Taking the Plunge

by E. L. Todd

  He took a drink of his beer and nodded. “Can I ask you something personal?”

  “Uh, I don’t know.”

  “You don’t have to answer it.”

  “Okay.”

  “What do you paint?”

  “What?” She was not expecting that.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  “No, you didn’t. I just wasn’t expecting that question. You said it was personal.”

  “Artwork is personal. I can’t think of anything more intimate.”

  She stared at him, noticing the curve of his jaw. “Do you paint?”

  He shrugged. “I do a little here and there.”

  “Oh, I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know. I just wasn’t.”

  “So, what do you paint?”

  “Um, nothing in particular. My emotions guide my hand. I don’t do much on my part.”

  “So you do abstract art?”

  “Sorta.”

  “What do you use?”

  “Oil paint.”

  He nodded. “I use everything. No two paintings look alike. They are all individuals.”

  “I can’t afford such luxuries,” she said with a laugh.

  “Aren’t you Bill Erikson’s daughter? The owner of the Ohana Resort?”

  “How did you know that?”

  “It was just a guess. Your last name isn’t very common.”

  “Well, yes I am,” she said with a sigh, wishing he hadn’t figured it out.

  “You seem embarrassed.”

  “No, I’m ashamed.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s—nothing.”

  He stared at her, waiting for her to speak. For some reason, his look could pull anything out of her.

  “My dad is a billionaire. He has everything he’ll ever need. But he treats his workers like slaves, pays them minimum wage, and does everything he can to cut expenses and get the most bang for his buck. He’s just greedy.”

  Thatcher said nothing for a long time, waiting to see if she had anything else to say. “Businessmen can be that way.”

  “Well, he shouldn’t. There’s no reason.”

  “Have you said anything to him?”

  “Indirectly.”

  “Since you’re going to inherit it someday, you’ll have your chance to change it.”

  “I don’t want it,” she snapped.

  “You don’t?”

  “No. Why would I?”

  “Because you would be a billionaire,” he said with a laugh.

  “Money can’t buy you happiness. Fortune only weighs down your wallet and screws with your ego. Nothing good ever comes from money.”

  He stepped closer to her, a slight smile on his face. “So, that’s why you work at the aquarium?”

  “I would rather be a janitor there than take any of his money. I live with him, rent free, but he doesn’t pay for any of my bills or my luxuries. I don’t need him. I’ll find my own way in life.”

  “That’s—badass.”

  “Badass?”

  “It’s inspirational. Most people would gladly take that gig.”

  “Money has done nothing but ruin my family. I don’t want anything to do with it. It’s evil.”

  “So, what’s your plan, then?”

  “My plan?”

  “For your life.”

  “Well, I was hoping to graduate and get a job.”

  “Doing what?”

  She shrugged. “Working in a lab.”

  “Do you want to work in a lab?”

  “Not really.”

  “Then don’t do it.”

  “I need to support myself.”

  “Why don’t you try painting instead?”

  She laughed. “I wish. I’m not good enough to be a professional.”

  “Says who?”

  “Nobody in particular. I’ve only showed my dad and he thought my painting was abysmal.”

  “He doesn’t know how to look at art. Don’t take his single opinion as value. You should show someone else.”

  “I entered a painting competition at J and K showroom.”

  He nodded and took another drink of glass.

  “I don’t think I’ll be picked for the showcase, but it doesn’t hurt to try.”

  “No, it doesn’t,” he said.

  Nancy crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly feeling warm and vulnerable. She never told anyone these things. He seemed to pull it right out of her. The revelation made her feel nervous.

  “Nancy, Coen and I are ready to go,” Sydney said as she approached Nancy. Coen gripped her waist and kissed her neck gently, making her chuckle. “Are you ready for us to take you home?”

  Nancy turned to her. “Sure.”

  Thatcher stepped forward. “I can give you a ride home if you want to say longer.”

  Nancy immediately wanted to say yes. She wanted to spend more time with this stranger, talking about art and her future. He seemed invested in her well-being even though he hardly knew her. His blue eyes drilled through her skin and saw exactly who she was underneath. She wanted him to keep looking. His thin lips were pressed tight together, waiting for her response. She noticed the faint stubble around his chin, like he hadn’t shaved in a few days. His shoulders tensed, waiting for her response.

  Nancy immediately thought of Derek. She said she would try to work it out with him. She couldn’t spend time with a guy she was attracted to when she had a boyfriend. Derek had treated her poorly, but that didn’t give her the right to hurt him. “It’s okay. I’m tired anyway. Good night.” She turned away before he could respond. Nancy suspected he would try to ask her out or get her number, but when she turned around and looked back, he was nowhere in sight. She didn’t know where he’d gone. She suspected that was the last time she would run into him. It was probably for the best anyway.

  9

  Hey, baby. Can I take you out to breakfast?

  Nancy looked at the phone and sighed. I have plans.

  All day?

  She stared at the phone, looking at Derek’s name on the screen.

  I haven’t seen you since we talked. I would really like to spend time with you. How can I keep my promise if you push me away?

