September Canvas (6 page)

During a week of working her way through a multitude of creative-writing exercises, Faythe carried her laptop from the house, to the deck, and even down by the lake. She was more than ready for a break. After closing it with a resounding snap, she popped a CD into the player, eager to end the silence.

Her cell phone rang before she managed to choose the right track.

Cursing, she flipped it open, forgetting to check the display.

“Hello?”

“Oh, God Almighty. Bad time?” Suzy’s strong voice was husky, thanks to too many cigarettes, and carried easily over Madonna’s.

“Damn. Hang on.” Faythe set the cell phone on speaker mode and walked toward the kitchen. “What’s up, Suzy?”

“I know what you said, and it has only been a week.” Suzy spoke fast, as if hoping to keep Faythe from protesting. “I have a fantastic offer for you, something you really should consider.”

“I’m not interested—”

“It’s not the network. It’s a short stint as an awards host.”

“Awards host. Which awards show are we talking about?”

“Don’t sound so apprehensive. It’s not the Oscars. It’s a literary society with an ambitious charity program. This year it will benefit children and young people with special needs.” Her interest tweaked, Faythe poured coffee into the high-tech machine and pushed the button for a double espresso. “Sounds interesting. When is it?”

“Beginning of November. They need your response ASAP, preferably within a week or two.”

“E-mail me the information and I’ll get back to you in a few days.”“All right!” Suzy sounded as excited as if she’d found an oil well in her office. “This type of serious work should keep you in the public eye if you’re still sure about this career move.”

“Dead sure.”

“Well, then, we’re on a roll. Ciao.” A definite click ended the call and Faythe shook her head. Suzy could be as exasperating as she was efficient, but under her gruff exterior, she was as loyal as they came.

Faythe’s mind whirled back to her dinner with Deanna as she steamed the milk for her espresso. Every time she took a break during her marathon writing exercise, she’d thought of her enigmatic, gorgeous neighbor.

Out on the patio she started the hot tub she’d filled yesterday and watched the jets create whirls everywhere. She could sort her jumbled thoughts a lot better if she had a good soak. Inside, she switched into her black swimsuit, tugged her hair back into a ponytail, and grabbed a bath towel. Tiptoeing across the deck, she dropped the towel on a chair before she slipped into the busy water. It was almost too hot, but the chilly autumn air cooled her neck and shoulders as she sat up a little, making it bearable.

As usual, the hypnotic massage of the hot tub sent her thoughts scurrying and she sorted them into clearer paths. Why had Kitty-with-a-heart, the woman working at the supermarket, warned her about Deanna and called her
that woman
? And why did Deanna act so strange when Faythe mentioned her trip into town? Something really weird was going on.

Deanna knows what they say about her.
Well, how could she not
know?
Faythe leaned back and watched some leaves break from the maples nearest the house and ride the faint breeze. Deanna had probably saved Faythe’s life when she helped her to shore last week. She’d risked her life by swimming in the cold water to assist a total stranger. What contemptible person would do such a thing? It didn’t make sense.

The drawing Deanna had made of her was probably the truest glimpse into Deanna’s character she had ever seen. How had Deanna pulled it off, since she really didn’t know Faythe? She had depicted Faythe the way nobody had seen her, or wanted to see her, in years.

“That looks comfortable.”

Was the husky voice a memory? She was focusing so hard on figuring out Deanna’s mystery… A quick glance to her left showed the outline of her neighbor as she approached the Jacuzzi. “Deanna.” Faythe sat up.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.” Deanna shuffled her feet and shoved her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. “I haven’t seen you around and thought I’d…eh…thank you for dinner. I didn’t intend to be impolite. I’ve been busy with a deadline.”

“Oh, yeah? Another book?”

“Yes. A children’s book. Bunny Buttercup.”

“Oh. Really. It sounds adorable. I’ve heard about the author. Wasn’t it shortlisted for an award?”

“Yes. It didn’t win, but it gained a lot of attention and has done well.” Deanna looked preoccupied.

“I’m happy for you.” Faythe felt unusually shy, but wasn’t about to let the awkwardness stop her. “Want to join me?” The words left her lips before she knew what she meant to say.

“What? Oh, no. That’s all right. I should get back to work. Would you like to go on a more reliable boat trip on the lake with me?”

“I’d love to.” The heat from the water must have caused the hot flush up her neck and cheeks. “When did you have in mind?”

