Coincidences: #3 Diana & Anya

by Diroll-Nichols, Karen

  “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could smell them? The star lilies are incredible,” Amy stood before a medium painting staring at the white and pink edged lilies.

  “I’ll take you over to grannie’s garden some time, Amy,” Diana promised, watching Olivia catalogue things before telling them she had to get ready for her date. “I have tons of photos on my computer, let me know and I’ll put them on a flash drive for you. Later!”

  Diana knew her stomach was churning. She had been set up a lot. She had been coerced into things she should have run screaming from, but not tonight. Tonight, she wanted to spend time with Gideon Adams, she declared to the mirror, a gentle spray of lily of the valley perfume and one last look that had her sighing. She looked okay, she decided, holding the small beaded bag open, dropping her keys and phone into the middle.

  Diana stood at the window, watching the dusk play itself out. How had she missed so much beauty in the area? The answer came almost immediately. They were always planning her schedule, always keeping her busy with family things, business things, foundations thing…but never Diana things.

  She watched for a familiar mud covered International Rover. She recognized the shape and went out the door, turning with a swirl of the blue and gold jersey dress at her ankles as she locked the door behind her. She held up one corner of the dress, letting her eyes adjust as she moved carefully down the stairs.

  Gideon had seen the swirl of fabric as he crossed to the bottom of the staircase. His hand was held out to her, slim fingers wrapping around his for the final few steps. He held her gaze with his own, carrying her palm to his lips.

  “You’re beautiful.” He said simply, tucking her hand around his arm and moving slowly to the car.

  “Thank you, you’re looking very handsome tonight,” Diana felt the words catch and was sure they’d come out in a stutter, but it sounded alright, she decided. Her hands steadied her when his palms circled her waist to lift her to the seat, sliding into the car and fastening her belt. Red toes peeked out the open toed, rounded heels, the shawl she held wrapped around her in the car. He wore a simple button shirt of crème with an open jacket.

  Gideon caught himself staring for a long minute before starting the car. Her hands were wrapped around a little bag in her lap; the dress she wore went to her calves in a swirl of clinging fabric of sapphire blue with tiny stripes of gold. A shawl of a pearl color with gold flecks in it was resting on her shoulders. The belt around her waist was thick, the sleeves simple and short and the top rounded and low. He heard bangles on her wrist, smelled a deliciously light flower scent and felt his body reacting to the woman riding beside him. He groaned inwardly.

  “Gideon?” Diana reached over, her fingers resting on his hand on the shift between them.

  “Your hands are like ice,” he reached out and adjusted the heater.

  “I’m sorry,” she pulled back, wrapping her hands in the shawl. “It happens when I’m nervous.”

  He groaned again, getting them on the highway before taking her hand in his. “It wasn’t a complaint, Diana. And I think I’m nervous, too.”

  “Afraid of what your friends will think? That I’m part of your midlife crisis?” Diana peeked up at him, hiding her smile in the darkness. She turned his hand over, covering it with her other palm.

  “I don’t know how to respond to that one,” Gideon said after a quiet minute. “I’m pretty sure to be a midlife crisis, I have to be trading in an older model for a younger one. There you definitely qualify. But I’ve concluded I’m not having a midlife crisis, so you’re safe.”

  “Oh, good. I thought maybe…well, you know…the caveman look and all…”

  “You took pictures, didn’t you?” Gideon looked over and saw her smile, his head shaking.

  “So…how goes the career crisis?” Diana asked innocently, very aware of the warmth in his hand on her lap.

  “Debate still open. But I think I’m coming to a conclusion with a couple friends. One or both of them might be on the cruise tonight, I’ll introduce you. Gabe Hightower and Damian Brandt. I think a partnership might be in order.”

  “You don’t really want to stop the work you do…I think you enjoy the challenge too much,” Diana commented simply, frowning slightly. She knew that name. “Brandt? I think…I met him. Jane brought him to the house. Well, to be honest, he found Jane for my grandmother and brought her to the house.”

  “Found her?”

