Painted Memories

by Flowers, Loni

  I aimed my eyes at him. There wasn’t any reason to be rude; his father hadn’t done anything wrong… yet. “Wow, all that traveling, that must be the best part of your job.”

  “Yes and no. It’s fun visiting different cities, sightseeing here and there, but it gets pretty lonely, and more often than not, I actually do miss being home.”

  “S-u-u-u-re you do,” Drew said, rolling his eyes.

  I looked alternately from Drew to his dad, suddenly wishing I stayed home. Then maybe they could discuss whatever they really wanted to say without sidestepping the issues. “It should be nearly time for our reservations; shall we go inside?” I asked, switching gears.

  Steven looked at his watched and nodded in agreement. “Yes, it’s about that time. It’s been years since I’ve been here. I hope the cuisine hasn’t changed too much.”

  He turned around and started down the path toward the door. Drew groaned and took my hand, leading me after his father. “Let’s get this over with.”

  I pulled him back and he turned to stand in front of me. “Look. Do you want to have a relationship with your dad or not?” I asked.

  Drew looked at me with hardened eyes, but instantly, his shoulders fell and his face softened. “Yes. But you—”

  “I know. I don’t know the details, or how deep this really goes, and God knows I have no room to give any advice, but someone has to take the first step. Your dad asked you to dinner and you said yes. If you didn’t intend to try and work on your relationship, you should have said no, and stayed home. He took the first step, are you going to take the next?”

  Drew stared at me for a moment, not saying a word, and I held my breath, waiting for him to argue. Instead, he grinned slightly as he grabbed a curly lock on my shoulder and lightly pulled it between his fingers. “You’re right. You have no idea how much it sets me at ease knowing you’re here. And if not for your honesty. I probably would have left already, or made a complete ass out of myself in front of everyone.”

  “I gave his hand a squeeze and grinned. “Well, the night is young. There’s still room for the ass-making part. Let’s eat, I’m starved.”

  I couldn’t help marveling at the whole place. Outside and in, it was the most beautiful restaurant I’d ever seen. We sat at a table draped with a thick, white linen tablecloth. Fresh flowers were its centerpiece. Drew sat next to me and across from his dad. The conversation through most of dinner was light as we talked about his father’s job, and what he truly enjoyed about the traveling that came along with it. We talked about my being a teacher, and he surprised me when I saw how interested and impressed he was by my love for it. From the way Drew talked about his dad not approving of his occupation, I assumed my job would fall in the same category, an utter waste of time. Maybe Drew was wrong. Or maybe he had changed. What better way to find out than by testing the waters.

  “Another glass of wine, my dear?” Steven asked. He was holding up a bottle of expensive wine, whose name I couldn’t even pronounce.

  “Oh no, thank you, I’ll stick with water from here on out. Too much wine does funny things to my lips.”

  “Really? Like a reaction?”

  “Yeah, something like that.” I could feel Drew’s eyes glaring at me and I didn’t dare look his way. If I did, I knew that nothing could stop the grin I tried to conceal behind my lips.

  “Did you hear about Drew’s new studio?” I blurted out.

  His brows arched in question. “Studio? No, I haven’t. Is it for your paintings?”

  “Oh, it’s nothing really,” Drew shrugged off, glaring daggers at me.

  “Yes, it is,” I shot back. “It was important to you and you put in a lot of time and effort to fix the space up.” I smiled at Mr. McGregor. “He’s being modest; you should see how many beautiful paintings he has. It’s the perfect place to showcase all of it.”

  “That sounds really great, Drew, I’d love to come by and see it.”

  “Really? Why?” Drew asked.

  “I’d like to see all of your work and—”

  “Why? Why do you care now, Dad?” Drew leaned back in his chair. He was resting an arm on the table while his other arm held my hand on his lap. “You haven’t cared since I decided this was what I wanted to do with my life.”

  Steven lay his napkin across his plate and pushed it forward, leaning his forearms on the table in front of him. “Do you want to do this now? Here… and in front of Lilly?”

