by Nina Loard
“This is really quite perfect, Sylvia, I am getting married next year. Again, thank you very much.” Somehow, I actually thought I heard my mother’s heart break. It turned out to be a gasp that she tried to play off as a cough.
“Oh, well, congratulations. Is she a local girl?” The letdown in my mother’s voice was almost saddening.
“No. Her parents are old friends, back in London.” Ari smiled through the whole inquisition. It was good to mention it; at least it made it clear to my mother and Steve that he wasn’t whisking me away to Europe with darker intentions. My mother handed me a gift and I half anticipated opening a bridal tiara, but it was a framed picture of my mother, father and I on the beach in Newport. I didn’t remember it being taken, but the scene was one I recalled often, and one of the reasons I’d moved there to begin with. The three of us were holding hands in our swimsuits. We were laughing, wet and sandy. A tear fell onto the glass and I rubbed it in with my finger tip to hide the evidence.
“Thank you both very much.” I looked to my mother and Steve as I said it. I didn’t say much more, as speaking always made my tears run harder.
“Don’t be upset, Evelyn. Your father would have wanted you to be happy seeing us together. I found it in the attic last month. I figure you could put it up at your house, it being Newport and everything.” She patted my knee and then gathered the stray glasses from the room. Ari tilted it in my hand so he could see it more clearly. I looked up at him and met his eyes. His expression told me he wanted to reach out to me, but he couldn’t, not with others in the room.
“It looks like a beautiful place,” was all he could say. From the tone of his voice, I knew he wished it could be more. He stood, signaling it was time for him to go. “Steve, Sylvia, thank you so much for welcoming me into your home for Christmas. I’m so glad my travel plans were delayed. Evelyn, I’ll be in touch tomorrow.”
My mother stopped him. “Oh, Ari, please, come by tomorrow. You and Evelyn can talk more and you can have Christmas lunch. We would love to have you. We have so much food. Please. I’m sure you don’t have plans, what with the jet being grounded.” I’d wondered how he explained being in Boston for the holiday. The jet needed repairing, clever.
“I couldn’t impose, really.” He played the game perfectly.
“No, I insist. We’ll see you tomorrow at noon.” She, of course, was the game master.
“Thank you. I look forward to it,” he said, and Steve escorted him out. Peter and the others weren’t far behind. After gathering up the gift wrap and throwing it into the fire, I poured myself some spiked eggnog and curled up by the tree, where Ari had sat earlier. He had delighted my mother and Steve. That was obvious. Steve had seemed a little on guard, but when Ari mentioned being engaged, his demeanor toward him became far friendlier. I was sure that was Ari’s intention. Conversely, my mother’s hopes were dashed, but she was still excited about the prospect of me working for a wealthy collector. She knew me well enough to know it would be hard to resist. It most definitely was.
“So, what did he say about the job?” She joined me on the couch with some coffee.
“He said it was free travel, room and board for now, with a lot of assistant work to start. He has a large estate in Scotland, apparently, and a fiancé with a wedding to plan. Between all of that, he has trips he is hoping to take and needs someone to make arrangements and assist him in some possible acquisitions. He knows a lot of people around the world in the art community.” I told her what Ari told me to say, verbatim. It was all true as well, which made me very happy.
“I don’t see how you can say no. What a great opportunity for you. Plus, you have these friends you are getting to know in London. It’s just perfect.” She was decided.
“Yes, I know. I’m sorry it ruins the New Year’s Eve at the club you were planning.”
“Oh please, we can go there anytime. I’ll keep Brutus. He and the dog love each other anyway.” As if on cue, they each loped into the living room, Jackson a little less gracefully. Brutus came up on my mother’s lap and Jackson threw himself down in front of the fire with a thud. After more conversation and helping my mother with the dishes, I went up to bed, feeling very positive about my choices.
I kicked off my black suede pumps, anxious for bed. It was past midnight and the evening had been more exhausting than I anticipated earlier that afternoon. After slipping on a nightshirt, I noticed a small box with a silver bow on the bed. There was a folded white card placed on top.
