by Turner, CJ
“You told me to use my preternatural psychic powers, and I did.”
“You sold two dozen roses to Theo Collins?”
“No. I sold $5,200 worth of flowers. I hope you can fill the order because they need them delivered this Saturday, which is why they paid in advance.”
Mrs. Pearson blinked, and her face drained of color. For a minute, Lennox thought she’d faint, but then she shook her head and smiled.
“You continually amaze me, Lenny,” she said.
Okay, but don’t call me Lenny.
Mrs. Pearson insisted on giving him a commission for the sale. “You must help, though. But I’m sure you can handle it. You have a good eye for color and composition.”
It stunned Lennox that she immediately wrote out a check for five hundred and twenty dollars. While taking Bonkers for a walk, he stopped at the ATM to deposit the check and impulsively retrieved forty dollars. A surreal sensation stole over him as he stared at the bills because he hadn’t this much cash in hand in forever.
Bonkers barked and gazed at him expectantly.
“Right, buddy. It’s a full bag of doggie cookies for you, and a deli sandwich for me. We feast tonight!”
Sitting in the park, he wolfed half the sandwich while taking swigs from lemonade in a glass bottle. It was the only drink in the deli cooler that wasn’t in the hated plastic that polluted the oceans. Lennox, who usually lived on rice and beans, had almost forgotten the taste of meat. Bliss stole over him as he savored each bite even if the sandwich had too much mayonnaise.
Bonkers gazed at him expectantly, and Lennox tore a piece of ham from the club sandwich. The dog scooped it with his tongue and swallowed, then stared at Lennox for more.
“Nope. I know that look. You want the bacon, but it’s bad for you. I know, because it’s bad for me, too. And one of us must stay healthy, so it might as well be you.”
Bonkers whined, and Lennox, who could not say ‘no’ to him, was glad that his phone chimed with a text until he saw the message.
Elias: Luka will meet you at eight. Be there, or I’ll tell grandma you’ve been bad.
Lennox groaned. Elias had an unholy influence on Mrs. Pearson.
“I guess I’m going on a blind date,” he said to Bonkers.
Bonkers sneezed, which summed up Lennox’s feelings about the matter, since Elias, in his typical style, didn’t mention any salient details about the man, like age, height, weight, or hair color.
So at eight, he stood in the Whiteside Gallery, wearing his one pair of khakis without a paint stain, and the white button-down and brown leather shoes he wore at his grandmother’s funeral. He cast his eyes around the gallery nursing one glass of wine, feeling lost. He didn’t see anyone who he hadn’t seen around town.
Finally, he gave up.
Even a man who hasn’t met me yet doesn’t want to be with me.
Stop acting pathetic. So, Luka didn’t show. It’s not like you wanted to meet him.
Lennox stood before a large canvas that contained a horrible concoction of pastel colors, Cubist and Neo-Impressionist elements. He tried to tone down his inner critique because all art is subjective. One person’s trailer trash is another’s Matisse.
“What do you think?” said a silky voice as thick as caramel. Lennox would not forget that sound because he was sure it would haunt his dreams.
Lennox froze, not believing Theo Collins stood next to him. Lennox crossed his arms and cocked his head.
“Not for me,” he said non-committally.
“Are you afraid I know the artist?” said Theo.
“I’m sure you know everyone in town.”
“But not you. When did you get into Waterside?”
Lennox gave him a sideways glance, unsure if he heard a hint of flirting in Theo’s voice.
No. He’s engaged. Stop imagining things.
“Just after the season opened. My best friend is Mrs. Pearson’s grandson.”
“Oh, Elias. Yes, I know him. Where is he now?”
“Switzerland. With his boyfriend, Finn.”
“Oh.”
Lennox wasn’t sure what to make of that “oh.” Was that “oh,” Elias’ taste in men sucked? Or “Oh, eek, a gay man?” But how could Theo not know Elias was gay. He didn’t hide his orientation.
“In fact, I’m meeting Finn’s brother, Luka, here tonight.” He gave Theo a pointed stare. “For a date.”
