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Juliette was impressed that Liv knew that. Most people didn’t understand her art without having it explained to them. “Which ones are you thinking of?”
“Well, the one with the reds and blacks, with all the sharp edges. That’s far from peaceful or joyful.”
“What do you think it’s describing?”
“At a guess, I’d have to say anger.”
Juliette nodded. “Anger… and shame. That’s why I added those gray streaks.”
“What was the situation?”
“My mom wanted to move tables at a restaurant when two guys next to us started kissing. They heard her asking our waiter for somewhere else to sit. I was so pissed, and so embarrassed to be seen with her.”
“What did you do?”
Juliette’s eyes sought the table. “I… well, I acted rather childishly.”
“Now I’m curious.”
“I kind of threw my glass of orange juice in her face and told her to fuck off and go sit alone if that’s how she felt.”
Liv threw her head back and burst out laughing. “Oh, Juliette. I think you and I are going to be good friends.”
Juliette laughed as well, now that she knew Liv wasn’t going to judge her for her tantrum. “She didn’t speak to me for days after that. The guys at the other table, however, invited me to join them. We’re good friends now. I bring them over to the house whenever my mom is home. I’ve told them they don’t need to be shy about showing affection toward each other in front of her.”
Liv had tears in her eyes from laughter. “Wow, Laura really has a tough time with you, doesn’t she?”
“It was a lot worse at first. For a while, she truly believed that she was right about this. I finally got her to realize that her beliefs are wrong, but she still has trouble shaking some of the ingrown bigotry.”
“Well, at least she’s trying, which is more than I can say for a lot of people. That kind of change doesn’t happen overnight.”
“I’m really grateful you’re giving her a chance. Aside from the homophobia- which I am certainly not excusing- she is mostly a lovely person, very kind and has been a very good mom to me. But, you are doing a big thing. Most people wouldn’t be so accepting.”
“She makes my dad happy. That’s the most important thing.”
“But if it came down to a choice, he would be in your corner.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m going to make sure it doesn’t come down to a choice, though. They’re good for each other. I can see how he is around her.”
Juliette nodded, her face finally returning to its normal state. “So what kinds of things do you do when you’re not working?”
Now, it was Liv’s turn to blush. “Um. Not much, really. I don’t have much of a life outside of work. I’m pretty much always working.”
“Your dad works you hard, huh?”
“No, I can’t blame him for the fact that I have no life. He’s always begging me to take time off. I just want to do well. I want the company to do well. I want to make my family proud.”
“Dedicated. But I suppose I’m not much different – at least in terms of taking time away from work. My work is pretty different to yours, though.”
They chatted all through supper. Juliette hardly noticed what she was eating. The more she talked to Liv, the more she liked her.
As hard as she tried to keep her eyes where they belonged, she slipped up several times. Worse, she was sure that Liv noticed.
This was going to be a problem.
3
Olivia
