“Feel better, okay? And rest! That’s an order,” he said, smiling.
“Yes sir!” I saluted.
He leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips. “I’ll see you later, Lilly.”
“Okay.” I smiled as I watched him walk away. His kiss was simple. Nothing like the one we shared at his studio, but it was tender and sweet, and made me feel like he genuinely cared about me. Not that I doubted it before, but in that moment, when he tried to comfort me, it meant a whole lot more than I thought it would.
I tried for almost two hours to call Mom after Drew left, but kept getting voicemail. It worried me, considering Dad’s current condition, but when I thought about it, it was typical for Mom to go hours— days even— before getting back to me. For someone who always had the best of everything, she never liked her cell phone and only had one because Dad insisted.
Giving up, I took a shower. I turned on the hottest water setting I could stand and cried my eyes out until the water finally turned cold. It felt good to get it all out, like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I retreated to the comfort of the couch with a quart of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to keep me company. After replaying my dad’s words over and over in my head, and dredging up a bit of the past with Drew, then the memories of my brother, I was at my emotional limit.
The knock on my door made me jump, considering it was ten-thirty and I wasn’t expecting anyone. Assuming it was Drew, I peeped through the spy hole, and sure enough, he stood in front of my door with his hands shoved in his pockets. I opened the door in my tee shirt and pajama pants. “Hey.”
He looked me over and grinned. “Nice pajamas.”
“Lay off the pencil and apple PJs. I love ‘em,” I smirked.
“I do too,” he laughed. He looked closely at my face. “How are you feeling?”
I held up my ice cream, “Did you know this stuff cures everything?”
“So I’ve been told. Is it working so far?”
“Almost, I was just getting started. I’ll let you have some if you don’t pick on my pants,” I teased.
“With an offer like that, how could I refuse?”
I smiled and walked toward the kitchen to get a spoon. “Have a seat. I’m watching a fascinating infomercial on the ‘Amazing Chopper.’ They almost have me convinced.” He sat on the couch, grinning. I handed him a spoon and held the carton between us. “I hope you like chocolate, or rather ‘Chocolate Therapy’ as it reads on the side.” Drew dipped his spoon in and tasted it. “See? I told you ice cream was a cure.”
“Mmmm, I can definitely see how this could cure anything. Does it take the whole carton to be cured?”
“I sure hope not, I’ve got a figure to maintain. But I might come close tonight.” I leaned back and propped my feet on the coffee table in front of us.
“So, did your dad call you again?” he asked, going in for another spoonful.
“No, he doesn’t know my home number. My mom has it, but he wouldn’t think to get it from her, and he won’t call me again until next week. When he calls, I’ll try not to throw my phone into the pond… after I get a new one.” I leaned my head against the back of the couch and realized how close I was to Drew. I was hesitant at first to have him here, but it felt nice not to be alone.
I flipped though the channels until I found a documentary on the Discovery channel about the Great Barrier Reef. We watched and ate half the carton of ice cream. It was peaceful and soothing and I could feel my eyelids growing heavy as my head leaned against his shoulder. We stayed in that position for a while, neither one of us speaking a word, and both content with each other’s company. After the show ended, Drew grabbed the remote and turned the TV off. “I wanted to ask you something earlier when I saw you outside, but it wasn’t the time.”
I sat up straighter, fully awake now. “Sure, what is it?”
“I signed the papers on my art studio this afternoon. It’s officially mine!”
“Oh, Drew, that’s fantastic!” I squealed, hugging him. “It will be a great help to your art now. I can’t wait to see it once you get everything the way you want it.”
“I want you to celebrate with me. Will you come to dinner with me tomorrow night?”
“Absolutely,” I said without hesitation. “I’d love to. Where do you want to go?”
“I don’t know yet,” he laughed, “I wasn’t sure you’d say yes, so I haven’t thought that far in advance. You did turn me down for lunch the other day.”
“Well, your stunt in front of Tyler didn’t put me in the best of moods. But I’m excited for you, so of course, I’d love to go celebrate.”
After we agreed on a time to meet after work tomorrow, he pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and covered me with it. “I better go and let you get some rest; it’s getting late.”
“Are you sure? You don’t have to go.”
“I should. You need to get some sleep, you look tired.”
“I am tired, but I was enjoying your company.” And I really was. I liked how we could just sit with each other, not saying a word, and feel like it was the best time spent together.
“I do too. We’ll have a good time tomorrow night. Try not to let the kids aggravate you too much tomorrow.”
“Thank you for coming over. Let me walk you out.”
“I’ll let myself out; you rest.” He moved to stand up, but stopped himself. “Did you read the note?”
I knew exactly what he was referring to. I hoped he wouldn’t bring it up and I could already feel my cheeks heating up. “Yes, I did. Apology accepted. I shouldn’t have assumed there was something sarcastic in it. And thanks… thanks for the compliment,” I said, looking down, embarrassed.