Theo’s smile only seemed to grow wider, making Lennox uncomfortable.
“Did the flowers work? Did you make up with Livvy?” said Lennox. He asked to remind himself that Theo Collins was taken and straight and not to get silly ideas. He looked around the gallery. “I don’t see her.”
“She can’t stay mad at me long, and besides, I provided the proper sacrificial offerings—upon your advice. So if she’s still mad, it’s your fault.” Theo flashed that heartbreakingly bright smile at Lennox.
“Besides, we’re not joined at the hip. She does her thing, and I do mine.”
Lennox noted, while a lump formed in his throat, that Theo had edged closer to him. He stopped breathing when their elbows touched. Theo turned his gaze up, and Lennox caught the unmistakable look of want in Theo’s eyes.
Lennox narrowed his eyes. “Hmph,” said Lennox. “If she’s still angry, I can understand why.”
“What do you mean by that?” Theo spoke the question as if not bothered by the judgmental tone in Lennox’s voice.
“You? Livvy? Engaged, and yet flirting with me? Is this your usual behavior?”
Theo started laughing as if Lennox told him the most hilarious joke he ever heard. Lennox stood stunned as the people in the gallery turned and stared. His face flushed with embarrassment.
And Theo couldn’t stop laughing. He held up his finger, pleading for a minute, pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
Chapter 4
Theo
Theo couldn’t believe his luck when he spotted Lennox Sewell standing before that awful Miranda Evenstar painting. As a fixture of the Waterside arts scene, she commanded respect, but Theo never saw value in her work. He thought it adorable that Lennox wore the same perplexed expression that Theo imagined he himself carried when he looked at her scribblings.
This event, the annual Waterside Arts Show, was a primary fundraiser for the Waterside Arts Commission. It was Theo’s turn to attend as the family representative to deliver the Collins’ family gift. One substantial contribution fended off multiple calls for donations during the year.
Though not usually enthusiastic about the event, when he saw Lennox, Theo was glad he didn’t beg off. Still, he hesitated.
Oh, come on, he chided himself. Faint hearts and all.
Plucking his courage, he stood straighter, mustered a casual attitude, and strolled to the tall hunk.
Theo’s heart couldn’t beat any faster, and he sucked in a breath to steady himself. The paces across the polished wood floor seemed to take forever before he reached Lennox.
What is wrong with you?
He might have foolishly thought that Lennox would pick up on his presence and turn, but the man seemed preoccupied. Taking a shallow breath, Theo spoke.
“What do you think?”
It was then that Lennox turned, and Theo couldn’t breathe. Lennox stood there, unaware of how glorious he appeared. Theo found himself enraptured as he gazed into the man’s sapphire-blue eyes. He barely registered their small talk and didn’t realize that he edged closer into the man’s personal space. As if magic flowed from Lennox, an electric shock sparked between them when their elbows touched. Again, Lennox seemed unaware, but Theo swallowed hard. He wanted to take Lennox to some private place and get to know more about him. Hell, Theo desired to touch him in as many places as possible. But he couldn’t find the right words that didn’t make him sound like an unabashed lech. He had no clue if Lennox was gay. Theo had to trod that delicate line of acting friendly, not too friendly so that Lennox would continue to speak to him.
&nb
sp; But when Lennox said he was there for a date with a man, Theo’s heart burst in happiness.
“Yes!” That Lennox dated men made things so much better. Easier. Or so he thought until Lennox mentioned Livvy. Wisely, Theo had restrained the urge to call her when he sent the flowers. It was always better to give her space if they had a spat. He had been exceptionally rude and reasoned an entire evening incommunicado would be best.
He didn’t understand Lennox’s darkened mood and suffered a moment where he thought he had blown it with Lennox. Then the gorgeous man spit out his belief that Livvy and Theo were engaged.
Theo couldn’t believe it. It was such a ludicrous idea that he couldn’t help but laugh. And then couldn’t stop laughing. Lennox stared at him like he was insane, which he supposed he was. No one had overwhelmed Theo like Lennox. He didn’t understand it and didn’t want to. Theo wanted to prove that Livvy was not a relationship threat.
