All Things Beautiful, page 28
Stefan’s mouth dropped open, and he clutched a hand to his chest. “No.”
“Oh, yes.” She made him wait a few seconds. “Mark. I found out a few weeks ago, but I keep forgetting to tell you.” She’d had more important things on her mind.
He looked toward the ceiling like he imagined it. “Yeah, I can see the similarities. Both he and Andy have those eyelashes that drive girls wild with jealousy.”
She squinted at him. “Do you encounter a lot of wild, eyelash-loving girls in your daily life? Are you spending too much time at Sephora again?”
He pursed his lips. “They carry fantastic moisturizers. How’d you figure out who Andy’s father is? And a few weeks? Seriously, Vaughn.”
Leighton shrugged. “I asked Casey.”
“Hmm.” He stared into space. “I never thought of that.”
Kevin brought a tray with their order.
“Thanks, Kev.” Stefan pulled his warm knish closer.
“If you need anything, I’ll be over here.”
“Thank you. It looks delicious.” She was being honest. When had food last appealed to her? It hadn’t been on Thanksgiving. Maxine’s chef always prepared fantastic meals, and Leighton was sure this year’s was no different, but she hadn’t tasted any of it. Maxine always picked at the food on her plate, but George and Kalyssa raved over the dinner.
According to Jenna, Casey had spent Thanksgiving at Mark’s mom’s house. Aileen’s culinary skills had a reputation around the atelier after all the treats she’d sent either with Erica or Mark over the last year and a half. Funny how Leighton had always heard Aileen referred to as Erica’s aunt or Mark’s mom and never by her given name until Casey revealed who she was. Anyway, she hoped Casey and Andy’s Thanksgiving had been better than hers.
“How was your holiday together?” The lava-hot cherry and cheese filling burned her tongue, and she sucked in air. She might need to switch to iced coffee to soothe the pain.
Stefan had taken a daintier bite and blew on it first, showing his status as a seasoned pro in pastry consumption. “Great. He invited me over to his friends’ house. They do a Friendsgiving type of deal every year. Kevin made a kale and mushroom stuffing using day-old croissants, and I brought sweet potatoes with marshmallows since they’re easy. There were about a dozen of us.”
“That sounds nice.” It did, except for the marshmallows, which she found disgusting. Still, he’d spent the holiday with the object of his affection, something Leighton couldn’t do. That didn’t mean she hadn’t thought about Casey the entire day.
He yawned. “Yeah, it was. His friends were welcoming.”
“Am I supposed to believe you ate mushrooms and kale?” She eyed him.
He gave a little shimmy. “I ate a bite of everything to make him happy.”
Leighton chuckled and took a folder from her bag. “Here are the lesson plans for next week. I also emailed them to you.”
He pulled it closer but didn’t open it. “Thanks, I saw them.”
“No questions?”
He shook his head.
She sipped her coffee. “Thanks for covering for me. I’m sorry about the situation I’ve put you in. And thank you for meeting me here since I’m still not allowed in the studio. This way, I can escape my loft, and we don’t have to meet in the gallery with Maxine hovering over us.”
Stefan poked his fork toward Kevin. “Do I look like I mind coming here?”
Leighton rolled her eyes. “Your waistline will protest at some point, even if your heart doesn’t.”
He grinned. “Who said anything about my heart being involved? I might be using him for his body.”
Leighton glanced between them. “You should see your face when he’s around. I don’t doubt it’s both.”
“You should talk.”
His horrified expression told her he’d spoken without thinking.
“Yeah.” She didn’t know what else to say.
He squeezed her hand. “Hey, I’m sorry.”
Leighton shrugged it off. “I’m sorry you’re stuck teaching my classes.”
“I’m not.” Stefan raised a shoulder and let it fall. “The extra money is nice with Christmas around the corner.” He ogled Kevin again.
On some level, it pleased Leighton her indiscretions would net Kevin a killer Christmas gift. Someone should get something out of the ordeal since it didn’t look like it’d be her or Casey.
