her. And now Robin…<
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She closed her eyes and threw her arm across her face.
Things needed to change.
Chapter 14
The next morning Charlotte hid out in her studio with her morning coffee, avoiding Robin. She understood why Robin had shown her work to Paul and she understood Robin thought she was helping. But it was still her decision and she wasn’t ready to show this new work. Not yet.
She turned at the sound of a light rap at the door.
“Can I come in?”
She sighed. So much for avoiding her roomie. “Yes.”
Robin came in and handed her a blueberry muffin from The Sweet Shoppe. “Will bribery help you get over being mad at me?”
She took the offered bribe. “Maybe.”
“I am sorry. I’ll call Paul this morning and tell him you won’t be putting your work in his show.”
“I appreciate that.” She took a bite of the muffin. “But, I’m still mad at you.” A slight smile teased the corners of her mouth, full of the delightful treat— her favorite kind of muffin.
“But you’ll forgive me?”
She took another bite. “Soon. I’ll forgive you soon.”
“There’s another muffin on the counter in the kitchen.” Robin grinned, then walked over to perch on a stool beside the window. Her face grew serious. “I know I messed up. I realize now that you’re fighting all these people controlling your life. Especially with your family in town. I know they’ve never been… uh… supportive of you. I shouldn’t have interfered.”
“Thanks for understanding. I’ve got to figure all this out on my own.”
“And I need to give you the space to do that.”
“Thanks, Robin.” Charlotte smiled at Robin, unable to remain mad at her friend for long, especially when she genuinely seemed sorry for interfering.
A knock came from their front door. Robin jumped up. “I’ll get it.”
Charlotte stood in front of her painting, eyeing it. It still needed something…
“Uh, Char?”
She turned to face the doorway.
“Paul Clark is here to see you. I told him you weren’t interested in the show, but he wants to talk to you.”
“Tell him I’m busy.”
Paul stepped out from behind Robin.
She sucked in a deep breath. Oops. “Ah… Mr. Clark.”
“Paul. Please, call me Paul.” He entered the room. “I understand that Robin and I misstepped a bit. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. But I wanted you to know that your work is good. Really good. Emotional. And your use of color is excellent. If you don’t want to exhibit in the local artists show, I’d be willing to give you a full showing of your own.”
She sat down on the stool in front of her easel. “You… what?”
“A showing of your own. I’m sure your work would be very popular. Is this something you’d be interested in?”
She sat and stared at him. A showing of her own? She hadn’t had one in so long, and this work was so different from her previous work.
But hadn’t she just promised herself last night that things were going to change?
She stood and crossed over to where Paul was standing near the doorway. “Yes, I’d be interested.”
She didn’t miss the grin on Robin’s face.
“Great. We can meet and discuss what pieces you’d like to show.” Do you have an agent I should contact?”
Robin stifled a laugh.
“Um… no agent at the moment.”
“Would you also consider showing a few at the local artist exhibit? It would start to get your name out there before your private showing.”
“I…” She paused, turned to look at Robin and rolled her eyes, then turned back to Paul. “Yes, that sounds good.”
“How about we pick out a few pieces?”
She just nodded, a bit stunned from how quickly all this was moving.
“Oh, and Mrs. Montgomery usually showcases a few pieces of artwork at the parties she throws. She’s having one tomorrow. I usually supply the artwork and set it up. I’d love to show that painting you did with the dog on the beach and the man tossing a piece of driftwood for him. That’s Noah and Cooper in the painting, isn’t it?”
“It is. You want to show it at Camille’s party?”
“Yes, will that work for you?”
“You want to show my work at the Montgomerys’ party?”
“Snap out of it, Char. He loves your work.” Robin crossed over and draped a hand across her shoulders. “Your choice. Yes or no. You probably should say, yes, though. You know, if you want to.” She grinned.
“Yes.”
Paul broke into a wide smile. “Excellent. Now, let’s choose some other paintings for the gallery and we’ll get out of your hair and let you paint.”
And just like that, she was back in the art world.
But would anyone want to buy this new style of her art?
Ben decided to drop by his mother’s and check on her on his way to work. Maybe he could convince her to come to the marina with him today.
But he doubted she’d say yes…
“Mom? You home?” He walked in the back door to her house.
