Sublime Karma

by Peyton Garver

  Their dad stepped back. “That sounds good. You two take a quick ride while I finish dinner.”

  Brie followed the stream of cars into the smaller lot behind the auditorium. She decided on the back lot rather than the main lot, but even this lot seemed busy. She checked her phone for messages. Nothing. It’s still early. She dropped her phone into her coat pocket. After getting out of the car, she slung her handbag over her shoulder, then hesitated. Slipping out of her coat, she tossed it into the backseat of her car. She shivered. Ohmigosh, it’s freezing! But, I’d rather be cold for a minute than have to carry it around for three hours. Slamming the door, she hurried into the auditorium.

  Brie took one last look at her showpiece panel. Leif had said he’d be down later; he wanted to give her some time with Jake. And, since Jake had band rehearsal at eight, that worked out perfectly. The two people who meant most to her would both be here for her tonight.

  Looking at her work, she could hardly believe it was hers. She paused at each piece. Now that they were mounted on the panel, they looked professional.

  She backtracked and stared at the one piece that didn’t have a personal connection. The Lake House. She closed her eyes and imagined the scene from her dreams, then looked back at the sketch. Something was missing. But, how? She stepped closer and touched the empty place in her sketch where, now, she envisioned a boathouse, right at the edge of the woods, some distance back from the lake and pier. Dropping her hand from the sketch, she shook off her confusion, then gazed at the pastel in the middle. “Roxy. I’m so sorry,” she whispered. Staring at her dog, Brie massaged her scarred palm, but drew in a deep breath and shook her hands out.

  Jake, where are you? She checked her watch, then rummaged around in her handbag for her phone. Oh, crap! It’s in my coat. Contemplating running back out to the car to get it, she spotted Mia making her way over. Brie’s anxiety melted.

  “You look great,” they said to each other in unison, then laughed. Both looked elegant with their hair pulled back into loose, messy buns. Brie wore a short, three-quarter sleeve, formfitting black sheath dress that accentuated her svelte figure and long legs. Mia wore practically the same style dress, but in burgundy.

  “That color looks so good on you,” Brie complimented. “And, I love your jewelry, it’s so artsy. Perfect for this.”

  “Thanks, I made them.” Mia shrugged.

  “No way! Really?” Brie reached out to touch the copper enameled pendant that matched Mia’s bracelet and earrings.

  “Yeah.” Mia blushed. “And, you look so great, none of the guys will be looking at the art. You look like a model.”

  Model? Brie shuddered, then glanced at her watch again. Ten after six. Where is he?

  Mia studied the newest sketches. “Oh, you finished the lake sketch and both of the football sketches. He’ll love these.” She looked closer at the last two.

  “You think so?” Brie looked over Mia’s shoulder.

  “No doubt. They’re great.”

  Brie took in the image she had drawn of Jake making a dive to catch a football, bounding off his toes with his hands open and his arms outstretched, reaching for the ball. It is perfect. She couldn’t part with it, either. So, she was still lacking a donation for the auction. She looked at the other sketch. This was the one she donated for the silent auction. In it, Troy was leaning back, poised to throw a pass. Looking downfield, his right arm was drawn back with the ball, and his left arm was extended in front of him. She wondered if anyone would bid on it, but didn’t really care.

  Her eyes wandered to The Lakehouse. I could have entered that for the auction. Why didn’t I? She felt her forehead crease, and she moved closer to the sketch.

  “Brie?”

  She turned back to Mia. “Hey, I didn’t get to see your display yet.”

  Brie laughed as an eager Mia took her hand and pulled her away. “Come on, my panels are on the other side of the lobby.”