“Early tomorrow, in my canoe. I usually take my camera and stay a few hours.”

“I haven’t paddled a canoe since I was twelve and at summer camp, but I think I remember how.” Faythe laughed. “At least I know better than two friends there who always insisted on facing each other while they paddled, which didn’t work so well.”

“You’re kidding.” Deanna’s deliciously throaty laugh made Faythe’s nipples harden despite the hot water. Displaying even white teeth, Deanna gave a broad smile that transformed her strong features into sheer beauty, and Faythe softened inside. Kitty-with-a-heart’s comments seemed ridiculous and petty, and Faythe couldn’t wait to get to know Deanne better.

“Seven too early?”

“No. I’m used to getting up at four, so seven is fine.” Faythe stood up in the hot tub without thinking, but Deanna’s roaming eyes made her want to sit down just as quickly. Not wanting to seem even more conspicuous, though, Faythe climbed out of the tub and reached for her towel. “I’m turning into a prune.”

“All right. See you tomorrow.”

“I’ll make us breakfast to take along.” Backing up so fast she nearly hit the railing behind her, Deanna nodded. “Sounds good. Bye.” She disappeared along the path and through the trees, and only when Faythe began to shiver did she realize she’d forgotten to wrap the towel around her. Groaning at herself, she hurried inside and headed for the shower to wash her hair.

When was the last time her heart fluttered the way it did now? She glanced at the mirror as she squirmed out of her swimsuit. Even her chest looked flushed. In the shower she tried to let the water rinse the heated thoughts from her mind.

Sitting behind Faythe in the canoe enhanced Deanna’s experience of the lake’s mirrorlike surface. The birds seemed in awe too; not even the autumn leaves stirred. The air was crisp, but not cool enough to turn their breath into mist, and Deanna realized that the uncommon feeling inside her was peace. Short-lived, it evaporated as soon as Faythe turned and smiled at her. That smile had haunted Deanna for days.

“Beautiful doesn’t quite cut it, does it?” Faythe looked reverently at her. “I can’t describe how this makes me feel. How can I ever go back to Manhattan?”

“I could never live too far away from nature.”

“Were you born here? In Grantville, I mean?”

“No, I’m from Montpellier.”

“City girl? I’d never have guessed.”

“I’m that unsophisticated?” Deanna raised an eyebrow, delighted when Faythe blushed.

“No. I meant you so clearly appreciate living among…this.”

“Actually, I lived a very average suburban life.”

“And how did you end up here?”

“Oh, life.” Deanna thought of Miranda, how their mother’s betrayal and altered loyalties had forced this situation upon them. “Just happenstance, really.”

“That’s not uncommon. Nothing happenstance ever had the chance to enter my life. Once I left college, I was on the fast track in the media business. The speed blinded me. I thought I was living my dream, maybe because everyone else took that for granted.”

“I can see how that might confuse a person.” Faythe turned forward and continued to paddle with long, slow strokes. “The term ‘finding yourself’ is a cliché, but trust me, that’s why I’m here. I lost sight of what I wanted. Some days I lost sight of me.” Faythe’s sorrowful laugh tore at Deanna.

“I hope you do find yourself. Really.”

“Me too.”

They paddled along the narrow part of the lake in silence, and Deanna relaxed again, blocking thoughts of her mother and other unhappy parts of her life to focus on the rising sun’s rays that played with the highlights in Faythe’s hair. She wore it in a low ponytail with a Tilley hat hanging on her back. Dressed in jeans and a red windbreaker jacket, and devoid of makeup, she looked years younger than during dinner a week ago.

Deanna itched to draw her again and looked with longing at the backpack at her feet. She always carried some basic art supplies and sketch pads, as well as a set of dry clothes in a sealed bag, a first-aid kit, a thermos of coffee, and some sandwiches. Faythe had been smart enough to bring something to eat and spare clothes as well.

“A log coming toward us,” Faythe said. “Left or right?”

“Right.” Deanna guided them around the trunk, which floated slowly with the current as several birds sat on top of it and groomed themselves. Their ruffled feathers and beady eyes pleased her.

Faythe glanced over her shoulder again. “Any particular goal in mind, or do we just paddle until we see a place we like?”

“Let’s keep going a while longer, unless you’re sore. I know some pretty spots about half an hour upstream.”

“I’m okay. I may be a city girl, but I work out.” Faythe grinned and kept paddling.