“How is she?” The question slipped out before she could stop herself.
Stefan pushed his empty plate aside. “Are you sure you want to know?”
The look she gave him must have been sufficient.
“Her work is terrible, at least by her standards.” He picked up a few crumbs with the tip of his finger.
“What do you mean?”
His head snapped up at her sharp response. “Terrible, as in not good. I don’t know what’s happening with her, but either her head or her heart isn’t in it. Jenna is producing better work than Casey right now.”
Leighton understood how Casey must feel—empty, robotic, burdened—but there was nothing she could do about it. She’d done her share of moving zombie-like through the long winter days. “Can you help her?” She’d lost her appetite.
“I’m trying, Leighton. I don’t like to see her floundering any more than you.”
“What should we do?” The atmosphere inside the bakery that had felt warm and inviting when she’d arrived now made her overheated and claustrophobic.
“You’re not allowed to do anything, but I’ll support her like I do all of them. Right now though, she’s lost her artistry with the brush.” Stefan shook his head. “If she was an author, she’d have writer’s block.”
“I hate this.” Leighton threw her napkin on the table. “What about her trompe l’oeil? That should’ve been in her wheelhouse. You mentioned she started it.”
He nodded. “Her initial sketch showed promise. She chose some interesting objects and brought in a photo of her grandmother. The composition looked balanced, and she told a story with her items, but she rushed the steps like her mind was elsewhere. She’s not thinking and making mistakes she never makes. If painting is making a thousand tiny decisions, she’s making the wrong ones half of the time.”
“But she seems well?” Leighton hated grilling him for the tiniest detail about Casey, but she had to know like she needed air to breathe. How badly had her decision affected Casey?
“I don’t know.” He sank lower in his chair. “She looks tired, and I have to remind her to take breaks and eat. I’ve even offered her my snacks, and you know how I feel about sharing them.”
“Do you think she has enough money for food?” Casey was on a tight budget, and Leighton couldn’t bear to think of her or Andy going without.
“It’s not that. A few days ago, Jaiden brought a tray of banana lumpia his aunties made. There’s always food in the kitchen, and it’s only going to get worse now that December is here. Or better, in my case.” He wiggled his eyebrows but turned serious again. “Casey’s uninterested. She’s in her head.” He waved his hand like he swatted a fly. “Enough about her. Are you eating?”
She huffed. “You just watched me.”
“Yeah, a whopping three-quarters of a pastry. You’re too thin, and you have raccoon eyes. You could use a trip to Sephora.”
“I eat.” Most of the time, she wanted to add. “But I’ve been painting after Kalyssa goes to bed, so I haven’t slept much lately.”
He lit up. “You received a commission?”
“No, but it’s an important painting.”
“How important?” He scratched at his stubble.
She allowed herself to smile. “Perhaps my greatest work yet.”
He leaned back. “Leighton Michelangela Vaughn, what aren’t you telling me?”
Leighton chuckled, and it felt good. “That’s all I’m going to say right now. I don’t know what’ll happen. It might go nowhere.”
“Hilarious. Go nowhere.” He laughed. “I wish my paintings had the passport stamps yours do.” Stefan muttered something sarcastic that sounded like five figures and slapped the table. “Are you going to keep me in the dark?”
She smiled into her coffee. “Indeed. It’s the most important piece I’ve ever done, and I don’t want to ruin it by saying too much. Things might not end up the way I hope.”
He grabbed her hand and examined her nails. “Did you have a mishap, or are you exploring a new painting style? You have paint everywhere, and you’re always so neat.”
She yanked her hand away. “It’s possible, or maybe I didn’t wash my hands well.” Truth be told, her entire technique had changed out of necessity. She found it refreshing. It was one of the few things besides Kalyssa that brought her joy these days. Still, she hadn’t even allowed Kalyssa into the spare bedroom to see it.