  Jake stood in front of Brie’s panel and scanned the lobby. Brie had told him she’d be wearing a black dress. Straightening his black tie, he looked down and smoothed it against his stark white shirt and smirked at himself. What would she think of him putting the effort to coordinate? Most girls liked that, would she? He glanced up at the first sketch and wandered where she had done it, then he studied the next three sketches on Brie’s panel. Now, these three he knew their significance. The first one, a pencil sketch titled The Birthday, was of her sixth birthday. He remembered it from the video. He could sense the eager anticipation of the kids: Brie and Leif. He moved on to the next, Roxy. Smiling, he remembered carrying the dog up the ladder to the deer blind platform. He navigated to the photo in his phone. The one of Brie holding Roxy. The sketch was a perfect likeness of the dog. He looked back at the sketch feeling a wave of regret for the missing dog. His gaze fixed on the next sketch. The Deer Blind. He had seen this drawing in its earliest stages. He tented his fingers, studying the sketch. Our place. These are so good. He sent off a quick text to let her know he was finally here.

  He looked closer at the last two sketches that hung side by side, below the others. “No way,” he voiced in revelation. Leaning in, he studied the first, Wide Receiver. He turned, looking again for Brie in the lobby of the auditorium now crowded with people. Where is she?

  Marcus clapped him on the back. “What’s up bro?”

  Jake gestured to the football sketches. “Did you see these? They’re awesome.”

  Marcus moved in closer to get a better look. “That’s you? And, Troy? That girl is good. But, where am I? I’m on the leaderboard for yards per game.”

  “Well, you’re not on this board.”

  Marcus laughed. “Sheeet, bro. Hey, I’ll catch up wit’ you later. I gotta go find Lorianne.”

  Jake gave him a nod. “A’right, later.” He checked his phone. Still no answer to his texts. He looked back at the last one, the one she’d entered into the silent auction. It had been numbered and was titled Quarterback. It was definitely the likeness of Troy drawing the ball back for a pass.

  Suddenly, a pair of hands lightly covered his eyes. She pressed against him from behind. He could feel her warm breath on his neck. Pivoting, he reached around her waist and pulled her close, so she stayed wrapped around him. Laughing, he said, “Brie, these are amaz–Oh, I thought you were Brie.”

  In each other’s arms, their lips inches apart, he stared into the bright eyes of Ari, flush against him, still standing on tiptoes with her arms now wrapped tightly around his neck. His eyes searched her face, pausing on her lips then returning to her eyes. But then, he released her. Drawing back, he gently broke the hold she had on him and turned to Brie’s work. “Aren’t these incredible?” He swallowed the lump in his throat, playing it off, feeling the heat flush through him and his heart beating faster than he wanted it to.

  “Uh, hello?” she inflected. “Don’t you notice anything different?” She stepped further back and held her arms out, twirling to display her new look. No longer black, and free of the colorful highlights, her silky light brown hair fell in soft waves. She wore a frilly, short, bright blue halter-top dress.

  “Oh, wow! You look really good.” He laughed. “You ditch the black, and Brie’s wearing black tonight.” He stepped back from her, waving a hand down his own ensemble, showing his black pants, white shirt, and black tie. “And, so am I.”

  “Jake, you’re not still mad at her?”

  “Mad? Ari, I was never mad at her.”

  “Hey, Lil’ Lindstrom,” Marcus belted out from across the aisle. Making rounds with Kal, he sauntered over to Brie and Mia. “Jake’s waitin’ for you at your display. My man has completely lost it. He’s back there all googly-eyed.” He pointed over his shoulder with his thumb toward the other side of the lobby.

  “He’s here?” Brie’s heart beat a little faster
at Marcus’s narration.

  “Yeah, I left him staring at your pictures. I had no idea you’re like some kind of Rembrandt. Hey,” he flexed his muscles, “you forgot to do one of me. I’ll model for you.” Then, he leaned down and whispered. “You can stop blushing. I promise to wear something. Unless, you want to see me in all my glory.”

  “Ugh! Marcus!” Mia groaned, then turned to Brie. “Well? What are you waiting for? Go find him.” Mia said, pulling Brie away from Marcus.

  Brie gave Mia a quick hug, before leaving her with Marcus and Kal.

  “Hey! Where’s mine?” Marcus called, spreading his arms out.

  Brie looked over her shoulder at him, but continued on to her display smiling to herself. He’s crazy!