Evelyn, I was informed this evening that we may give one present on Christmas Eve. A mutual friend told me you admired this. It suits you. Don’t worry — it was bought, not borrowed. Ari
I tore through the paper and opened the velvet box. It was the vintage necklace from Harrods. Bounce or Raven must have commented on it to him. I’d never asked the price, as the sparkle of the diamond chips within the scrolled chain and pendant told me it was more than I was going to spend on myself. The dark green emerald in the center had a fire all its own against the platinum. It was breathtaking, but not in a gaudy, expensive way. It was a very simple piece. The giving of it was what astounded me.
Ari had been very generous with me, but more out of obligation. Why would he bring me a gift? Then again, why was he really spending Christmas with my family? He had orchestrated the perfect getaway for me, but, as hard as it was to fathom, it seemed he cared for me more than I had thought. A friend would try to help, but a lover would wage a war for you if they had to. Ari acted like he was somewhere in between.
You can’t predict what he’ll do, I decided. After marveling at the necklace for a long time and rereading the card, I put it inside of the velvet box, and placed it in my dresser for safe keeping. I scanned my room for any signs of entry. There were none. Nothing was out of place and no windows were ajar. I couldn’t remember when he wasn’t by my side in the evening. Bounce was right, Ari did have mad skills.
Christmas morning passed quickly as I waited for Ari to return. Where, in the past, I may have been content to lounge in my pajamas, I moved faster with anticipation, getting ready for my new boss. I wanted to wear jeans, but I knew my mother would be horrified. I opted for beige wool trousers and a black turtleneck sweater. After ripping through the gifts, setting the table and straightening the living room, the doorbell rang. As excited as I was to see him, my mother eclipsed my enthusiasm completely.
“Welcome, Ari. Merry Christmas!” She practically dragged him over the threshold and escorted him into the living room for round two. I greeted him as well and asked if I could bring him eggnog or a Bloody Mary, Steve had mixed up both for the four of us.
“Good morning, Evelyn. A Bloody Mary would be great. Thank you.” He sat comfortably on the couch, watching me with some amusement. I heard my mother begin asking him more about his collection and where he planned to travel. I interrupted Steve picking at the turkey as I entered the kitchen.
“She might leave me for him if that wedding doesn’t go through.” Steve rubbed a napkin over his hands, smiling at me.
“Yeah, she’s gone over the edge. He is very impressive.” I laughed back, pulling the pitcher out of the fridge. His sense of humor had improved with age.
“I was wondering if you thought so.” Steve placed four glasses on the counter for me and started doling out the ice. “You know, Evelyn, I certainly respect how resilient you are. The accident and then starting over in Newport, now this… it takes guts. I wouldn’t have known what to do with myself at your age if I hadn’t had the firm.”
“Thanks. I’m not sure it’s strength. More like need, really. It seems too good an opportunity to pass up. Who knows what could come of it?”
“Well, I know I’m not your father, but I’m proud of you. I just wanted you to know it.” He busied himself with things that didn’t need his attention on the counter. It felt good to hear what he thought of me, but a small part of me felt ashamed. I doubted he would be as proud if he knew the whole truth of my past.
/> “Steve, I hope you know I love you, even if I sometimes suck at showing it.” I hugged his argyle sweater from behind.
“I love you too, kid.” We didn’t say anything else, but went about taking the drinks to Ari and my mother. After a very cordial meal and more visiting, I asked if I could talk to Ari privately to discuss my living situation and the Paris trip. He agreed and we decided to take a walk. The day was very brisk and overcast. Ice still clung to the tree limbs and a dusting of snow covered everything. Steve and my mother busied themselves in the kitchen while we put on our coats. Once we were a safe distance, I looked up at him as I walked beside him.
“Thank you for the beautiful necklace. Why did you get me a present?”
“Is that not customary? Sylvia led me to believe it was.” He was mocking me. His breath puffed out of his lips like clouds when he laughed.