“I could tell the other day.”

“What? How?”

Deanna cursed inwardly for speaking without thinking. Visions of lean muscles playing under soft, pale skin surfaced instantly, no matter how she tried to suppress them. “I…I just noticed when you…I mean, when you used my shower after the rowboat sank.” That sounded even worse. Deanna kept paddling, hoping the moment of awkwardness would vanish.

“Wow, I’m glad you noticed. I certainly appreciated your strength when you towed me through the water.” Faythe wrinkled her nose.

“Something tells me you’re not much for gyms, though. You’re in good shape because you’re the outdoorsy type. Am I right or am I right?”

“You’re right.” Deanna was relieved at Faythe’s good-natured response. It was amazing to be around someone who wasn’t suspicious or judgmental, and even if a small voice in the back of her mind reminded Deanna to be careful, not to read too much into Faythe’s sweetness, it pulled her in, like a wasp to strawberry shortcake. “I don’t do gyms, but I take long walks, paddle the canoe, and chop my own wood in the winter.”

“Thought as much. Perhaps you could show me how to chop wood? I’m staying at least three months. That’s what it should take, minimum, to ‘find myself.’”

Deanna’s heart twirled. “Three months. That’s almost till Christmas.”

“Yeah. If Aunt Nellie is coming here for the holidays, I might even spend them at the cabin. Who knows? My parents always start bickering about where I should spend Christmas or New Year, and I’d rather skip their massive parties.“

“Your aunt is a nice person. I’ve talked to her briefly and appreciate her kindness.”

“She’s the sanest one in my family, trust me.”

“Including you?” Faythe seemed completely sane and very nice.

“Hmm. Don’t know. I guess I’m all right, but Nellie is so much wiser. She has it all together, you know?” Faythe’s tone sounded longing, tinged with distress.

“She’s older.” Deanna knew her comment sounded a bit lame but wanted to reassure Faythe. “For what it’s worth, stepping off the carousel to follow your heart when you’re on the fast track to fame and fortune says a lot.”

“It does?” Faythe’s shoulders relaxed visibly. “I thought it spoke volumes about how indecisive and confused I am.”

“We all become confused. You’ve got enough courage to act, and you will get un-confused soon enough.”

Faythe’s laugh carried over the lake and stirred up a flock of birds on the other shore. “Thanks. You’re good for my self-esteem.”

“Glad to hear that.” Deanna had been mysteriously upset when she sensed pain in Faythe, and comforting her warmed her belly. Deanna cleared her throat and glanced to the right. “How about over there?

That’s a gorgeous spot and easy to pull the canoe ashore.”

“Beautiful. Let’s get going. I’m starving.” Deanna’s broad, rare smile stretched unfamiliar muscles. “Me too.”

* * *

Faythe leaned back on one elbow and sipped her coffee. The caffeine seemed to diffuse directly into her veins and rejuvenated her. Or perhaps it was the fresh air, she mused, but changed her mind.

Usually the crisp air made her go to sleep. She looked around the area Deanna had chosen for them to enjoy their breakfast.

“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” Faythe murmured. “I truly enjoy the scenery once I do get outside.”

“Guess Central Park isn’t exactly outdoors.”

“Not exactly, even though I love jogging there every morning. I try to go super early, though, which is a bummer since I love to sleep in.” Faythe shifted her gaze to Deanna, who lay on her side in a position that mirrored her own. “How about you?”

“I’m a night owl. I can stay up so late it’s early morning before I go to bed. Guess that spills over to being a morning person. I don’t sleep much.”

Faythe knew from Deanna’s sad tone that this wasn’t a subject she should pursue. Deanna moved forward enough for her black hair to cover her face, a familiar gesture. But why did she hide?

“I change depending on my mood,” Faythe said casually. “If I’m swamped with work and running in circles, I’m grumpy in the morning. If I’m doing something interesting, even if it’s stressful, I’m annoyingly cheerful, according to my colleagues.”

Deanna’s hair fell back over her shoulders and she grinned.

“Annoyingly cheerful? Really. I’m trying to picture that, but I can’t.”

“Oh, I can get overenthusiastic. I’m like a dog with a bone. Once I’m excited about a project I never let go until I’ve sorted everything out, unraveled every part of the mystery, no matter what it is.” Deanna’s expression became somber, and Faythe realized she’d stepped into a minefield.