  “Where we do this doesn’t make a difference; and whatever you have to say can be said in front of her. There are no secrets between us.”

  Drew gripped my hand and I gave him a small smile of confidence. Part of me was elated that he thought enough of our relationship to share this personal moment with me, but at the same time, I felt horrible. I was a liar for not being as honest about my problems with my father as he was with me about his. It was one thing for your father not to approve of your profession, and quite another to be reminded constantly that you killed your brother. In my opinion, that trumped anything Drew had going on with his father, and for that reason alone, there was no way I could tell him the truth. Not yet.

  “So how is your online business going?” Steven asked.

  Drew’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How do you know about my online business? I never told you. And again, why do you care?”

  “I care a lot more than you give me credit for. Sure, I’ve been pretty lousy at showing it for a long time, but I’ve always cared that you’re making a way for yourself in this world… whether I agreed with it at the time or not. I’ve always wanted you to be successful.”

  “And to what do I owe this change of heart? Why is my work all of a sudden acceptable to you?”

  He leaned in closer, as if to make sure Drew heard every word. “It was my own selfishness, Drew, my own wants and needs that kept me from seeing what was right in front of me.”

  “Yeah? And what was this great epiphany?”

  “That I have an amazing son who is talented beyond belief. He can paint a landscape of the Colorado Mountains as if he were standing there at the edge of the riverbank. You even added the cottage we stayed in while on vacation all those years ago when you were a little boy. I had no idea you would get the details so perfect. I studied it for hours when it was delivered.”

  His dad stared off in the distance, as if remembering that moment all those years ago. His eyes were misty, and I could feel my own eyes watering up as he described what the painting did to him. I looked toward Drew, gaping at his dad, and altogether shocked to hear something so unexpected. I couldn’t blame him; I’m sure I’d feel the same.

  Steven looked back at Drew, as if he regained his bearings. “It was that painting that changed everything I ever thought I believed about you as an artist. I never tried to see your work for the beauty and brilliance it possessed. For that I’m sorry… terribly sorry. I don’t expect you to forgive me for how I acted in the past, or for the things I said. I can only hope that you give me the chance to start over. I was an idiot for thinking I didn’t need my family in my life, and you’re all I have left, Drew.”

  His dad was on the verge of tears, but somehow managed to hold them back, a skill I felt sure I’d never acquire in my lifetime. I looked away and swiftly flicked the tears from my cheeks. I needed to be there for Drew, and not as an emotional girlfriend. I was the one, after all, that convinced him to go into this with an open mind, although he admitted he wanted to work things out. Maybe this was it. I waited for Drew to speak, but even after a few minutes, he said nothing. I gave his hand a firm squeeze, trying to trigger his mind back to reality. He looked at me with an impartial expression before gazing back at his dad.

  “You mean, you knew about my online store? For how long?” Drew asked.

  I wanted to smack him. After everything his father just said and that’s the question he asks?

  Steven chuckled and sat back in his chair with his arms crossed against his chest. “Remember Dr. Ramirez? Your mo
m’s doctor?” Drew nodded and he continued. “Well, I was up in western Virginia on business, trying to sell a new drug the company was pushing. It was Dr. Ramirez’s office that I went into. Apparently, he sold his practice and opened a new one there. Anyway, while I was waiting in his office, I was captivated by a painting on his wall. I kept looking at it, thinking to myself how familiar it seemed. It was then that I realized it was Imp—”

  “Imperial Point.” Drew finished.

  “Yes. I inspected the painting closer and was shocked to see your name signed at the bottom. I had no idea how Dr. Ramirez obtained one of your paintings. Knowing my wife’s own doctor had a painting by you in his office while I had nothing, gnawed at me for days. I got online, searched your name, and found your website. I ordered a landscape picture anonymously and later requested that you paint anything you chose, as long as it had beautiful scenery. After I received it, I couldn’t stop myself, and ordered more. Sorry, I didn’t tell you it was me. I thought if you knew, you would not have filled my orders.”

