She remembered that Ray Lockhart had already gone after something for her, and she felt a stab of guilt for forgetting him entirely while talking to the sculptor. Was he wandering around trying to find her? Had he given up?
Confused about how to deal with the situation, she allowed Andy to guide her to the tables. He hooked one of the fragile chairs with his foot and sat down, gesturing her to join him on the other side of the table. Grateful he assumed she could get there herself, she liked that he didn't act chivalrously.
He asked, “What will you have?"
Before she could reply, Ray was there, holding a clear plastic cup filled with what looked like ice water. “Dolly, I have your soda. I got you a Perrier and lime, if that's acceptable."
"Oh, Ray,” she replied. “I was afraid you'd given up on me in the crowd. I'm not always so easy to see.” She turned to the man from the beach. “This is Ray Lockhart, a teacher and my next-door neighbor, who has been so kind as to search out a drink for me. Ray, meet the artist. This is Andy McPherson, whose work surrounds you."
The two men nodded and acknowledged each other. Andy invited Ray to join them. He complied, explaining that being next door to Dolly didn't mean quite what it did in a larger town or city.
"I can't even see her house from mine. There's about an eighth of a mile between us. It's actually easier to get into town from either house than from one to the other."
"Sounds wonderful. A person could pound on marble all day and never disturb anyone."
"Yes. I suppose you could."
The sparkling water, refreshing and bubbly, suited Dolly perfectly right then. She remained silent and listened as the two men talked. She found them interesting in their contrast. Though half a head shorter than Andy, Ray still stood taller than most men. More powerful than lanky, he had deep blue eyes that twinkled with amusement.
While his manner tended toward courteous, sometimes verging on diffident, that special spark indicated a very sharp personality. She liked Ray very much and appreciated his ability to care without cloying. She relaxed and eavesdropped as the two men appeared to ignore her while they talked.
After a few minutes of getting to know each other, Andy said, “I guess we've neglected you, Dolly. I hope you aren't offended."
"Not at all. It's been fun listening to the two of you with your different interests and ideas.” She paused. “But it appears that you both have one passion in common—the sea.” She flashed a smile distributed equally between them. “You, Andy, like to be in the ocean, swimming and diving. And you, Ray, are a boat person who also likes to do a lot of fishing."
Both men laughed. Ray said, “Yes. I'll have to careful not to hook Andy one day while I'm out trawling. He tells me he likes long swims that take him pretty far out on the water."
Andy's face grew quite red as Ray talked, as though it was embarrassing to talk about his love of swimming.
He said, “I like boats, too. It's just that I was pretty much born swimming and have kept it up ever since."
Eagerly, Dolly said, “I understand. I swim all the time myself. I can't imagine what I would do for entertainment and exercise without the ocean. It is my great passion. I'm never as at home anywhere else."
She stopped suddenly, uncomfortable that she had so exposed her feelings to these men, neither of whom she knew well.
"It sounds as though we all are well situated to pursue our great love.” Ray's comment brought them all to laughter, and her moment of awkwardness passed. Just then, one of the parents from Ray's school caught sight of him and culled him out from their little group.
Andy asked, “Are you ready for a refill? I'd be happy to supply it."
"Not quite yet,” she replied. “I'm enjoying this little island of solitude right now. I do get tired of the clamor.” She hesitated before continuing. “Not that I don't appreciate my neighbors and friends. This is a delightful place to live. I guess I'm just too accustomed to my own company."
Nodding at the wheelchair, he said, “Surely you don't live alone."
"No. Since my father's death, my mother and I keep each other company. She knows just how to help me when I need it and be hands off when I don't. She's had lots of practice."
With a sorrowful look, he said, “Were you born this way?"
"I certainly was. Except I was a lot smaller. Were you born the way you are?"
He glanced away. “Basically, I guess,” he replied, distractedly.
His answer incited her curiosity. She wondered just what ‘basically’ meant. His size? His coloring? She decided she didn't want to ask him, at least not yet.
