White Lies (A Twisted Fate Series) (Volume 1) (30 page)

W
e were on our way to my art show. I felt like I radiated nerves. Surprisingly, I had forced the events in my personal life aside for the day after Trent told me about Commander Taylor. There were no additional leads. I’d let Tack know he was empty-handed, also.

Tomorrow, the problems would still be there; today, I enjoyed my accomplishment and the events after the show—Carson planned to propose to Francesca at my house. This filled me with delight. She had no idea and wasn’t pushing for the proposal. Mildred had made Carson’s favorite ravioli to celebrate.

Afterward, he planned to take her to the beach house he’d ended up buying through all this madness. That home would be the perfect place for them.

After checking my phone for the tenth time, Trent’s hand came on top of mine. He was dressed in a tux, looking quite dashing. “There’s nothing to be nervous about, Willow. I, or another member of security, will be with you the entire time. Don’t take anything from anyone. I’ll intercede in a professional manner if need be.”

“I got it.”

He released me. It was a brotherly feeling. Comforting. Flexing my fingers, I resisted the urge to check my phone… again.

I adjusted my lavender chiffon dress, careful not to snag any of the teardrop beads dangling from it. It was sophisticated elegance. I found it earlier this year, and I’d been dying to wear it. The dress had been love at first sight. I never dreamed I would be wearing it to my own art show.

My fingers went to turn over my phone, but I resisted. Trent smiled and shook his head, trying to suppress a laugh. “I know. I know. I feel like a neurotic mess.”

“I don’t think I said this before, but congratulations, Willow, on your show. It’s an incredible achievement. Having worked security for many, I know how significant this is.”

“Thank you. It’s pretty surreal.”

The gallery’s brick building came into view. A few press members hung out front. Generally at any event like this, there were a few paparazzi hovering in hopes of catching someone rich and famous dropping by.

The box with the finger flashed through my mind. Whoever was after me knew I would be here tonight.

Put it aside. Enjoy tonight. I will be safe
.

Trent reassured me. “I promise everything will be fine.”

And I was beginning to truly trust him—and not simply because my father had. We veered off the main road to the alley that led to the back door to enter without anyone in the way.

A beep signaled a text message on Trent’s phone. He quickly read it. “Everyone is set up. Some security will filter in as guests. There will also be normal security around so the increase in personnel doesn’t raise suspicions. If anything is bothering you, look at me and blink three times. We’ll get you out of there. No questions asked.”

Andre radioed someone from the front seat and the alley door opened. We were quickly ushered inside. I looked over my shoulder, wondering if the person causing all this was watching and waiting for the perfect moment to take me. The kidnapping threat had everyone on high alert. Commander Taylor’s murder only added to the stress.

Eva greeted us wearing a pink ombré silk gown. Her hair had been elegantly smoothed down. In her element, Eva exuded enthusiasm. “Hello, darling. Everything is set. We’ve already had someone buy one of the paintings. It’s above asking price, so I went against protocol and sold it. I hope that was okay. I have a feeling tonight is going to be stupendous.”

“Really, which—”

“Eva, there’s a member of press outside who would like a comment.” One of the female staff dressed in a cream colored suit interrupted our conversation.

“Perfect.” She turned to me. “If you need anything, let anyone know and we’ll make it happen. I’ll be back.”

In a flutter she was gone. Andre took a step to the side and nodded to me. Trent used his earpiece to check in with various people.

I wondered if the person was here… watching me.
Stop it, Willow.
I focused on the here and now. It was the only way my nerves would make it through the evening.

Eva pranced back into the room. “People are filtering in and asking about you. Another painting has already sold.”

I was stunned. Normally I sold the majority of the paintings chosen for a particular showcase, but that was
after
the show had started. “Wow, that’s amazing. I can’t believe it.”

Eva looked pleased as she beamed. “I know. It’s fabulous. Are you ready to greet your guests, darling?”

“Yes.”