  “Wow,” Drew said. He sat motionless and at a loss for words.

  “I know,” Steven said. “It was a big coincidence, really. I mean, finding your painting, not the wanting you in my life part.”

  Drew thought about what he said for a moment. “Nothing is ever a coincidence. Everything happens for a reason.”

  I smiled, recalling how Drew said the exact same thing when our mail got switched around. Maybe he was right, everything in life does happen for a reason. Like that painting Drew painted for his mom’s doctor. It was part of life’s big plan. He needed to paint that picture all those years ago for this moment to occur. Life was like a boat on the open sea. Some days, it was smooth sailing, while others made us fear we might never make it through the rough storms ahead. We were the captains of our ships some days, while others, we were only along for the ride. Life was about the journey, what happened from the beginning to the end that made the trip worthwhile. And I thought that Drew was soon to reach calmer seas. I was thrilled I could witness the restoration of their relationship for myself.

  “I’m thankful then that you have a positive perspective on life. If not, I fear this conversation would have gone much differently. It’s good to see you have your mother’s heart. Your talent, I’m not so sure about. I know I can’t draw, and we both know how horrible your mother was. Remember all those times she tried to make you teach her? It was a lost cause.”

  We all chuckled, and for a moment, I could almost picture Drew, standing behind a woman, trying to teach her his techniques, while preparing to pull his hair out at the same time. I laughed a little envisioning it.

  “Well, it’s getting late and I don’t want to take up your whole night. Would it be okay if I called you so we can make plans to get together soon? I’m in the process of selling my condo in Virginia to move back here. I’m waiting for escrow to close.”

  “What?! Wow, really?” Drew choked out.

  “Yes. I’ve been thinking about this for some time now, and only recently started putting things in motion. I can’t expect our relationship to resume any sense of normalcy if I’m living two states away.”

  “Oh, and what would you have done if I didn’t want to work things out?” Drew asked out of curiosity.

  “I would have just worried the shit out of you until you listened to what I had to say.”

  Drew laughed, “Thankfully, I don’t think it would have come to that.”

  “I hope to see you again, young lady,” Steven said to me. “It looks like my son is quite fond of you, and I can’t say that I blame him.”

  I felt my cheeks redden at his innocent flirt. “Thank you, I’m quite fond of your son as well.”

  After exchanging phone numbers, Steven finally settled the bill with the waiter. Drew tried to protest, but it fell on deaf ears. We made our way back outside, where all the twinkling lights lit up the surrounding tree branches. I was awed all over again, seeing the beauty of the front lawn in the pitch-black night.

  “Until we meet again, my dear,” Steven said, standing in front of me. He wrapped me in a hug that was unexpected and whispered in my ear. “I may be wrong, but I think I have you to thank for tonight.” He gave me peck on the cheek before pulling away. “Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome,” I said, stepping away to join Drew, who stood a few feet behind me. “I know what it’s like to lose your father, figuratively speaking. So if I can help in any small way… I won’t hesitate to do what I can.” Steven smiled with gratitude and it felt nice to participate in the recovery of something lost. “Oh, that reminds me,” I called out as he turned away.

  “Yes?”

  “Drew’s work is going to be featured in a charity event coming up soon. I’m sure he can fill you in on all the details when he gets them. But it’s supposed to be pretty big. Would you like to come, if you don’t have any plans?”

  He looked from me to Drew as if asking for his permission.

  “Lilly, he’s probably busy,” Drew said. “It’s too short notice.” He glanced down and hesitated as the leaves crunched beneath his feet, “But you’re welcome to come if you have the time.”

  “I’ll make the time. If I have anything going on, I’ll cancel it. Call me later and let me know the details.”

  Drew looked up with a cheesy, schoolboy grin. “Great, I’ll call you tomorrow then.”

  “Looking forward to it, son.” Steven said “Have a good night. And don’t keep that girl out too late.”