  “My father’s sister, Lily, went to Italy on art study when she was fifteen and fell in love and returned home pregnant. No one knew,” she explained, amazed and saddened. “She spent that year with friends in the Napa Valley area, gave birth to Jane and placed her immediately for adoption. My grandmother didn’t find out until Lily died a few months ago and her journals were returned to her family.”

  “That had to be a shocker,” Gideon remarked.

  “Grannie didn’t tell us what she was doing, but I liked Jane immediately. She’s…she’s fun and…colorful…and has the most beautiful rose tattoo on her shoulder. It’s an incredible shade of purple mixed with black highlights. Anyway, Grannie knew Damian Brandt through her foundation for wounded vets. She asked for his help. That’s how I met Jane. She’s amazing…so smart and open and…vital,” Diana said earnestly, more than a little in awe.

  “That means there might be someone there tonight you know, besides me,” Gideon withdrew his hand reluctantly, powering down to exit and go toward where the cruise ships were docked in downtown Seattle.

  “It’s beautiful here,” Diana walked toward the ship, not really seeing the other people crossing the parking lot, her gaze locked on the lights across Elliot Bay.

  “Yeah…I agree,” but Gideon wasn’t seeing the lights on the water. He was fascinated by the woman who saw beauty in shimmering water, her head tipped back for a few seconds to stare into the starry night above.

  Diana was busy drinking in all the sights when Gideon came to her side, his palm settling possessively on her waist and guiding her to the short line waiting to board the dinner cruise ship. She was memorizing the shape of the boat, the lights and the milling people, wishing she had snuck her camera into her bag.

  “So tell me about the person retiring,” Diana wasn’t aware of the power in the brilliant smile she turned to him.

  “Believe it or not…a favorite professor of financial theory and practical power,” Gideon told her, genuine affection in his words. “She is brilliant and funny and honest.”

  “She had a big effect on you.”

  “Taught me everything I know and helped me set a major because of it,” he agreed. “Gideon Adams and Diana May,” he told the person at the entrance with a list.

  “Thank you, Mr. Adams…if you’ll step over for your photo,” the young woman gestured to the large life ring with the name of the cruise ship on it.

  “Why do they take your photo?” Diana frowned but walked with him to the circular ring where people had been standing before them.

  “Proof of who was on board,” Gideon could see the realization of the why flicker in her eyes. He saw it, but nothing betrayed itself on her face. He wanted her to laugh and swept her up into his arms. Skirts flew over his arm and her hands were flung up and around his neck, surprise followed by the laughter he wanted to hear. The camera flashed twice before he set her back on the dock.

  “I suppose the caveman is still in there,” Diana straightened her shawl, laughing as they walked to the ramp leading onto the large boat.

  “Then we definitely have things to chat about, cousin,” Jane Foster caught her eyes with a wink, very aware of the wince on the face of the man holding tightly to her waist.

  “Jane!” Diana broke free and hugged Jane tightly. “I’m so glad to see you here! You look wonderful, I love those colors,” she stepped back and let them talk to the woman and move onto the photo. “You know about cavemen guys? Actually, I’m thinking he’s more along the lines of a country boy.”

  “Oh, you have
no idea,” Jane chuckled at the groan from Damian. “You remember Damian.”

  “Of course,” she said warmly, the deep violet and black halter dress was beautiful on Jane. “Oh…this is Gideon Adams…my cousin, Jane Foster and her friend, Damian Brandt.”

  “Damian and I are old friends,” Gideon looked over his friend and the woman with the rose tattoo on her shoulder, dark wide black eyes and short cropped hair.

  “I love the new haircut,” Jane looped her arm through Diana’s and walked a few steps ahead of the men. “So…let me tell you just how I met Damian.”

  “I missed that story…it sounds fun,” Diana said with a chuckle.

  “I’ll never live it down,” Damian bemoaned, head shaking as he wandered with Gideon along the deck.

  “You’re serious?” Diana stopped to the side, glancing from Jane to Damian, his cheeks were slightly tinted. “Oh my…” she giggled slightly, opened her bag and pulled out her phone. “Let me show you Gideon on the day we met.”