Italian opera played low to give the perfect ambience. Growing up, this is what Dad played at all of his shows. Truly it felt like old times. People lined up to enter the gallery. With Trent by my side as my “date” and Eva directing, she led me to the first group to meet.

A permanent smile was affixed to my face as I talked about the paintings and the emotional mood. Overall, I avoided the reason behind the paintings regarding Alex’s betrayal. As an artist, you bared yourself on canvas. However, like my father, I left it to the observer to take away what the meaning meant to them.

People projected their own personal lives into art. If they were hurting, they saw the pain. If they were happy, they saw the love. If they were sad, they saw the heartache. There was no right or wrong answer… it was just true emotion connecting to the image in front of you.

I took a quick sip of water and looked up to see Nonno with Carson, Francesca, and his family come inside. Last night, Carson had told Francesca everything about what was going on. Afterward, Francesca had come to my room to check on me and let me know if I ever wanted to talk, she was there for me. I’d always hoped I would be great friends with Carson’s wife.

Briefly, I’d hugged each of them. Before I said anything else, Eva pulled me away again to meet more guests.

Appetizers circulated and filled the air with a tasty aroma. As a tray passed, I snagged a puff pastry. “I’m starving.”

Trent chuckled before shoving a pastry in his mouth. “Me, too. You’re doing great.”

“Thank you.” I beamed at the praise.

Someone tapped me on the shoulder. “Willow, I love these darker-toned pictures you’ve done. What inspired you?”

Launching into the pre-rehearsed spiel, I explained it was a period of finding myself. Eva approached, and the balding man signaled to Eva he wanted to purchase.

Whew, I was exhausted.

How many paintings had sold? I checked the time. Only two hours into the show, and things had progressed faster than anticipated. It was hard to believe. I remembered seeing Dad’s art sell quickly and hoping one day I would reach the same success. It seemed like I had realized one of my dreams.

I loved it.

So far, no one had mentioned Dad, which was good and showed I stood on my own two feet when it came to my art. There were some who knew he was my father, though I never advertised it.

I finished my water. Within seconds, Andre had another glass for me.

A tap on my shoulder caused me to turn. “Marissa! Rosie! You guys made it!”

Marissa spoke first. “Wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Clay and Mitchell are at the bar. The rest of the gang is stopping by a little later.”

We all exchanged hugs. “Thank you guys for coming. It means the world to me.”

“Clay and I took a quick tour while you were talking to someone. Amazing. It’s some of your best work yet.”

“I agree,” echoed Rosie.

The response to this night overwhelmed me at times. I felt like a recorder on repeat, unable to verbalize the appropriate words for what I felt. “Wow, thank you.”

The rest of our friends joined us after handing the girls their glasses of wine. Carson arrived with his arm around Francesca. Earlier, she’d been introduced to our friends shortly after they walked through the door. Marissa, of course, treated her like they had been friends for years.

It was still odd seeing Rosie with someone in this new dynamic. Mitchell hooked his arm around her waist. She looked radiant. I was happy she’d finally found someone who put up with her kind of crazy. With Francesca by his side, Carson was the most relaxed he’d ever been around Rosie. A giggle I’d suppressed tried to escape as I thought about him running from her in Martha’s Vineyard. I made a mental note to share it with Francesca.

Clay spoke to Carson, showing him something on his phone, after Marissa excused herself to the facilities. Small talk ensued before Eva pulled me away. I took it all in as I sipped my water, thankful I had my friends back in my life. Alex hadn’t taken everything from me. In some ways, he helped me see how precious some things really were. Sometimes even the faintest of silver linings helped you get through a difficult situation.

Eva approached. “I have some news for you, Willow.”

“What’s that?”

The hairs on the back of my neck prickled with a familiarity I wasn’t able to place. Quickly, I scanned the room. It wasn’t apprehension but something else.