“Did you buy another easel or are you using a tabletop one?” His forehead scrunched, presumably as he considered her easel abandoned in the studio. “Has it been difficult having to paint in your living space?”
It had. She’d had to buy a box fan to put in the window to help with the air exchange. In fact, she’d had to buy a lot of new things. Still, she kept it vague. “I’m making do.”
His expression flipped like a light switch. “It’s for her, isn’t it?”
Leighton couldn’t hide her excitement and allowed herself to smile. “So many questions, but yes.”
“Your greatest work, huh?”
Leighton studied the dried paint around her nail beds. “It’s the most difficult yet inspiring thing I’ve ever created and the most important piece to which I’ve ever laid a brush. I’m prouder of this work than anything that came before it.”
Stefan raised his eyebrows, like this impressed him. “Does Casey know about it?”
“I’m not allowed to speak with her, remember?” She lifted her mug to hide her quivering lip.
“So, how will you give it to her?”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever get the chance.” She tried to compose herself as Kevin approached.
“Do either of you need anything?”
After they declined, and Leighton thanked him again, Kevin retreated after what seemed like twenty seconds of making eyes at Stefan. It made Leighton ill, not because she wasn’t happy for them, but because she’d been so close to having something similar. It wasn’t meant to be, but that didn’t diminish how much she missed Casey.
“How are your meetings with investors going?” He seemed hesitant to bring it up.
Usually, she’d welcome changing the subject from whether she’d ever see Casey again, but this topic was almost as depressing.
“Not well. I’ve met with four potential parties, and I think they caught wind of what happened because they said this isn’t the best time for them.” She leaned forward. “That’s code for they can’t trust my judgment.”
He looked concerned. “Were those all the ones you had?”
Was he updating his curriculum vitae in his mind? She couldn’t lose him, too.
“No, but I had to hit pause because of the holiday. I have a few more, plus I haven’t contacted the galleries yet. They might be more willing to overlook my indiscretions to get the publicity, even if their investments might not be as robust.” She glanced at her phone. “I should go. Let me know if you end up having questions about the lessons, and thanks for keeping the ship afloat right now.”
He stood and hugged her. “You don’t have to thank me. Just take care of yourself, will you? I don’t enjoy seeing both of you wallowing in despair.”
Leighton’s chest tightened at hearing him talk about Casey like that.
He held her at arm’s length. “Maxine said you’ll be around more helping her get ready for the Christmas party.”
Leighton narrowed her eyes. “Stop calling it a Christmas party because it’s not. It’s a seasonal party where all are welcome. And yes, I will.”
“Got it.” He nodded. “Good.”
It would be good. With her increased presence in the gallery, she hoped to run into Casey. She disliked hearing about Casey struggling, and Leighton wanted to see for herself. Casey’s well-being and happiness were important. Leighton’s lack of interest in food or inability to sleep were issues, but it sickened her knowing her actions were having detrimental effects on Casey.
Chapter Thirty-six
Leighton dropped an empty box at her feet as Kalyssa bounced into the gallery. Mikala trailed behind her.
“Momma, look at my nails!” Kalyssa did a pirouette, then held out her hands. “Mikala painted them for me.”
Leighton assessed the new shade of green.
Kalyssa wiggled her fingers. “Can you see the glitter?”
“I can, and they’re beautiful. How nice of her.” Leighton kissed the top of her head.
“Yeah.” She twirled again.
“How much do I owe you?” Leighton hoped Mikala had Venmo.
Mikala handed her Kalyssa’s Hello Kitty backpack. “Nothing. I’m glad I could help in a way that didn’t involve decorating this place. That’s not my jam. And we had fun.”
“Well, thank you.”
Kalyssa tugged her sleeve. “We watched Moana and ate popcorn. And Mikala’s new girlfriend gave me ice cream because I let her sit beside Mikala.”
Leighton laughed as Mikala blushed. “It sounds like you had a great time. Preschool can’t compete with that.” This time, no jealousy flared when hearing about Mikala’s latest attraction. She leaned down. “Guess what? You and I are going to change into our new dresses for the party soon.”