“Yes, it was just very nice of you.”
“I can be nice, Evelyn. I’ve tried once or twice before.” He smiled and tucked his gloved hands into his coat pockets.
“Right. Well, I know that. All of this is very nice of you. Being here, helping me.”
“Of course. You’re a friend. Now, we’ll leave for Paris tomorrow. The jet will pick us up in Newport, so you can drive us south tomorrow morning and pack whatever else you think you will need. And get your household in order for a long absence.” He was back to business.
“How did you even get here? Kelly was going to his son’s place.”
“It’s called Virgin Atlantic.”
“Oh, right.” I forgot there was more than one way to travel. I pondered how far I had come in such a short amount of time. “So, what do I tell the others? Bounce or Finn will call soon to find out if I’m coming. Should I tell them about you coming here?”
“Let’s get that taken care of right now.” He pulled out his phone and pressed a button, placing it to his ear.
“Finn, Merry Christmas. I wanted to let you know that Evelyn has decided to join us in Paris. We leave tomorrow.” After a moment of silence, “Yes, I’m here in Boston with her.” And, after much more silence, “Here she is.” He turned to me and handed me the phone.
“Hi, Finn.” I braced for impact.
“Why exactly is Ari in Boston?” He sounded baffled, but very interested.
“He came here to help. He met my mother and offered me a job. It’s perfect really. There was also something Kelly told me that upset me. I had some bruises when he flew me home to Boston before the accident.”
After a long pause, “Evelyn, may I speak with Ari please?” His voice was raised slightly and I handed Ari back the phone with an apologetic look on my face.
“Yes?” He showed no emotion as I watched his face. I pretended to not be able to hear Finn on the other end sharing his thoughts on the situation.
“It was better that I handled it alone,” Ari interjected when he had the chance. “Besides, you should be thanking me. Please remember, coming here to help wasn’t something I needed to ask permission for.” I heard Finn’s emphatic response.
“Evelyn, he’d like to speak with you again.” Ari calmly handed me the phone.
“Are you okay?” Finn asked, sounding a bit out of breath and genuinely mad.
“Yes, listen, I’m glad he’s here. He made everything easier with my mother, and now I don’t feel as bad about leaving. Once I get there we can try and figure out the money thing.”
“I wish you would’ve told me about the bruises, but I’m glad things are easier with your family. I’m sure he had the best intentions, but it pisses me off that he didn’t tell us. I don’t like surprises, and he has been full of them this month. Promise me you’ll be careful?”
“Yes, I will. I’ll see you tomorrow. Merry Christmas.” Ari was staring at me intently, motioning for the phone back. “Ari wants to say goodbye.”
“Finn, since you’ll get there first, please arrange with the hotel that Evelyn has her own room. I’m sure you understand. See you tomorrow.” Ari flipped his phone shut and turned to escort me back toward the house as if no conversation had taken place.
“He seems upset.” I looked up at him to see if he understood why.
“Evelyn, Finn’s like a lot of the children opening presents as we speak. He has a gift he’s excited for. It’s understandable, the need to protect it.” He bowed his head against a burst of snow from the wind striking a tree beside us.
“I take it I’m the gift, but I don’t feel like one. I’ve already caused more trouble than I’m worth, apparently.” I wiped some of the snow off my face and dusted off the front of my coat.
He turned to me, furrowing his brow. “Why would you say that… more than you’re worth?”
“Well… you. You told me I was valuable once, but you didn’t come after me. People don’t tend to abandon things they treasure.” I kept my face down so he couldn’t see it. I knew he had felt it was for my own good, but it still stung. I was sensitive about being left behind. It had felt like a central theme to my existence thus far. He placed his gloved hand under my chin and gently raised my face so I could see his clearly. His dark hair and pink cheeks against the white backdrop of the trees made him look almost angelic, but there was sorrow in his expression.
“Evelyn, I wish I could do some things differently. I’m trying to make them better. It would please me very much if you could forgive me for a bad choice. I had my reasons, but they were in an attempt to spare you some unhappiness. It seems I failed anyway, so please, tell me you forgive me and know that you are important… to all of us.” He waited, anxious for me to understand.