Clumps of people stood in front of the paintings. Nothing stood out. I kept scanning. An old man with a cane walked my way. Our eyes caught, and I wasn’t sure why I kept staring. I couldn’t place him.

“Willow, did you hear me?”

I turned my attention back to Eva. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“The show is completely sold out.”

My mouth dropped open as her words registered, taking my focus away from the man. “Every painting?”

“Yes, darling, every painting.”

This was beyond words. I wanted to jump in excitement, but I refrained and took a deep breath while smoothing out my chiffon dress. “I’m speechless. Wow, thank you, Eva.” There I went—like a broken record again.

She raised her eyebrow in complete seriousness. “Thank me by getting me more paintings.”

Giving a small laugh, I replied, “I’ll see what I can do.” Honestly, the woman wore me out with her insistence.

A tap on Eva’s shoulder from one of her associates took her attention. She gave an excited clap. “More business to attend to. I’ll be back.”

The water felt good as I took a small sip. I was more tired than normal, which was understandable with the pregnancy. Only Carson, Francesca, Trent, and Tack knew at this point.

Carson leaned into my ear. “Fuck, she drives me nuts. She’s like a squeaky, energetic mouse.”

Coughing ensued as the water threatened to come out my nose. Finally, I managed to speak. “You dated her for a bit, if I remember correctly.”

“Worst decision of my life. It only lasted as long as it did because I was gone ninety percent of our relationship.”

I had no idea she drove him nuts. They always seemed friendly with each other. In a playful mood, I raised my eyebrow. “Did she keep going and going and going?”

Carson shuddered. “You know, Eva tried for a while to reconcile. Hell, she even showed up at places to run into me. Then, she stopped. I figured she’d sunk her claws into someone else.”

Tapping my chin, I thought out loud for only Carson to hear. “You seem to make the girls go a little crazy. I think it’s the cologne. Should I warn Francesca?”

“Payback, Willow. Don’t forget about payback.”

We laughed as Francesca approached, trying to hide a yawn. The doctor confirmed she was ten weeks pregnant yesterday. They had been dating for a little over three months. Carson wrapped his hand around her hips.

A shoulder bumped into me. Marissa waved her arms as she spoke. “You will not believe who is here. Oh my gosh! I can’t believe it. There’s some actor here. Oh my gosh! They were talking in the restroom. I must find him to take a picture to Tweet.” In all her excitement, Marissa grabbed Francesca’s champagne glass and downed it.

Knowing Marissa, she would get her picture before the evening ended. Clay just rolled his eyes.

Marissa’s face scrunched in an expression of horror. “What the hell are you drinking? Was that sparkling cider?”

Carson and Francesca broke out in huge grins. With so much pride, Carson announced, “Francesca and I are pregnant.”

Cheers erupted as Marissa put her hands on Carson’s shoulders. “Well, hell. Someone finally tamed you, Carson. This is amazing. Congratulations!”

Carson’s hand touched Francesca’s stomach. I restrained from touching mine as he said, “I can’t wait to meet this little person. I’m the luckiest man alive to have Francesca be the mother of my child.”

The word
mother
still brought a thrill of excitement to me. I was going to be a mom, too. I added, “Carson, I hope it’s a little girl to drive you wild.”

“Me, too.” He gave me a wink, no doubt elated the news was out.

Marissa engulfed them in a giant hug. “Congrats you two. I’m so excited.”

“Thank you.”

“O’ Sole Mio” by Luciano Pavarotti played throughout the room. It was low, but the memories of Dad and Mom filtered through my head. In that moment, it felt like Dad and Mom were here smiling down on Carson and me. Things were going to be okay once we got through the storm. I knew the sun would be on the other side.

T
he night wound down as the crowd left, leaving only a few people behind. All through the night, I’d barely spoken to Bennett, Marie, or Nonno. I hated that I hadn’t been able to spend more time with them. I was about to search them out when I saw they were approaching. I leaned against the wall, exhausted. There was still about a half hour left of the show.