He pulled out his phone and dialed Livvy’s number.
“Oh, Theo. I’m so sorry. I was horrible. And the flowers are beautiful, though I gave Anna the chocolates, because, you know, a year before the wedding is not a time to indulge.”
Lennox glared at him and turned to walk away. Reflexively, Theo put his hand on Lennox’s arm. Lennox stopped and gave him a death stare.
“That’s fine. And I’m glad you liked the flowers. Now tell me, darling, who will you marry?”
“Are you drunk? You sound strange.”
“No. I’m just settling something with a friend who has a few wrong ideas.”
“Well, I don’t understand, but you know I’m marrying your cousin Carlton. Who on Earth wouldn’t know that?”
“Thank you, darling. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Well, okay. Tomorrow. Good night, Theo.”
Lennox’s expression was one of shock, and a red blush crept up his throat.
Theo thought it adorable.
“Obviously, I was wrong. Sorry. I have to go now.”
Theo’s heart sank. He had played this all wrong, and now Lennox thought him insufferable.
“I’m sorry that I laughed.”
“Not a problem,” Lennox replied with a scowl.
“Livvy is like a sister to me. We’ve been close since we were five years old.”
“I’m happy for you.”
“Please,” said Theo. Though he had never done so in his life, he was close to pleading. “I’d like to get to know you better.”
Lennox pursed his lips and looked at his watch.
“I must walk my dog.”
“Oh,” said Theo in defeat. He recognized a brush-off when he saw one, though Theo could honestly say that he hadn’t received one before this night.
“See you around,” said Lennox.
Theo sighed and watched Lennox walk away. And he decided he couldn’t have that.
“He’s an idiot,” said Theo.
Lennox turned. “Pardon?’
“The guy who didn’t show.”
Lennox raked Theo with a piercing gaze that sent a shiver through him. What secrets did that man divine from Theo with that glance?
“Well, he’s a friend of a friend. I didn’t expect much,” said Lennox.
Theo took a chance and stepped closer. “You should. You deserve it.”
An incredulous expression washed over Lennox’s face and he shook his head. “I must get home.”
Theo wasn’t used to a man acting standoffish with him, and it was a shock for Theo how disagreeable he found it.
“Let me buy you a drink,” he said.
Now Lennox’s face grew more incredulous. “We’re at a gallery showing. The wine is free.”
“Which was my subtle way of trying to get you out of here to talk with you.”
Lennox sighed. “Mr. Collins.”
“Theo.”
“Mr. Collins. As incredible as you are, there are some pools I don’t dip my toe in.”
“You think I’m incredible?”
“You are a man who gets what he wants. Period. But you come from one world, and me? The dead opposite. It’s better to head off trouble now.”
“What if I like trouble?”
“Then find it somewhere else. Good night, Mr. Collins.”
Theo’s heart sank as Lennox took step after step across the gallery to reach the front door. He wanted to release the disagreeable disappointment as he might another time, but this instance was different. Theo couldn’t shake the idea that destiny now walked out the door without hope of finding it again. His throat dried as he fought the ridiculous thought. Theo had too much of a day dealing with Livvy’s engagement party meltdown and needed a drink. Maybe he should walk the few doors down to his workshop. There he could indulge in the Jameson that he kept for potential investors that might visit.
He decided to wait for Lennox to leave so he wouldn’t bump into him again. But then he spotted Miranda Evenstar ambush Lennox. While he missed the conversation, he guessed what it was about. Miranda’s notorious behavior was legend in Waterside. She had corralled the unfortunate Lennox into giving an opinion of her work. It appeared Lennox did what he could to demur politely, but Miranda continued her relentless questioning.
This is my fault. Miranda saw Lennox with me, and now she must dig for juicy gossip on “what Theo Collins did last night.”