  I giggled as I watched him walk to the car. Sure, Drew’s dad had some jacked-up priorities and got lost along the way. But he was making a comeback, and I looked forward to getting to know him better.

  “Come on, let’s go. I want you to see something.” Drew said, leading me to the car.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “You’ll have to wait and see,” he grinned.

  “Can we take a quick stroll through the garden one more time? I want to see it all lit up.”

  “We have all night.”

  Chapter 17

  After passing through the vine arbor, I felt like I was in a fairytale. Every tree twinkled, casting a golden hue all around. Couples filled the private tables that were scattered throughout the garden. They were enjoying their drinks with quiet conversations and light caresses from their lovers. The atmosphere was delightfully romantic, and I dared anyone to walk through the garden and not feel it in the electrically-charged air.

  I pulled Drew toward one of the koi ponds that I hadn’t noticed before. Tea lights floated among the lily pads and a large weeping willow tree’s branch hung low, tickling the water’s surface. I walked over to the trunk and peered up into its canopy. Like illuminated dew drops on a spider’s web, glittery lights tangled up the trunk into its lower branches.

  “It’s so beautiful,” I whispered, as if my voice would tarnish its beauty. Drew walked around me and stood between the tree and me, peering up into the branches. “I’m going to have a backyard like this someday.”

  “Oh? Is that right?” He grinned, leaning his back against the trunk of the tree.

  “Yeah, I am. My dream house has always looked similar to this in my mind, minus all the ponds. I’ll find an old house, one with big trees and create my own private haven. You know a fixer-upper kind of place?”

  “I know the type. And who’s going to do all the work? Those projects take time.”

  “Hey,” I said with my hand on my hip. “I might be a girl, but I’m sure not scared to learn or get my hands dirty.”

  He laughed and pulled me against him. “Maybe you should start taking applications now, you know, to make sure you find the right person to make all of that happen.”

  “Maybe I should.”

  “I hear it’s hard to find a good man these days,” he said, holding my waist between his hands. I watched his lips as he spoke and felt a sudden rush flow through me.

  “Yes, and someone who is skilled and good with their h
ands would be a must.” The trickling of the small waterfall seemed to drown out the mumbled conversation around us and I could only hear his voice when he spoke to me. Our conversation seemed to go from playful banter to something more.

  “In that case, you’d better keep your eyes open. I’d hate for you to miss what was right in front of you.” Suddenly, his eyes looked past me for an instant before his grip tightened against my sides and he pulled me closer, kissing me deeply. Drew’s tongue forced its way into my mouth with such haste, I didn’t have time to catch my breath before it happened. It was fast and rushed and not what I expected from him. Was he trying to show me what I’d be missing? Why like this? Honestly, all he had to do was ask, and I would have told him. I was falling in love with him. I didn’t know what he’d think about it if he knew, especially since we hadn’t been together that long.

  I pushed him away and stared at him like he’d lost his mind. Never had he kissed me like that, and I sure as hell didn’t find it attractive. “What the hell was that?” His eyes looked past me and over my shoulder as a sly grin spread across his mouth. I looked over my shoulder to see what suddenly captured his interest and my eyes widened in shock. Tyler sat two tables away from us with another woman. From the squinted, ugly look he gave me, I’d say he was slightly aggravated to see me with Drew.

  “Drew!” I snapped.

  His eyes returned to mine in an instant. “Yes?” he said.

  “Do not ever do that to me again. I will not allow you to use me to prove a point.”

  “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”

  I glanced back at Tyler and smiled, letting the grin linger on my lips. A part of me understood Drew’s frustration. I couldn’t really blame him for wanting to show Tyler that he’d won my heart. I stepped closer to Drew and slid my hands up his chest until my fingers found the collar of his shirt. “Now I’m going to pretend that didn’t happen and break my own rule. Is he still watching us?”

  Drew’s gaze flickered over my shoulder and he nodded once with a smirk. “Great. Now kiss me again. This time, show him you really mean it.” I leaned in even closer, my lips inches from his and peered into his eyes. “Show me that you really mean it.”