  “You’ve got the pictures on your phone?” Gideon lost a step, ignoring the laughter from Damian. “When…how…” His groan matched the one Damian had let free a few moments before.

  “I’m an artist…I always take pictures,” Diana said with a cheeky grin.

  “Oh my god…and you didn’t run for the hills in terror?” Jane let the gurgle of laughter break free with a curious comparison look at Gideon. “Well….he certainly cleans up nicely…I think Isabel is going to be here, too…I want to introduce you…yes, there she is…excuse us, guys! I’ll send Gabe over to commiserate with you.”

  “I need a drink,” Gideon declared, staking out a spot at the large stretch of bar. “Vodka Collins, please.”

  Gabe joined the pair. “Gentlemen…nice to see again, Gideon.”

  “No kidding.” Damian shook his head, staring back at the pair watching him. “You know…I could make a logical, sane argument of how the thing on the beach happened, but for the life of me now…I was suffering from a temporary loss of sanity.”

  “I hear tell girls of a certain breed do that to a man,” Gideon commented, his gaze straying to a glimpse of the blonde through the milling people.

  “Amen,” Gabe stared back at the two watching him.

  “Gabe got married,” Gideon said in a tone that voiced his disbelief.

  “I could claim temporary loss of sanity, but it was actually the smartest thing I ever did for myself,” he admitted, more to himself than the others.

  The woman who had been at his friends side wore a bright but dark shade of red in a dress that looked both casual and sexy. “That is some trio of females,” he remarked when Gabe joined them, all of them watching the three women find a table and sit and talk.

  “Makes a sane man whimper,” Gabe agreed, ordering a bottle of local ale before turning his attention to their pending business.

  The three women ordered white wine and sipped as they laughed and cast an occasional glance at the men leaning on the bar.

  “I love your outfit,” Diana said honestly, taking in the Asian style, high collar top in brilliant red with gold designs woven into it. Gold braids formed the buttons down the front and the slits in the side began at her waist, revealing a pair of mid-calf length leggings that ended in a pair of red, round open toed shoes and bright red toenails.

  “Thank you. No, if you want a makeover and color in clothing,” Isabel began with a glance at Jane. “You need…”

  “Chloe.” Jane finished without thinking. “I don’t know, Diana. I think you’re doing just fine as yourself. I love the new haircut. Of course…” She grinned broadly. “You did have a good role model.”

  “I don’t think you realize how much influence you had, Jane,” Diana twirled the wine glass, mostly ignoring the content.

  “Maybe it was just past time for your escape,” Isabel commented softly. “We’ve all been there, believe it or not. And we all have to make the jump when it fits us…maybe a little when the universe throws something really good in front of us…”

  “It isn’t the why that’s as important as what happens next,” Jane said firmly.

  “Next…” Diana drew it out with a mischievous smile. “Is a showing at a gallery downtown,” she breathed in amazement. Whoops of congratulations, laughter and a clinking of glasses went into the air. “It’s incredible! Bella has a friend who knew Olivia and she came out to the lodge and her and Amy have been going non-stop since then!”

  “An art showing? That’s wonderful, Diana!” Isabel looked her new friend over with a nod. “We will certainly be there. The house we bought needs some color.”

  “Especially red?” Jane teased, all of them laughing brightly.

  “I can’t imagine a more beautiful group of women in one place,” commented a deep voice, a pair of leering grey eyes sweeping the table. “Can I buy you ladies a drink?”

  “No, thank you, we’re fine,” Jane answered immediately.

  Diana felt her heart stop. Fingers holding the glass suddenly shook. Jane reached over to take her hand, concern on her face.

  “Go away,” Diana said vehemently.

  “Diana?” The man let out a harsh laugh, his gaze rudely sweeping the blonde from head to toe. “Wow…you’ve grown up nicely.”

  “You heard my friend,” Isabel stood up, a fiery red protector with shoulders back and fingers wrapped tightly around the glass full of wine. Her movement was immediately noticed by the men across the room, despite the people milling around them. “We’re not interested.”