Lennox’s brow creased in apparent frustration as he worked unsuccessfully to slip from Miranda’s grasp. His face tightened, and Theo feared that Lennox would render his honest opinion on Miranda’s work. This could impact Mrs. Pearson badly. Miranda was a wrecking ball when she delivered her scathing pronouncements on Waterside residents.
Theo launched forward to intercept the incipient disaster. In a few decisive steps, he reached the two.
“Miranda, darling, there you are. I’ve been looking for you all night.”
Miranda turned and flashed her brilliant crowns at him.
“Liar!” she declared in a lighthearted voice. “I’ve been in plain sight all evening.”
“I have something for you,” said Theo. He patted the breast of his summer suit jacket.
“Oh, it’s not for me, darling. You know that.”
Theo pulled the envelope from his pocket, and she leaned forward to kiss his cheek while snatching the envelope.
“You’ll find my family’s usual appreciation for your good work.”
“I’m sure I will. Thank you, Theo. And kiss your mother for me.”
“I will.”
To Miranda’s frustration, Theo had maneuvered his body between her and Lennox.
“I was just speaking to your friend here. He’s curiously reluctant to discuss art.”
“I’m sure he’s overwhelmed with the wonder of it, like we all are. Come, Lennox. I’d like to show you something. Good evening, Miranda.”
Taking Lennox’s arm, he moved toward the door.
“You can let go of my arm now,” hissed Lennox.
Theo quickly glanced over his shoulder.
“No. I can’t. She’s circling the room, looking for the next chance to strike. If I let go, she’ll be right back trying to find out why I’m speaking to you.”
Lennox rolled his eyes but followed Theo to the road where the evening sky had streaked purple. The streetlight popped on.
“I appreciate you saving me.”
Theo saw Lennox prepare to make his escape again and he was determined not to let this opportunity slip by him.
“How about that drink? We could both use one.”
Lennox dropped his chin and shook his head.
“You don’t give up, do you? And where do you propose to get this drink?”
Theo smiled, his heart gladdened. Lennox would give him a chance. “This way.”
He resisted looking back, afraid that he would, like Orpheus, fail to find the object of his affections trailing him. At the storefront that temporarily housed his nascent business, he keyed open the door.
“EcoKitch?”
Th
eo breathed with relief that Lennox followed him and ignored the skepticism in the man’s voice. No one believed in Theo’s vision, not his family, or Livvy, or potential investors. He didn’t expect a man he only met today to climb onboard either.
Though there was some climbing he hoped Lennox was up for.
One step at a time.
“This is my workshop,” said Theo. He stepped inside and flicked on the light switch. Lennox followed and gazed appraisingly at the front office with only one front desk and a chair. A single VoIP phone graced the top of the desk.
“What is this? A front for a bookie joint?”
Theo laughed. “No.”
The only crime going on here is that I’m not kissing you.
Theo didn’t pop off these words because he didn’t want to scare off the skittish Lennox. The man still wore an expression that communicated he might bolt.
“Let me show you my backroom.”
“This isn’t analogous to ‘let me show you my etchings’, is it?” Lennox arched an eyebrow which Theo found sexy. But then the man oozed sex.
“The liquor is back there.”
“Uh, huh,” Lennox uttered with skepticism.
Theo led the way into the workroom, which even Theo admitted appeared incomplete. A bank of demos of his product sat against the furthest brick wall on makeshift tables of plywood and sawhorses. A sizeable worktable of the same materials sat in the center of the room. Blueprints covered it. A modest desk rested against the left-hand wall, and 12 x 12 feet sheets of thick white plastic leaned against the wall perpendicular to the desk.
Theo watched Lennox sweep the room with his eyes. Lennox stepped to the worktable and put his fingers on plans to turn them toward him. He peered at the blueprints intently.
“Kitchen cabinets?” he asked.
“Yes. From recycled plastic made from water bottles. We have—”
“I know. 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean.’
Theo’s heart filled with warmth. “Right!”
“And you’re trying to repurpose some of it?”
“It’s a huge opportunity, not only to reduce trash but to provide a cost-effective alternative to building kitchens.”
Lennox pursed his lips and turned his head to the demo cabinets.