“I forgive you, but don’t hurt me again. I’m not good at recovery, despite what everyone thinks.”
“You have my word.” A smile spread across his face as he turned from me, and we made it back up the walk to the house. Steve and Sylvia were having coffee in the living room.
“Evelyn, Steve had a great idea. For my 65th birthday next year, we thought we might go to Europe and we could visit you, wherever you are or in Scotland. Where is your home exactly, Ari?” My mother had been making plans in our absence.
“Ah… north Scotland, in the Highlands.” He smiled and then took a long sip of his coffee.
“Yes, but what town? Steve has been before. I’ve always wanted to go.”
“Near Broadmoor on the Cuillin Sound.” He placed his cup and saucer down on the table and looked for any recognition in their faces.
“Oh, beautiful country. The Isle of Skye, correct?” Steve was aware of the area, apparently. The name sounded familiar and then I remembered my alias. I saw Ari look from me quickly as he responded to Steve.
“Yes, it is beautiful. The most unspoiled place I have ever been, actually. I am happier there now, than anywhere else in the world. It wasn’t so when I was a child, but that was a long time ago. My home there gives me peace. I hope to live there permanently after the wedding. That’s why I need Evelyn so badly. There’s much to be done. However, if it works in your travels, I’d love to have you visit.” He smiled and crossed his legs. It felt like he was deliberately not looking at me.
“What’s the nearest big city? We can start thinking about some of the jumping off places.” My mother was already formulating a travel itinerary.
“Edinburgh is probably the easiest city to travel in and out of. It’s about 150 miles south.” Steve answered her question. Quickly, Ari clasped his hands together, and changed the subject. He asked my mother when he might hear about the museum’s interest in his drawings. They continued down that line of conversation while I went over the prior one in my head. Perhaps it was just coincidence that he was from Isle of Skye and I was named Evelyn Skye for the Scotland job. Bounce had said Brinks had chosen my name. Still, he acted so strangely, even for Ari. I couldn’t entirely dismiss the suspicion in my mind.
After sharing the details of our stay in Paris, Ari bid my mother and Steve goodbye. “Sylvia, you have my contact information. Please don’t hesitate to cal
l me, anytime. Thank you again for a wonderful holiday.” Ari stood and I offered to walk him out after my mother released him. They told him they looked forward to seeing him soon as Steve shook his hand vigorously. Back out in the cold without a coat, I had one more question.
“Is there something about the Isle of Skye I need to know? You were weird in there. Does it have anything to do with the name Evelyn Skye?” I insulated myself from the cold, crossing my arms over my body, waiting for an answer.
“Yes, you need to know that you’ll be spending some time there soon. With regards to your name, you chose it, not me. Pick me up at the Ritz Carlton on Avery Street, at 10 AM.” He nodded a goodbye as he casually walked toward a Lexus SUV I assumed he had rented… I hoped, anyway. Despite his dismissive answer, I sensed there was a connection between the name and his home. Maybe it was nothing, but whatever it was, I promised myself I would figure it out. It was important, if for no other reason than because it appeared as if Ari really didn’t want me to.
Chapter 19. Purveyors
The drive south with Ari in the passenger seat was interesting. He spent a good deal of time writing notes on a legal pad and staring out his window. After about thirty minutes of intermittent, friendly conversation, I asked about Paris, since we would be there that evening. “So, is there anything you actually need me to do in Paris? You mentioned needing some help.”
“Yes, if you agree to it, I’d like for you to accompany me on New Year’s Eve.” He continued to make notations on his pad.
“What does that mean?” So much was happening that night, I struggled to understand what my role in all of it could possibly be.
He placed his pen down and turned to me with his half grin. “Well, I pick you up at an agreed upon time, and you and I walk beside each other and make polite conversation.” He laughed at my incredulous expression.
“You know what I mean. You aren’t talking about me… participating in what you are planning to do?”