  She sighed. I have an errand to run. Can we meet afterward?

  Yes. I can’t wait to see you.

  I’ll come by the apartment.

  Alright. See you then. =)

  She put her phone in her pocket then drove to J and K showcase. The paintings had been reviewed over the weekend and the decision had been made. She would either be accepted into the competition or rejected, picking up her painting and leaving with tears streaming down her face.

  She drove to the house then approached the door. The grounds of the house were beautiful. The grass was a deep green and the trees provided adequate shade. The pristine white color of the walls contrasted against the red door. It was such a beautiful house, different than all the others. She wondered if the building had been specifically designed for its purpose.

  Nancy walked inside and saw the receptionist behind the desk.

  “Hello, Ms. Erikson. How are you?”

  She felt faint. “Good. How are you?”

  “Wonderful. Mr. Adams and I had a wonderful time selecting the paintings for the competition.”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. There was no way hers was selected. It was too amateur and childish. She felt stupid for even trying.

  “The competition is on Saturday night at seven. I’ll have your painting on display and you can stand next to it and answer any questions the guests may have.”

  “What? Are you serious?”

  She looked at her with a startled expression. “What?”

  “You—selected my painting?”

  She smiled. “Yes. Mr. Adams was very fond of it. He stared it for a long time.”

  She covered her face with her hands. “This can’t be happening.”

&nb
sp; The receptionist smiled then patted her on the back. “You’re very talented, honey.”

  “I am?”

  “Yes.”

  Nancy felt the tears bubble under eyes. She couldn’t believe she was even included in the competition. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get all mushy on you.”

  “It’s totally fine. I’ve seen lot of enthusiasm today, along with a lot of tears.”

  Nancy hugged her. “Thank you so much.”

  She hugged her back. “You should thank Mr. Adams. He’s the artistic genius.”

  “Is he here?”

  She pulled away. “He doesn’t accept visitors unless it’s by appointment.”

  “Oh, of course. Could you just tell him I really appreciate it?”

  She smiled. “I’ll pass along the message.”

  “Thank you.” Nancy walked out the door in a trance, making it to her car without remembering the journey. She sat in the driver’s seat for a long time, unable to believe that it really happened. Perhaps she was talented. Her father didn’t know what he talking about. She started the engine then drove to Derek’s apartment.

  As soon as she pulled up to the house, he came outside with an intense expression on his face. He approached her then studied her face. “Baby, is something wrong?”

  “No, not at all,” she said happily.

  “Then what’s up?”

  “I submitted my painting to a competition and it was accepted. The winner gets to be featured in the J and K showcase room to be sold. I just can’t believe mine was picked!”

  He wrapped his arms around her and smiled at her. “Congratulations. I’m happy for you.”

  She hugged him tightly. “I’m happy too.”

  “I would love to see your artwork sometime.”

  “Well, the painting is being held at the gallery. You won’t be able to see it until the competition is over.”

  “Can’t I see it the night of the event?”

  She pulled away and looked at him. “You would come?”

  “Why wouldn’t I? I’m excited for you.”

  Her eyes softened. “Oh. I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “You’re my girlfriend. I’m always there for you.” He grabbed her face and kissed her, making her melt like she always did when they touched. His hands moved down to her sides and felt the material of her shirt. “Can I take you to lunch?”

  “Sure.”

  He wrapped his arm around her waist and led her to his truck. “We’re going somewhere nice to celebrate.”

  “We don’t have to do that. Let’s just get some tacos.”

  They got inside the car and left the apartment.

  “I won a lot of money from that competition, baby. I want to take you somewhere nice.”

  “You did?”

  “Yep,” he said with a grin. “10K.”

  “Wow. That’s insane.”

  “I know. And we’re going to spend it wisely.”

  “I meant what I said Derek. You don’t have to spend a lot of money of me. I just want to spend time with you.”

  “I know. But I want to take you. Do you want to call up everyone and have them meet us to celebrate?”

  “Oh, I didn’t think of that.”

  “It’s up to you. Whatever you want to do.”

  “We never celebrated your victory, Derek.”

  He shrugged. “I’m sure we would have if I wasn’t a jackass. That’s my fault.”

  “I never said congratulations.”

  He smiled. “Thanks.”

  She sent a text message to her friends and told them to meet at the restaurant. Derek and Nancy arrived first and they took a seat by the window. He placed his arm around her shoulders and gently rubbed his hand up and down her arm. When she looked at the menu, her eyes widened.

  “Derek, this place is so expensive.”

  “Don’t worry about that, baby. I have plenty of money. Get whatever you want.”

  She put the menu down and stared out the window. She felt him stare at her face, memorizing her features. Nancy still felt uneasy around him, still hurt, but she tried to forget about it. She shouldn’t be in that relationship if she wasn’t going to give it her full effort.

  He leaned down and kissed her neck gently. “You look beautiful today.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  His lips brushed the hair near her ear and she could feel him breathe on her skin.

  “Sorry we’re late,” Sydney said. Her hair looked disheveled, like she had been rolling around.

  Derek grinned at her. “What were you two doing?”