Drew lifted my chin up, stretching his fingers across my jaw, and leaned in closer. “I meant it… every word.” He pressed his mouth on mine, kissing me softly. Moving back slightly, he stared into my eyes. I didn’t encourage or discourage him, but just gazed back at him, waiting to see if he would continue. Drew’s hand slipped down my neck, his fingers wrapping around the back of it as he pulled me closer to him. Our lips met and I sighed against his mouth, letting his tongue slide beside my own. We moved together in a slow rhythmic motion. The tips of his fingers slipped into my hair as he kissed me a little deeper, exploring my mouth before lightly pulling at the bottom of my lip with his teeth. He tasted sweet, like chocolate, and felt as warm as the sun on a hot summer day. I wanted more and pressed closer to him.
Drew pulled away, breaking the seal of our kiss. “I’m sorry; I’ve wanted to kiss you, really kiss you for a while now. But I shouldn’t have done that… not tonight. Not with everything you’ve got going on. Anyway, I’ll let you—”
I grabbed him by the arm to stop him from standing. Cupping his cheek with my hand, I kissed him once on the lips before meeting his eyes. “Don’t ever apologize for making me feel better. Thank you for making the rest of my night better than it would have been if I were alone.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.” He kissed me on the forehead and let himself out.
I stayed on the couch for a while after Drew left and thought about what that kiss might mean for us later… I wasn’t sure, but something told me things were changing.
Chapter 10
“So where are we going? Did I dress up enough… or too much?” I asked as I scanned my outfit: a khaki skirt and buttoned-up white blouse.
Drew studied me from the driver’s seat, his eyes drifting over the length of me. He stopped at my bare legs for a moment before giving me a smile and turning his eyes back on the road. “Oh, I think that’ll do. Have you ever been to The Boat House before?”
I shook my head, “No, never heard of it. What is it close to?”
“It’s on the other side of Imperial Point, right past the cove.”
“Oh, okay, I’ve been to Imperial Point. It’s a beautiful place.” I didn’t want to say with whom I went there and hoped he wouldn’t ask.
“I’ve only pain
ted one picture there, years ago for my mom’s doctor. Mom told him how talented I was and he requested a painting. It was a crystal clear day in the springtime when I painted it. You’re right; it’s a stunning place. I have no idea why, but I haven’t been back since.”
“You should go back. I think autumn would be wonderful time to go. October is in a few days. The leaves should start turning soon and all the colors and their reflection off the water would be gorgeous.”
“That does sound amazing. You’ll come with me, right?” he grinned.
“Sure,” I said, realizing I’d made future plans with him without any idea where we’d be by then.
We took our seats inside The Boat House and I looked around, assessing the décor. I felt as if I were in a restaurant right at the beach, even though it was only a river. Every seat inside the restaurant viewed the water. It was beautiful and I thought it probably required a reservation, but it didn’t. Everyone was dressed in casual attire and I felt comfortable in my outfit. I looked down at our table, mesmerized by the sand and seashells trapped between two panes of glass. The wood framing it was stained a dark color, and matched the hardwood floors, making the atmosphere warm and inviting. Nautical trinkets hung from the walls, giving it more of an authentic boat vibe.
After our drinks arrived, a margarita for me and a beer for him, we ordered our food and waited. I tucked one leg under the other and settled in for what promised to be an enjoyable night.
“This place is awesome, Drew. Why haven’t I heard of it before?”
“I don’t know, maybe because it’s almost forty-five minutes away. I think unless you’ve been here before, most people don’t really know about it. It’s kind of good, I think. Keeps it less crowded that way.”
I nodded and took a sip of my drink. The sugar granules around the rim of the glass mixed with the liquid, creating a sugary-sour mix across my tongue. It was heaven in a glass and I intended to have a couple more before we left.
“So,” Drew started after taking a sip of his Corona, “have you heard from your dad since he called you yesterday?”
“Nope, as I expected I wouldn’t.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be; it’s a usual occurrence. I should be used to it by now.”
“I know we’re supposed to be respectful to our parents, but sometimes you can only take so much of their trash talking. There comes a point when you have to stand up to them. It’s hard, but I’ve had to do it. ”
“When was the last time you talked to your dad?” I was curious. He hadn’t talked about him since the night I walked into his apartment with his mail.
“We talk, but not regularly. He travels around as a sales rep for a pharmaceutical company, so we don’t see each other much. He’s not really been the same since Mom died. Dad tolerated my love of painting while Mom was around. For her sake, I think. But once she wasn’t there to glare at him for deriding my artwork, he didn’t hold back. I let it go in one ear and out the other for a while. I got to a point where I couldn’t take it anymore and spoke out about it.”
“How is your relationship now?”
“There isn’t much of one. When we’re together, it’s weird and we never know what to say to each other. I know I feel bitter that he left when Mom died, and it irks me that he doesn’t understand my love of painting. So really, there’s not much to talk about.”
“Maybe you both need to compromise, listen to the other in spite of lacking common ground,” I suggested.
“I don’t know. I told him when I moved out that I would find a way to make a living doing what I love, and no matter what, never ask him for support. If painting was the way I chose to make my living, he couldn’t do or say anything about it. He lost the right to make my decisions when I moved out and started paying my own bills. I told him if he wanted to lose me and our relationship over my occupation, then that was his decision. So now, when we do talk, it’s never about my paintings. But at least, we’re talking. Baby steps, I guess. Maybe someday, he’ll be interested.” His green eyes glinted off the oil lamp sitting on our table.
