The Moonlit Corridor
RAFA
Rafawasjustclosinga sale for one of Claire’s statues of the Autumn Witches when his mother arrived with Aveline.
“Sorry we’re late,” his mother said as she held his arm and let her eyes wander throughout the display of artwork and sculptures.
“Very impressive,” Aveline commented as she examined the art.“We took a wrong turn, sorry for missing Sal’s speech.”
“No harm done.Sal’s just around the corner; come say hi.”He escorted them to Sal, who was speaking to her father, Thirdy.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Iris said, touching Sal’s arm and offering a warm smile.“Sal, congratulations and so sorry for being late.”
Sal squeezed Iris’s hand affectionately.“Oh, don’t worry about it.I’m glad you’re here.I know how busy you guys are.”She turned to her father and said, “This is my father, Thirdy.Dad, this is Mrs.Iris Tovar, Rafa’s mother, and Aveline Tovar, Rafa’s eldest sister.”
His mother turned to Sal’s father.“Mr.Poe, you must be so proud of her.”
“We finally meet, Mrs.Tovar.And yes, when Sal sets her sights on something, nothing stops her,” Thirdy said, shaking his mother’s hand and nodding to Aveline.“Charmed to meet you both.”Soon, Sal’s mother joined them, along with Nora.Sal flashed a smile that didn’t reach her eyes when they approached.
Rafa was quick to pick up on her unease.He moved closer and squeezed her hand before letting it go again.“Perfect timing!Mom and Achi, this is Sal’s mother, Dottie, and her younger sister, Nora,” he said.“Mrs.Poe, this is—”
“Yes, we know about you and your family.”Dottie grinned, her shiny outfit commanding everyone’s attention.
“You have?”asked Aveline.
“Mom—” Sal began.
“Of course!We read one magazine that featured you and your siblings,” she said to Aveline.“They say you’re the new generation of quiet wealth.You must be very proud, Mrs.Tovar,” she said, turning to his mother.
His mother’s soft smile remained as she eyed Sal and said, “Yes, everyone must be so proud of Sal.It’s an amazing exhibit.We were just saying how sorry we were that we missed her opening speech.”
Dottie let out a chuckle.“I’m sure you have more pressing things to do.”
Nora, who had been listening off to the side, stifled a giggle of her own.
Aveline gave Rafa a thoughtful expression, but before he could change the topic, Sal said, “Oh, I just remembered.I have someone asking about one painting.I’ll just circle back to them.”He tried to meet her gaze, but she avoided eye contact, maybe because she did not want him to notice her unease.She said her quick thanks and disappeared into the crowd.
Aveline gave Rafa a tight smile when Sal left, as though telling him to give her some space.She was perceptive as always, and the best Rafa could do was steer the conversation into friendlier territory.
SAL
There was a hidden moonlit corridor in Autumn Town that Sal sometimes visited to gather her thoughts.She snuck into the corridor, breathing out a sigh of relief once she found her favorite spot.Leaning against the marble wall, she gazed at the moon and reflected,Thirty-five years old, and Mom’s subtle digs still affect me.She shook her head.
Then a figure in the shadows moved, and she turned to it instinctively, standing upright.“Who’s there?”she gasped, taking a few steps away.
“Wait...”called a deep voice.
A striking figure in a tailored suit stepped out of the shadows.It was Harmon Moon.“What are you doing here?”she asked.
“I wandered around and ended up here,” he said, stopping a few feet away, as though careful not to startle her even more.“The moon grabbed my attention.”His tone was soft as he placed his hands in his pockets.“Do you come here often?”
Sal studied him for a moment; by his steady gait and measured distance, he looked like he meant no harm.She took a deep breath, and felt herself relax.“Yes.To clear my head.”She sat on one of the stone seats, gazed at the moon, and then at Harmon, who had taken to facing the moon as well.
He nodded.“I can see why.The last time I walked through a corridor like this, I was in Italy, where they call this structure a loggia.”His voice was deep and soothing.“It’s a beautiful place to think.”
The only man Sal allowed herself to be alone with was Rafa.But as Harmon inched closer, she didn’t feel the need to remove herself.She felt her heartbeat quicken, and a flow of intrigue bubbled from within her when he stopped nearly two feet away.
“I’ve never been to Italy, but thanks for the info.”
