AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“If anyone can breathe new life into clothing, it’s Lily.”
A few more minutes of small talk, and Ellie was on her way to the other shops before she had to make her welcome speech.
About an hour into the extravaganza, Ellie picked up the microphone and began to speak. She was surprised how emotional she was feeling. With the two years of working on the project, and the last few months of final preparation, she hadn’t had the time to absorb the Herculean feat she had accomplished. Not until just then. She had a small speech she had prepared, but she couldn’t quite get the words out.
After a few deep breaths, she started. “Good evening, everyone. Words cannot express my gratitude for the support we have received in making this vision, this idea, a reality. I wish all the artists the absolute best and hope this is the beginning of a long relationship with you and the arts. Thank you.” Applause, hoots, whistles, and hollers bounced off the glass. It was thunderous. Ziggy and Marley came running in, with Wiley following behind, all three barking up a storm.
The evening flew by, and Luna was acutely aware that Marshal Gaines was nowhere in sight. There was only a half hour left before the event was over. She started to wash out the coffee and teacups in the small sink when the hair on the back of her neck started to rise. She whipped around and saw the tall, dark, and handsome marshal pushing his way through the crowd, Wiley leading the way. Luna was trying not to shake and fumbled with the china. He caught her eye and gave a wave. She smiled back and motioned for him to come in.
As he approached the doorway, she noticed that he was carrying a bouquet of flowers. Sunflowers.He remembered. One evening, when they were talking about some of their favorite places, Luna mentioned Tuscany because the hillsides were alive with sunflowers.Wow. I’m impressed. Shocked. Stunned. Verklempt.Naturally, she didn’t want to sound like an imbecile and utter those words. As he got closer, her knees were hammering out a rhythm of their own.Easy. Steady. Smile.
“Congratulations! The place looks great. The whole place is great. Wow. I’m really impressed.”
Luna trembled at his words.Didn’t she just think those same words only a moment ago?“Marshal Gaines. So nice of you to come.”
“Sorry I’m late. Work stuff and then there was construction on I-26 near Hendersonville.” He paused. “These are for you.” He handed the flowers to her. “You look quite lovely this evening.”
“Why, thank you, Marshal Gaines.” She smiled coyly.
“Oh. I hope you don’t mind me paying you a compliment. It’s hard to know. Being PC and all.” He sounded very official for a minute.
“Don’t be silly. Kindness doesn’t cost a thing.” She held the flowers up to her nose. “Sunflowers. Reminds me of Tuscany.” Another wobble in her knees. “They’re beautiful. Thank you. Let me see what I can find to put them in. Can I get you a cup of tea? Coffee?” She gestured for him to sit at one of the café tables.
“A glass of wine would be better.” He smiled. Luna thought it was the biggest smile she had ever seen on his face.
“I assume you are off duty, Marshal Gaines?” she teased.
“For the night, yes.” He nodded assuredly. “And you can just call me Chris, if you don’t mind.”
“Sit tight. I think I know someone who knows someone who can help us out.” She laughed. The phraseI know someone who knows someonewas a favorite joke among criminals and law enforcement.
Luna went into Cullen’s studio to fetch something that would work as a vase. She didn’t want to use any of the artists’ pottery. She didn’t want to be responsible. Display, yes. Usage, no. She knew Cullen had a few glass vases in his storeroom. When she entered, she stopped short again when she saw the old table, the one that had given her the weird vibe earlier. She approached it gingerly, as if it might bite her. The closer she got, the stronger the feeling, but much to her surprise, it wasn’t as ominous as before. It was almost as if it were calling to her. She moved closer and touched the top. “I’ll be back, but not tonight.” Luna had a habit of talking to things. Scientists call it anthropomorphizing, giving human qualities to inanimate objects. It is not an unusual occurrence with highly sensitive people who also experience great empathy. She wasn’t embarrassed by it, either, which simply added to her charm.
She grabbed a tall clear vase and headed back to the café, winking at Cullen as he was showing someone a rocking chair he had restored. He gave her an odd look. She winked again.
With the vase in one hand, she tagged a waiter with the other. “Could you possibly bring two glasses of red wine to my shop?” Gaines wasn’t the only one with a good memory. Luna recalled his interest in wine, particularly red.
“Sure, Luna. Be right back.” The waiter, who was also a student, knew Luna from his teenage years in foster care. She was aces as far as he was concerned.
Gaines was casually leaning into the back of the chair, scratching Wiley’s ears. Both of them were people-watching. Gaines was also good at reading body language. He had to be to do his job, which also added to Luna’s nervousness. She was extremely conscious of her gestures when she was around him. At least in the beginning. And tonight. But tonight was different. It was not related to work. It was personal. And she was elated.
Luna filled the vase with water, cut an inch off the stems, and arranged the bouquet. “These are beautiful. Thank you again.” She set the vase in the middle of the counter between the coffeemaker and the boxes of tea. Perfect.
“I’m so glad you could make it.” She pulled up the chair next to him as the waiter brought two glasses of cabernet sauvignon.
“It’s the good stuff. Ellie went all out for this shindig.” Luna raised her glass, as did Gaines. “So what brings you to Asheville?” She was hoping he was going to say “You” as she gazed at the sunflowers.
“I know someone who knows someone who was opening a shop in an art center.”
Luna almost spit out her wine while trying to keep it from spewing out of her nose. She regrouped quickly. “No, seriously. Are you on a case?”
“No, seriously. I. Am. Not.” Gaines’s eyes went soft. “I really wanted to see you, as well as this massive project the whole state is talking about.” Gaines swirled the wine in the glass.
“Is there time for you to give me a tour?” Gaines looked up.
“The plan is to shut down at ten.”
Gaines looked at his watch. “Doesn’t give us much time, does it?”