  Coen sat next to Sydney and placed his arm over her chair. “Redecorating.”

  Derek shook his head. “Is that what kids are calling it these days?”

  Coen smiled. “It’s our code word.”

  “Are you trying to have kids or something?” Nancy asked.

  “No,” Sydney said quickly.

  “It seems like it,” Nancy teased.

  “When you get married, you’ll understand,” Coen said as he squeezed Sydney’s shoulder. “And my wife has a tattoo that I can’t get enough of.”

  “You’ll know when the novelty wears off,” Sydney said. “We’ll actually be on time to class and not look like a mess.”

  “I wonder if I should get a tattoo,” Nancy said.

  “That would be hot,” Derek whispered into her ear.

  She blushed then averted her gaze.

  “Sorry we’re late,” Henry said as he walked in with Ren. He helped her into the seat then sat beside her.

  “You were doing the nasty-nasty too?” Derek asked.

  Henry shrugged. “Something like that.”

  Nancy smiled at her friends. They seemed to be so in love and so happy. She wished she and Derek were like that. Being with him, even though it was difficult and heartbreaking, was better than being alone. She was tired of feeling so lonely, envious of her best friends.

  “So, are we celebrating Derek’s victory?” Coen asked.

  “No,” Derek said. “We’re celebrating Nancy.”

  “What happened?” Sydney asked.

  Nancy told them the story of her submission and her excitement about it.

  “I didn’t know you painted,” Sydney said. “That’s so cool.”

  “Thanks,” Nancy said with a smile.

  “The competition is on Saturday?” Henry asked. “Ren and I will be there.”

  Derek kissed her cheek. “We’ll all be there.”

  The waitress came over and took their orders. Nancy felt bad for spending so much money on a single meal. Even though Derek insisted, she still felt guilty about it. She didn’t like fancy meals or expensive gifts. It always reminded her of the people behind the curtain, the people who worked their hands bloody just to make minimum wage. She was also a generous tipper when she did go out, trying to make up for her guilt.

  “So, how’s everything going?” Sydney asked, eyeing Derek.

  Derek sighed. “We’re doing great. I’m making it up to her. I admit I was being a total asshole.”

  “You really were,” Henry said.

  “If we weren’t friends, Henry and I would have jumped you for fucking with Nancy,” Coen said.

  “I get it,” Derek said quickly. “I’m not making any more mistakes.”

  “Good,” Sydney said. “Because I don’t think my best friend can take any more of it.”

  “Okay, you guys. He gets it,” Nancy said.

  The table fell silent as they looked out the window and stared at the ocean.

  Sydney looked at Nancy. “Are you going to change your major?”

  “No. Why would I?”

  “You’re obviously meant to be an artist, not a scientist,” she said.

  “It’s too late now,” Nancy said. “I don’t want to start over.”

  “It’s never too late,” Henry said. “Changing my major was the best thing I ever did.”

  “But you only did it to get away from Sydney
,” Nancy said.

  Henry shrugged. “Well, that had a lot to do with it, but I definitely belong there. And if I hadn’t changed it, I wouldn’t have met Ren or gotten a job writing for the paper. Doors will open up, Nancy. You just have to pursue it.”

  Derek rubbed her shoulder. “You need to follow your dreams, baby. I never gave up on mine. Don’t ever give up on yours.”

  She smiled at him.

  The waitress brought their food and they ate together. Nancy enjoyed the fish she ordered. It was grilled with asparagus and peanuts. It was delicious. Sydney had pasta like she always did, and Coen ate an entire steak. Ren ordered a steak while Henry ate fish tacos. When they were finished, the guys threw their credit cards in the sleeve and divided the bill among them.

  “Thank you for taking me to lunch,” Nancy whispered.

  “Of course,” Derek said. “Thank you for letting me.”

  They left the restaurant and walked to their cars.

  “Well, Coen and I have laundry to do,” Sydney said as she grabbed his hand.

  Henry rolled his eyes. “Just be honest and say you’re going to screw like rabbits.”

  “Fine,” she said. “Coen and I are going home so we can fuck. There. You happy?”

  Henry smiled. “At least you’re honest about it.” He turned to Ren. “You wanna rent a movie?”

  Nancy laughed. “You’re such a hypocrite.”

  “Fine. Baby, you want to go home and get it on?” Henry asked.

  “Let’s pull the car over somewhere and do it in the backseat,” Ren said.

  Henry’s eyes widened. “Let’s get out of here, then.” They giggled as they walked back to their car.

  Nancy watched them go with a smile, but her eyes were clouded with sadness.

  Derek put his arm around her waist. “Want to take a walk on the beach?”

  “Sure.”

  He grabbed her hand and walked with her on the sand. The wind blew through her hair and it tickled the skin of her back. Derek held her hand firmly as he walked beside her, his gaze glued to the sand below his feet.

  “What did you do last night?”

  “I went to a party,” she answered.

  “Oh,” he said as he flinched. “Who’s?”

  “A friend of Laura’s.”

  “Oh. Why didn’t you call me?”

  “I just wanted some space.”

  He nodded. “Who did you go with?”