“Will Andy be there?” Kalyssa flapped her hands.
How much sugar had she had? Leighton tried not to appear flustered in front of Mikala. “I’m not sure.”
Kalyssa slumped, her lips in a pout. “Didn’t you ask Casey if she’s bringing him?”
Leighton should’ve found a sitter. Kalyssa might be too tired to make it through the party. She couldn’t admit to her daughter that Maxine wouldn’t allow her to talk to Casey.
Mikala knelt on one knee. “I heard Casey say Andy was coming with his grandma tonight because Casey is still busy upstairs.” She stood. “Bye, Miss Kalyssa. Let’s do our dance at the party.”
She broke into moves Leighton thought she recognized as Beyoncé’s. Leighton wasn’t sure they were appropriate for a four-year-old, but Kalyssa had a two-minute attention span and the chance she’d remember by tonight was slim.
“Bye.” Kalyssa threw her small arms around Mikala’s legs. “And I was good and didn’t say nothing about all the candy we ate.”
Leighton smiled and shook her head at Kalyssa’s stage-whispered secret.
Mikala glanced at Leighton with an awkward chuckle as she headed for the door.
Kalyssa appraised the galleries. “It looks nice in here, Mom. Smells like trees.”
Leighton smiled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Maxine had asked her to hang live pine boughs. She’d draped the greenery over the doors, windows, and many other surfaces. A few strands of white snowflake lights made the place seem wintery and festive. She still needed to distribute two more boxes of LED candles throughout the gallery. The lights above the paintings, the stringed lights, and the candles would create a wonderful ambiance.
“Ooh, cookies.” Kalyssa rushed toward them.
“No.” Leighton caught the back of her jacket. “Jaiden’s aunties baked them for the party, and you need to eat dinner first.” Plus, it sounded like Kalyssa had ingested plenty of sugar already.
“The food people are here.” Kalyssa pointed to the entrance.
Giant snowflakes clung to the caterers’ black jackets. Leighton showed them where they could set up. They’d served appetizers, a specialty eggnog drink, champagne, and a non-alcoholic punch.
She hadn’t seen Casey, and Mikala’s information checked. She’d heard Casey was still finishing and framing her piece. Since Leighton couldn’t visit the second floor, she might not see her until the party. She pressed a hand to her heart to still the fluttering in her chest.
Maxine blew in, unwinding a gauzy scarf from her hair and shrugging out of her faux fur. She brushed snowflakes from the sleeves before she hung the coat in the closet. “My stylist had the nerve to inform me his last appointment ran long when I saw him out front kissing his boyfriend for ten minutes. I might be over forty, but I’m not blind.”
Forty? Three or four presidents had been in office since Maxine’s forties.
“At least your hair looks nice.”
Maxine ignored the compliment and glanced around. “You made good progress.”
“Phoenix and Jaiden helped. The caterers have arrived, and all that’s left are the candles.”
Maxine peered into the next gallery. “Musicians?”
“Not yet, but it’s early.” Leighton snapped a battery into a candle.
Maxine glanced at her. “Give yourself time to get dressed. You can’t show up like that.”
Leighton glanced at her dirty jeans and sap-stained hands. “I planned to change.”
Maxine circled a manicured nail close to Leighton’s face. “Spend some time on your hair and makeup, too. Those bags under your eyes will scare off potential collectors. You look like a corpse, and you need to look presentable tonight.”
Maxine always had a way with words.
Leighton clenched her teeth. “I plan to.”
“Hi, munchkin.” Maxine touched Kalyssa’s back. “Your fingernails look beautiful. Will you fetch me a bottle of water? I’m parched.” When Kalyssa scampered off, she returned her attention to Leighton. “Have you seen Casey?”
“What? No, I haven’t gone anywhere. I’ve been right here the entire time.” She couldn’t have sounded more guilty.