  “Don’t let her influence you, gorgeous,” Jack Abrams didn’t stop the insolent appraisal of the women at the table.

  “You heard my friends,” Jane said slowly, deeply warning. “I really don’t think you want to continue this.”

  He shrugged and walked toward the bar. “Crazy bitches,” his hand went up for the bartender. “Scotch and soda. Make it a double.”

  “The ladies obviously aren’t interested,” Gabe remarked, working to keep his temper in check. He’d seen the protective strength in Isabel when she stood up and knew there was something he wasn’t aware of going on. Not yet.

  “Crazy blond bitch,” Jack murmured, taking a long swallow.

  “You know her?” Gideon asked through his teeth. The loss of color in Diana’s cheeks had his hand tightened around the glass in his hand.

  “Know her? Hell, I was married to her for a whole week over ten years ago. Damn near killed me. She’s obviously just as nuts now as she was then,” he downed the rest of the drink and disappeared into the other side of the boat, calling out to a person he knew.

  “It was looking like a tie to see who would hit him first,” Damian commented, closely watching the females huddled around Diana. “Might be time to offer a shoulder, guys. We’ll chat through the night,” he promised, crossing to offer his palm to Jane. “We’re off to explore the boat, ladies…later.”

  “Ready for some exploring of our own?” Gideon lifted Diana’s hand from the table, nodding to Gabe as he led Isabel off, their heads close together as they walked. “I think the buffet is on the second floor…and even some dancing.”

  Gideon kept quiet when fingers of ice slid into his.

  “I think I might like looking around. I’ve never been on one of these before…other boats…but this is…it’s fun,” Diana hummed to the soft music. “Did I tell you about the showing? Next Friday at five…I’m not sure of the address yet.”

  “Your paintings showing?” Gideon guided her up the next flight of stairs to the upper deck. She gathered the pearl colored shawl around her shoulders, her sigh soft as she gazed out over the water. They hadn’t gotten under way yet, with water lapping at the sides of the boat, filtered laughter and conversation and the last lingering squeals of seagulls filling her senses.

  “Isn’t that incredible? Yes, my paintings. Olivia Barlow is a friend of Bella’s. Amy runs the gift shop and between her and Olivia, all I have to do is paint! It’s like a dream come true,” Diana lo
oked up at him. “You have a nice smile…it’s in your eyes…Oh!” her palms went out to grab his arm when the boat jolted beneath their feet.

  “I think we’re getting underway now,” Gideon covered her hands with his.

  “Your friends…are those people you work with?”

  “We’re ironing that out, but I think so,” Gideon leaned against the rail, arms up and crossing over his chest. A dozen questions had struck his mind from the second he saw her reaction to the guy in the lounge and a dozen more when he opened his mouth. But he had a reputation for patience. “I can work part time, which is what I was after and give teaching a try at the community college.”

  “Seriously? What will you teach? There, now you see…that mature professor look will fit right in,” Diana teased with a laugh.

  “Economics in the business world and how it doesn’t have to clash with morals and ethics. I hope I can get through to the next batch of business people that a little profit over time beats the hell out of making killings right and left,” he said passionately.

  “An economics professor…” Diana knew she was in over her head. “My father has been lamenting since I was born and picked up my first paint brush because I have no interest what so ever in business. Even less when I hear how people are hurt because of the choices of others.”

  “Your brilliance is in your art, Diana. Nothing at all wrong with that,” he put his hand over hers on the rail, loosening her fingers and tugging toward the stairs. “We need to get you somewhere warm, lady…and I need to find Harriet.”

  Diana was adept at studying people, expressions and gestures as they wandered through the people at the lounge level. Music was playing throughout the entire boat, soft continental sounds of guitars and violins. It reminded her of street cafes throughout Europe and made her smile and hum along.

  “Is that Harriet?” Diana recognized her immediately. Older and her hair was cropped short and totally a very pretty white, but she had maintained her youthful high cheeks and bright green eyes. “I know her from ages ago…at the university.”