  Greg stormed past Brie as she neared her panel. She hesitated, watching him leave the lobby, then rounded the corner looking toward her panel and froze. Seeing the striking girl wearing a flirty, electric-blue, halter-top dress, and standing in Jake’s arms—her lips inches from his—Brie froze. Everything slammed shut. Who is she? Brie steadied herself. It’s Ari? What happened in the art room, it all makes sense. Greg must have seen them, too.

  She took a step back. I need to get out of here. I can’t breathe. She hurried out of the auditorium lobby and into the parking lot. Walking quickly through the lot, she passed a black pickup truck with dark, tinted windows, idling a few spaces from her car with its headlights on and interior lights off. She looked away embarrassed, knowing that although she couldn’t see in, they could see out.

  Finally, in her car, she relaxed. “Wha—” A red light flashed on her dashboard indicating her rear tires were low on air. “How?” Getting out of her car, she was distracted by the sound of a vehicle door opening. The lights inside the black truck flashed on for an instant. Maybe they’re coming to help. But then, the door suddenly shut, and no one had gotten out. She turned back to her car and checked her back tires. Both, completely flat. Are you kidding me?

  She gasped at a light touch on her shoulder. Spinning around, she looked straight into Ryan’s face. “Did you do this?” she shrieked, supporting herself on the shiny black Jeep parked next to her car.

  “Do what?” He raised his hands up in surrender. “Look, Brie, let’s call a truce. I saw you run outta there, and I thought something happened, so I followed you. Are you okay?”

  No. “Yes, I—I just have a headache. I want to go home, and now I find out I have two flat tires.”

  He glanced at one of the tires, and back to her. “You think I did that?” He squatted to inspect the tire. “It’s flat, but it doesn’t look damaged. There’s no air cap on it. Someone must’ve held the valve in. That had to take a while, to do both tires. I wouldn’t do that to you or anyone else. Who has it out for you?”

  “Sarah? Kelly? Any of their friends? I don’t know!” Ari? She shivered.

  He nodded. “Here, you’re cold.” He took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “Brie, I can take you home if you need a ride. Really. Let’s just put the past behind us. All that shit about cross-country? Forget about it. The season’s just about over anyway. And, I’m sorry for acting like an ass to you the other day. I just, you know? It wasn’t just Jake. I was looking for you, too.” He sighed. “It’s next weekend.”

  Still shivering, she pulled his jacket tighter around her. “What’s next weekend?”

  “The State Meet. It was going to be just you and me. Well, Coach would have met us there.” He swallowed. “You can still come, ya know, watch and cheer me on. I could drive you there.”

  “Ryan, I already made plans for next weekend.”

  “Okay.” He scoffed. “I guess I’m the fool here. So, I don’t stand a chance. Is that what you’re telling me?”

  “Ryan, I—”

  “No, it’s all right. I get it. But, tell me something, if you never met Jake, would you have—”

  “Ryan, don’t do this.”

  He gave her a resigned smile. “Okay. Then, can we just start over? You know? Friends? Because, I don’t want to lose you all the way.” He held out his hand.

  Brie nodded. “I’d like that.” She took his hand, giving it a squeeze before she released it. “Friends.”

  “Come on, I can give you a ride. I’m in the other lot. I’ll behave. I promise.”

  What would Jake say? Remember? He doesn’t care. I don’t want to hurt him. Did he care about me? There has to be an explanation. Leaving with Ryan would crush him. Hasn’t he just crushed me?

  “My brother is supposed to be coming anyway. Give me a second to call him.” She reached into the back seat of her car for her coat to retrieve her phone from the pocket. Ryan shoved his hands into his pockets and waited while she made the call.

  “He’s already on his way.” She handed him back his jacket. “Here, thanks.” She shrugged into her own coat, then looked back at her phone. Two texts, both from Jake.

  “At least, let me wait with you until he gets here. C’mon, let’s sit in the car where it’s warm.”

  She nodded. “Okay.” She unlocked the passenger door for him and started up the engine, as he slid in next to her. “Thanks, Ryan, for waiting with me.” She shivered again with the first blast of cold air. “It’ll take a couple minutes to warm up.”