Both too quickly and too slowly, the evening came to a close. For Dolly, the pleasure in meeting Andy and getting to know Ray better managed to offset the tiredness of spending hours in a crowd. And she certainly enjoyed the wonderful sculptures.
How, she wondered not for the first time, did Andy manage to represent undersea creatures so beautifully without once falling into a morass of sentimentality and foolish fantasy?
* * * *
Several days later, Andy showed up at her door. The unexpectedness of his arrival caught her out of her wheelchair, watching a television show from the cushions of the sofa. When he knocked, she rushed frenziedly to get back into her chair and decorously covered. When she invited him inside, he wore an expression that indicated his regret at the unannounced intrusion.
"Hey, I'm really sorry to barge in this way.” His apology covered both her and her mother.
Mrs. McDonald's troubled eyes glanced from Dolly to their visitor. Gamely, she replied, “Please sit down. We're very glad you came by to see us."
From the way she kept looking back and forth, Dolly gathered that the ‘us’ was somewhat of a euphemism.
"What can I get you, Mr. McPherson? We have a good variety of soft drinks or water ... a cup of tea?"
"A glass of water would be great, Mrs. McDonald,” he replied, keeping his attention on Dolly.
Her mother left, and Dolly asked, “How did you happen to be way down here, Andy? Isn't it pretty far from where you usually swim?” As she asked the question, she realized that he didn't know she had been at Lookout Rock.
He didn't seem surprised by the question. “I really enjoy the long, more challenging swims. They make me feel full of energy. Sometimes I go for several miles at a time.” He stopped and scrutinized her for a few moments.
It amazed her that the close inspection of her features didn't make her uncomfortable. He seemed to analyze her.
"Dolly,” he added quickly, as though he had to get out the words while he dared. “I would love the chance to make a sculpture of you. Would you sit for me?"
Mrs. McDonald entered with the glass of water. She handed it to Andy and took a chair along the far wall of the living room. “That's very interesting, Mr. McPherson. What do you think, Dolly?"
Dolly shrugged. “What did you have in mind?"
"I need a new mermaid. I can't believe it, but all my larger mermaid sculptures have sold. You'd be perfect."
"I don't understand why you think I would be a good subject. As you can see, I'm confined to a wheelchair. It's difficult for me to travel. And I never go anywhere without my mother."
"There's no reason your mother can't accompany you. It would help if you came to my studio to pose, but I suppose I could do the drawings right here, if necessary."
Dolly paused, looking at her mother for inspiration and getting a nod in return. “I really need to think about this a couple of days, though I'm flattered you asked."
"Flattery is not what I have in mind. There is a certain ambience about you that convinces me that you are the model I need. But, of course, you have to agree.” He stopped, his face anxious, as though her reply held great significance.
She didn't like to disappoint him. “Perhaps we could go outside for a while, get acquainted. That's if you don't mind pushing my chair along the hard sand. I always think better when I'm close to the water. Perhaps it has to do w
ith the breaking of waves, the sound they make."
"My sculptural work has provided me with strong arms. Your chair is hardly a challenge."
"Then let's go.” She didn't even try to conceal the pleasure in her voice.
True to his word, he had no trouble wheeling her out toward the water. He even ventured into softer, more difficult sand without discernable difficulty. He parked her chair where she could see and hear the gentle surf. She longed to go swimming but had no choice but to wait until he left.
They sat in companionable silence for a short while, just watching the water, and waited patiently for words to come.
At last, Andy asked, “Will you tell me about yourself? It really helps me in my interpretation of you as a subject."
Dismayed, she wondered if his only interest was in her as a model.
"Where were you born? How did you come here to this isolated part of the peninsula?"
Caught by surprise, she had to decide whether to tell him the whole truth or a partial truth salted with fabrication. She decided on honesty. “I don't exactly know where I was born. I was found."