“Well, at least it seems like you two are making some kind of progress. With your mom gone, you need your family more than ever. I’m happy he’s coming around. Unfortunately, I don’t ever see that happening with my father. There are some problems in our relationship that are more complicated than my choice of employment.”
Drew leaned forward, “How so? What else could he possibly have an issue with? You’re great.”
I gave him a half-hearted smile. “Thank you, but even I don’t agree. I’m far from great. How does the motto go: ‘forgive and forget?’ Well, not everything can be forgiven and no one ever forgets. My father made sure I understood that.”
“But what—”
The waitress came to the table, holding two large plates and I was thankful for the interruption. I needed something in my stomach with all the alcohol I was consuming, and I was finished talking about my father. After I asked for another margarita and beer, the waitress left. I looked at Drew and said, “We’re supposed to have a good time tonight, right?”
“Yes, we are.”
“Good. Let’s not talk about our parents anymore please. I’d like to keep this date cheerful.” He arched his brow and I realized instantly what I said. Date. It was too late to take it back.
“Absolutely,” he grinned.
We dug into our food, an overfilled plate of popcorn shrimp was my entrée and it was falling off onto the table. “Good grief! I’ll never eat all of this. We could have shared it if I’d known it was going to be this much.”
“Yeah, I forgot how big their portions are. I remember thinking the same thing the last time I came here.”
The curiosity got the better of me and I had to know with whom he was last here. Not that it mattered or anything, but I wanted to know. “Oh, whom did you last come with?”
“Mom loved it here. At one point, we were regulars and had our drinks on the table before we even made it to our seats.” He smiled and paused briefly, savoring the memory. “My college professor introduced me to this place. A few of my classmates and I were invited to his engagement party here. Once I came, I knew I had to bring Mom. She loved the beach and this was the perfect place to almost feel like you were sitting right on a dock, eating dinner.”
“That sounds really nice.” I wanted to stomp on my own foot under the table. It seemed every time I asked something, I made him bring up his mother and I didn’t want to make him sad, especially on a day when he was supposed to be celebrating.
“Hey! That reminds me,” Drew said excitedly. He put his napkin over his plate and pushed it aside. “I’ve been asked to contribute and attend a charity event to raise money for the Make-a-Wish foundation in a few weeks. They’re fundraising for a local boy who has terminal cancer. My good friend and mentor, Phillip West, asked me to attend. Would you be my date? From my understanding, it’s a pretty fancy event but—”
“What! A charity event with Phillip West? The Phillip West?”
“Yeah, I know it’s kind of short notice. If you already have plans, I understand.”
“No, I mean you said Phillip West was your mentor. The guy who composed ‘I’ll Weep For You in the Morning Sun’? And who also painted a collection of landscapes that inspired the song?”
“I take it you know of him then?” Drew leaned back against the booth with a curious smile.
“I lived and breathed that song for months. You have no idea how long I stayed in my room with it on. I repeat… hours… no, days.”
“I’m not surprised. He’s kind of a jack-of-all-trades. He’s so talented. I’ve admired him for years. After my mom died, he emailed me the link to that song. I thought he wanted to brag about his music because he was always talking about how many hits his videos would get online. Phillip is always joking around, he’s a young-at-heart kind of guy. If you didn’t know he was fifteen years older than us, you’d think he was our age.”
<
br /> “Is he going to be at the charity event too?” I asked optimistically.
“Of course, he’s the one putting it together.”
“Oh my God! I can’t believe I’ll get to meet him. That will be incredible.”
“So you’ll go with me then?”
“Uh, duh! Phillip West is going to be there. Of course, I’ll go.”
Drew crossed his arms, “Oh, I see how it is. Write a song; paint a couple pictures and the girl swoons. Just use me as the vehicle to get to the famous people, why don’t ya?” He turned his head and looked away, fighting a smile.
“Well, it’s your own fault, you should have left his name out of it,” I laughed, seeing he was trying his best to stifle his giggle. Reaching my hand across the table, I rested it palm down in front of him. “I’m kidding, I’ll go because you want me to go and because it’s a good cause. Thanks for asking me.”
His smile was bright, and his dimples pierced deeply into his cheeks when he placed his hand over mine. “Great, I’ll let you know the exact date when I get more details.”
His thumb rubbed the top of my hand when I felt an excited, but nervous flutter passing through me. I pulled my hand back and placed it in my lap. “I’m giving you fair warning though; you better clear a path when we see Phillip. I’d hate to run you over.”
“I’ll be sure to remember that,” he chuckled. Drew looked across the room at the waitress and motioned her over. “Would you like another margarita? Or crack open the bottle of red wine I have at my apartment? I’ve been saving it for a special occasion.”
“Oh, let’s get the wine. I love wine. Plus, it will give me the opportunity to ogle your paintings some more.”
“Wine it is.” Drew looked at the waitress as she approached the table. “I’ll take the check now.”
Painted Memories Page 9