  Brie looked back at her phone. The first was sent at five-thirty, Hey, I’m running late came home to shower and change after practice

  The next one, he sent at six-twenty: I’m here I’ll wait at your panel. It’s awesome see you soon <3

  Brie glanced away from the screen and then back again. I was with Mia. The phone vibrated and a third message suddenly popped up: Brie what’s going on? Where are you?

  “Um . . . Ryan, I think you should go. Jake is looking for me, and I don’t want him to take anything out on you. My brother’s on his way, everything’s fine, really.”

  “Brie, what happened? Did Jake—”

  “No. Jake and I are . . .” Jake and I are what? “We’re good. I just don’t want anyone fighting. I’m okay, really. Just, please go.” As soon as the words were out, she regretted the way it sounded. “Ryan, I didn’t mean it like that,” she blurted, resting her hand on the back of his. “I just need some alone time.”

  Wistful, he turned his hand to hold hers. “Hey, it’s all right. I get it. I’ll go, but if you want to talk, or . . .” He grinned, massaging her hand with his thumb before letting go. “Or, go out for a burger, or play a game of darts, or whatever, I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks, Ryan, really. Thank you,” she murmured.

  He nodded, opening the car door. “Okay then. I’ll see you. You’re sure you’re okay?” He leaned down to look inside the open passenger door, hesitant to leave.

  “Yes, I’m okay. Really.” She got out of the car with him.

  “Okay, so I’ll see you around.”

  Leif’s shiny black Maserati pulled to a sudden stop in front of Brie’s car as Ryan walked away. “Who are you?” Leif demanded, hopping out of his car.

  Stopping, Ryan turned to answer, just as the black truck pulled out.

  “Leif! It’s okay,” Brie said, ushering her brother to the back of her car. “He’s my friend.” She looked over the car at him. “Ryan, thanks for waiting with me.”

  Ryan nodded. He glanced at the black truck’s taillights, then turned back to Brie. “Yeah, no problem. See ya later.”

  “I’m telling you, bro, I saw her run out of here like a bat outta hell.” Troy said.

  “Why? What happened?” Jake checked his phone. Nothing.

  “I dunno.” He shrugged. “I was waiting for Pam when Brie took off. Pam’s not here yet, but some of us are going out to DiPietro’s for pizza after this thing is over. I was thinking maybe you and Brie might want to come.”

  “No. First of all, I’ve
no idea where she is. And . . .” He checked the time. “I’m supposed to be somewhere at eight o’clock. I’m going out to the lot. I parked next to her. Text me if you see her again?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  On his way out, Jake passed Ryan coming in. The two locked eyes.

  Ryan stopped in his tracks. “What’d you do to her?”

  “What did you just say?” Jake dropped his hand from the push bar of the exit door.

  Sneering, Ryan narrowed his eyes at Jake. “You heard me. What’d you do to her? Why’d she run out of here? She was pissed about something. I’m thinkin’ it was you. And then, some asshole let the air out of her tires. I was the one who was there for her.” He puffed up his chest and lifted his chin.

  Jake looked out toward the lot and then glared back at Ryan. He turned away from the exit closing the space between them. No more than three feet from Ryan, he stopped. “I could beat the shit outta you right now,” he growled.

  “Try it!” Ryan challenged.

  Jake snorted out a condescending laugh trying to decide if he should take care of Ryan right now, or go find Brie. “I could kick your ass any day of the week! We’re not finished,” Jake spat out. He turned back to the exit and shoved the door open.

  “You don’t know who did this?” Leif asked his sister.

  “No, but I have my suspicions. Probably Sarah or her friends.”

  He inspected the tires. “You’re probably right. Probably one of those bitchy girls. Usually if it’s some punk, asshole-guy, the tires would be slashed. Whoever did it took the air caps off and deflated them. This actually takes a lot longer to make them flat.” He picked one of the caps up off the asphalt behind the tire and twisted it back onto the valve, then stood. “So, why were you already going home? What happened in there?” He motioned toward the art show.