"Found? How could you just be found? If you were abandoned by your mother, didn't the government get involved?"
"I don't think I was actually abandoned by my mother. There was a wrecked sailboat near the place where my adoptive parents discovered me. They think the boat had something to do with what happened.” She looked down at her useless legs, giving him time to decide where he wanted to take the conversation.
"But didn't the authorities get involved? I mean ... an abandoned baby and all? Don't they usually take over in a situation like that?"
"Usually, I suppose. But the circumstances involved were a little unconventional.” She watched as a myriad of emotions flitted across his face, each expression more intriguing than the last. Finally, he clearly decided he couldn't solve this alone.
"Are you planning to tell me more, or did you just toss me a hook to let me flounder on the end of the line?"
"Do I hear fishing talk?” Ray Lockhart came up from behind them. “Is this a private conversation, or can anyone join in?"
Dolly laughed. Something comical about Ray tended to make her feel like laughing whenever he came around. She realized how wonderfully attractive that trait made him.
"Do join us. It's such a lovely day that Andy decided to wheel me down here so we could talk by the water."
Ray held a cooler, and he reached in for a can of beer, offering another to each of them. Andy accepted. Dolly did not. The men popped the tops of their cans. Almost as though practiced, they drank in unison. She smiled and shook her head.
Andy broke the silence. “I asked Dolly to pose for me. I need another mermaid, and she's just right for the sculpture."
Ray observed her for a moment. He had visited before, but he had never scrutinized her so closely.
Dolly shifted in her chair, uncomfortable under such an inspection.
He said, “Yes, I see what you mean. It's hard to define, but there is something about her."
"Guys, I'm sitting right here."
Ray laughed, and Andy blushed. It intrigued Dolly how each dealt with his slight awkwardness.
Andy stood up. “Listen, guys. I have to get to town for an appointment. Do you want me to wheel you back now, Dolly?"
She glanced at Ray, who said, “Go ahead. I'll take her back in a few minutes."
Andy looked uncertain. “Okay, I guess. Is that all right with you, Dolly?"
Dolly nodded.
"Maybe we can talk again tomorrow if you have the time. By then I hope you will be willing to sit for me."
"Tomorrow, then. And thanks, Andy, for wanting me to model for you. And for the ride.” She grinned at him, wanting him to see that she was interested.
Apparently he got the message. His expression lightened, and he turned to walk back to her house and reclaim his car.
Showing his unease by rubbing a hand through his thick hair, Ray said, “I guess I really did interrupt something. I'm sorry. I should be more sensitive."
"It's fine. We were just chatting. Since we just met a couple of days ago, we wanted to get to know each other better."
"I was headed for my boat. Fishing. When I heard something about fish I had to check it out."
"I don't think Andy has a lot of free time to enjoy recreation. He seems to be pretty tied up with his work.” She tried to imagine what it would be like to model for Andy.
"Yeah. And he really is good at what he does.” Ray paused briefly and continued, “It's a funny choice of subject matter, all the same. Fantasy. Mermaids. All that. It doesn't fit with him somehow."
Pensively, she replied, “I guess we never really know anyone else. But I see what you mean. He's such a strong, masculine type for the kind of artwork he does.” She sat up straighter in her chair. “But I don't think we ought to be talking about him this way."
Ray grinned at her. “You're right. But he is an enigma, isn't he? Just like you. Isn't it a wonder that we have two such enigmatic types in our little community? Maybe it's the art thing developing around here. You suppose?"
Glancing away quickly, she said, “Maybe so. And I think it's time for me to get back. Will you take me now?"
"Sure will. It's been really great to have this visit with you.” He stood up and brushed sand from his legs. “If I'm going to do any fishing, I'd better get out there now, too."
They spoke little while he pushed her back to the house. When they arrived, he said, “I really did get a little out of line with my questions. I hope you won't hold that against me. The truth is I want to know you better."
