“I’m just playing you. It’s all good. He called to let me know he wanted to purchase one that was hanging near the front door.”
My nostrils flared as I marched to the opposite side where she lay. Abby and I were the best of friends and sometimes we acted more like teenagers than adults. My high school friends used to envy our close friendship. Abby and I just got each other.
I snatched up a pillow and pounced at her as I spoke. “You’re mean.” The pillow bounced off her shoulder. “You’re so mean.” The cushion smacked her arms she held out to cover her face. “I was so worried and here you are ...”
“Ahhh ... I’m sorry, Kate.” She laughed, swatting her arms to block my blows. “But you should have seen your face.”
She waved her hands as I gave her one more blow with the pillow.
“You have to learn to relax girl, or you’ll have a heart attack.”
I pushed back the pillow and something thumped on the hardwood floor. I looked down, panting. The water bottle had fallen off the bedside table and rolled five feet to the master bathroom.
“I’ll give you a heart attack.” I poked her ribs, her side, her waist. “I bet you’re not sick. You’re probably playing me about that, too.”
“Stop. Stop.” She giggled until she started to hack and cough.
I picked up the water bottle I had knocked over and handed it to Abby. After she’d gulped down enough, I placed it back on the bedside table.
“You’re a terrible sister, you know that?” I said.
“I know.” She gave me a tight-lipped smile and tossed a pillow at me. She hit the closet door instead.
I slid next to her and rested against the headboard while she laid on her stack of pillows.
“He was the one who paid for my cab ride when I arrived here,” I said.
“What?” Her eyes rounded, her mouth an O shape. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I just did.” I snickered. “I didn’t know he was Mr. Medici in the cab. I thought I would never see him again. And I certainly couldn’t have predicted Mr. Medici would stop by your gallery.” I said his name with a hint of sarcasm. “Do you know anything about him?”
Abby faced me and arched her eyebrows. “Not much. I don’t know if he’s here on a business trip to look over his properties or if he’s lived here for years. I don’t get out much. He did tell me that he buys a lot of paintings because he wishes he could paint, but that’s as much as I got out of him. He’s very private.”
I picked up the pillow Abby had thrown and hugged it. “He seems like it.”
“Medici Real Estate owns properties in Europe, China, Singapore, Korea, Los Angeles, and Kauai, and that’s just a few. You could say his family lives up to their famous last name.”
“I suppose. Anyway, I’m glad he’s a bigger man than I thought, and I’m glad I didn’t mess up anything for you. How much did you sell the painting for?”
Abby’s lips spread a bit wider and her eyes lit up. “Three grand. Only because it’s a smaller one, but he’s bought others for five and ten before. He said he’ll be back again after he gets the measure of the wall.”
I jerked forward and faced her. “What? Three grand for that piece? I saw the painting and it’s—”
She gave me a light sock on the arm. “Not as good as yours. I agree.”
“No. That’s not what I was going to say, but thank you very much.”
“He’s been my saving grace. So, he paid for your cab?”
I didn’t like her playful tone. “Yes. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“He might be available,” she sang. “He’s only four years older than you.”
I shifted my legs to get comfortable. “He paid for my cab. No big deal. He would have done it for anyone.” My mind drifted. “He’s got beautiful eyes though.” My voice became soft and dreamy. “Strong jawline and nice biceps. You can tell he works out.”
My sister sat up and pinned me with her sharp gaze. What was meant to be a casual comment had my sister at attention.
“I agree and I’m glad you said that,” she said.
“What? You agree on what? I didn’t mean anything by it. I hardly know him, and besides, he probably hates me. And it’s just an innocent comment and—”
She grabbed my hand. “I know, Kate. I’m just saying that it’s okay to feel something. It’s okay to think a man is handsome or notice if he makes you feel something. I’m not just talking about Mr. Medici. It’s okay to move on if you’re ready. Just because Jayden hurt you doesn’t mean the next guy will. That’s all I’m saying.”
I wanted to tell her the same, but it was too soon to bring up moving on. One day, maybe.
“I know.” I dipped my head lower and stared at our intertwined fingers. “I’m not ready to open my heart yet.”
Abby stroked my hair and pulled me into her arms. Talking about Jayden had me all worked up and I found myself tearing up a bit, my healing heart ripping at the seams.
I had put up a barrier and acted like I no longer cared for him. Jayden and I were not meant to be together, I got that, but breaking up wasn’t easy. In losing him, I’d also lost my best friend. It felt almost like death.
“It’s fine. I’m sorry I brought it up. I just want the best for you.” She caressed my arm.
“I know.” I drew back and wiped my tears. The truth was, the thought of moving on with someone new scared me.
“Love is easy when it’s with the right person,” Abby added. “So, you got paint on him ... does that mean you’re going to start painting again?”
She sounded excited and I didn’t want to let her down.
“Sort of. I painted on the huge canvas and it looks like something Ty would paint, but I’ll eventually get there.”
“Something I can paint?” a small voice asked. “Is it okay if I come in?”
I had asked Tyler to stay in his room until I finished speaking with his mother. I patted the comforter. “Sure. Come here, you, and join our hug.”
“Come here, baby. I’ve missed you.” My sister threw her arms open.
Tyler jumped on the bed and flopped between us. We both hugged him and planted kisses all over his face.
“We should stay like this,” I said, my arms still around Tyler.
“But I’m hungry.” On cue, the doorbell rang. Tyler bolted out of the room and waited by the door. “The pizza guy is here.”
He knew better than to open it, so he eagerly waited for me. I grabbed the exact amount and tip out of my wallet and handed it to the pizza guy.
I closed the door and placed the box on the table as I savored the comforting aroma of melted cheese and the spicy tang of pepperoni. Tyler set the table with paper plates and napkins for the two of us. I dumped two pepperoni slices on his plate and grabbed the other side with all the toppings on it. Just the way I like it.
Tyler gave me a goofy smile and stuffed his face. “Can we play Unicorns versus Skeletons after dinner, Auntie Kate?”
“Sure, only if you tell me why you looked sad when I picked you up.” I grabbed an apple juice box from the fridge and placed it in front of him. Then I went to the family room.