“Ben, did we have plans?”
“Can’t a son drop in and visit his mom?”
“Of course, dear. I always love to see you, but I’m just leaving.”
“Where are you headed?” He tried to sound nonchalant, but he hoped it was more than a trip to the grocery store.
“Dorothy invited me to the knitting group at the community center. I thought I might go over there and check it out. I’m in the middle of knitting a baby sweater and booties. Have no idea who it’s for, but I like to have baby gifts on hand.” She gathered up her knitting bag.
“I could walk over with you,” he offered, glad to see she was actually going.
“You don’t need to do that.”
“It’s a nice day and you know I love to walk.”
“Okay, let me grab my purse and I’m ready.”
“I can carry your knitting bag.” He eyed the big floral bag and a brief thought crossed his mind on whether it would affect his manhood to carry that big, loud, very floral bag. He rolled his eyes at himself. He’d carry the darn thing if it meant his mother was getting out of the house and visiting with people.
She laughed. “No, I’ve got it. It’s not heavy.”
They headed to the community center, a short five-minute walk away. They entered the building and Ben waved to Noah standing down the hallway. They walked to the room where the knitters were meeting.
Dorothy saw them and jumped up and came over. “Ruby, I’m so glad you decided to join us. We’ve got coffee on, and Mary Lou brought some baked goods from The Sweet Shoppe. Come in, let me introduce you to anyone you don’t know.”
Another woman walked up. “Hi, I’m Mary.”
“Glad to meet you.”
His mother took a tentative step into the room, and he smiled and nodded at her.
“I’ll see you later, son.”
“Bye, Mom.”
He turned to leave, feeling like he’d just dropped a young child off at her first day of school. Not that he had kids. But… still.
Noah came down the hallway. “I see you convinced Ruby to come.”
“Not me. It was all Dorothy’s work. Hope Mom has a good time.”
“I’m sure she will. A fine group of ladies.”
“I’m just happy to get her out of the house. Get her interested in something.”
“Maybe after she gets more comfortable coming here, she’ll join another group.” Noah’s voice sounded hopeful.
“Hope so. Well, I should be heading to the marina. I just wanted to walk Mom over.” He hoped it all would work out and his mom would get involved here at the community center. “Catch you later.”
He turned and made his way out of the center and over to the marina. He had to finish up repairs on two boats that had gotten a bit delayed. He’d been busy prepp
ing a huge yacht they’d sold for delivery. The sale of the yacht would be a welcome influx of cash for the marina. He kept a few slips on the docks for people to leave their boats they wanted to sell. He’d show the boats and play middleman. This time it had paid off quite well. The marina did well, but it seemed like something always needed fixing or repaired.
He hoped to have time to finish up a few things on Lady Belle too. He glanced at his watch. It was shaping up to be a busy day and he was already getting a late start.
Chapter 15
“I can’t believe Eva sent over a dress for me to wear tonight.” Charlotte glared at the box sitting on her bed. “She and Mom went shopping in Sarasota yesterday and evidently found this proper outfit for me.” She yanked the box open and pulled out a fitted pale green sheath dress and matching flats to show Robin.
“It’s pretty?” Robin asked it more as a question than a statement. Then she sighed. “But it sure doesn’t look like you.”
“I should probably wear it.” She sighed.
“Try it on.”
Charlotte slipped on the pale green dress and looked in the mirror. “Oh, heck no. I’m not wearing this. I look like some kind of dress-up doll stuffed into a fashion dress. I wouldn’t even be able to breathe. And this pale color makes me look positively anemic.”
“It’s a pretty dress… in a stuffy kind of way.” Robin got off the bed and walked over to stand beside her. “But it’s so not you. Let’s dig around in your closet and find something else.”
Soon Robin had pulled out a flowing printed skirt and white blouse. “This will work.”
She slipped on the outfit and Robin handed her a belt for a finishing touch.
“I… I think I like it?” She spun around looking at the outfit from all angles in the mirror.
“You’ve got those cute red flats you can wear with it.”
“You think I’ll look okay? I’ll fit in at the party?”
“You look stunning. Very artist-like.” Robin spun her around to look in the full-length mirror. “You want me to French braid your hair, or do you want to wear it down?”