Dolly smiled her forgiveness. “I'd like to know you better, too, Ray. It's just that I'm not accustomed to talking with anyone but my parents. My social inexperience means I'm no good at small talk."
"Then I guess we'll have to indulge in deep, thoughtful and meaningful conversations as we get better acquainted."
His quasi-seriousness made her laugh. “You really are a comedian, aren't you, Ray?” She paused. “I like it that you make me laugh."
"So do I. If I'm going to be coming around, I'll have to sharpen up my old vaudeville routines—my soft shoe shuffle, for instance."
"You're hopeless, you know that? I didn't know you planned to visit often. When did you decide that?"
He grew serious. “I think when I saw you floating around the room at the gallery. You looked beautiful. And of all the women there, you were the most poised and assured. I can see why Andy wants you to sit for him. There's something otherworldly about you, Dolly. I like it."
Embarrassed, she said, “Well, I think you're making it up, but I'm flattered. Thanks for the compliment, Ray. And the push home."
"When may I visit again?” he asked.
"Whenever you want and I'm here, I guess. If I decide to sit for Andy, I'll probably be at his studio part of the time. But usually I'm right here in this house or swimming in the ocean. My life routine is pretty well established."
"Maybe tomorrow. Anyway, very soon.” He delivered her inside the house and left.
"See you soon."
After he left, she felt bereft somehow, as though a large chunk of fun had ended abruptly. Ray illuminated any room he entered with just his friendliness and practical compassion. Willing to help, but never condescending, he managed well.
Soon after, the phone rang, and Andy greeted her, sounding excited. “I just got a call from a guy in New York who saw my sculptures during the show. He wants a mermaid and a merman that he can place side by side in a water garden he's having built. It's a great opportunity to get my work in a place where a lot of people will see it. And, of course, the money won't hurt, either.” He paused to breathe. She could hear his breath through the line as he struggled to control his elation. “You said if I needed you, you'd be willing to sit for me. I need you, Dolly. You are my mermaid."
She felt all twisted and knotty inside. She had suspected that eventually he would ask,
but she secretly hoped he would find someone more suitable. However, because she said she would consider it, she put a smile in her voice and agreed to pose late the next morning. Andy promised to call for her and drive her to the studio, which occupied the rear section of the art center.
* * * *
She was ready when he arrived the next morning. Her mother expressed uncertainty over the wisdom of Dolly's going off with him alone, though he assured her of his strength. Reluctantly, Mrs. McDonald mastered her doubts, and he drove off with Dolly. As they left the driveway, Dolly looked back and caught an anxious expression on her mother's face. She tried to send her mother a comforting look and hoped it did the job. Then she determined to enjoy the rest of the day.
Excited words bubbled out of Andy like water from a fountain. “This is the largest commission I've ever been offered, possibly the biggest I'll ever get. Not only will it put me on the map artistically, but I can use the money as well."
"I'm to model for the mermaid, but where will you get your merman?"
Nonchalantly, Andy replied, “Oh, that's all taken care of. Not a problem.” He steered the car from the dirt road onto the highway. “The guy wants marble, Dolly. Just under life-sized.” He gave her a gleeful look over his right shoulder. “It's like a dream come true."
She felt the pull of his enthusiasm. “Sounds fabulous, Andy. Do you have the stone?"
"No. First, I have to do the preliminaries then get the project approved by the buyer. Afterward, we settle on a price before I can think of locating the stone."
She turned slightly and glanced at him. “I had no idea so much went into a sculpture. I'm duly impressed."
"The alabasters and bronzes at the show were a kind of seed sculpture group. I had to finance them myself. Now that was scary. All I could think about was ‘what if they don't sell?’”
"How did you finance that group?"
Andy looked slightly embarrassed. “Actually I cheated a little. My parents gave me the money for my college education, but I invested it in the figures."
"I guess the good news is that you're okay now, right? I mean, you've sold that group, at least all the mermaids and mermen, so you have the money back."
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