Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
TANNER
“ S o, what now?”
The question comes from Scott. I’m having lunch with him at Three Sisters, filling him in on everything that’s been happening with his sister.
I have another motive for asking him here, but that’ll come later.
“I called Belle Lovejoy,” I reply with a shrug and eat my burger. “We’re meeting with her at the end of the week.”
“A private investigator,” Scott says in surprise. “I suppose that makes sense. Maybe Belle can find some answers for us. You know, some of this could just be coincidence. The tire, the phone, things like that. They may not be connected to the break-in at the house at all.”
“I know. I thought of that.” I set my water glass down and frown at the other man. “But what if they aren’t ? Something just feels so off lately, and I can’t explain it. Sure, some of it could just be life kicking her in the balls, but something in my gut doesn’t think so. I’d rather be safe than sorry.”
“Agreed.” He wads up his napkin and tosses it on his empty plate. “How is she? Aside from all the shit that’s been going on, I mean, how is she?”
“She’s doing better,” I reply, knowing exactly what Scott’s asking. “She’s not so timid and doesn’t seem so sad anymore.”
“I was kind of surprised when you two started seeing each other,” he admits. “Not because it’s you , but because it seemed so soon after everything that went down last year. But, she has to move on. That’s the healthiest thing for her, to move on with her life. To enjoy her life, so thanks for being part of that for her, man.”
“I waited longer than I wanted to,” I admit with a laugh. “You thought it felt fast, but it was the longest few months of my life. I would still be waiting, even with her renting out my guesthouse, if she wasn’t ready. She finally approached me because she was sick of me twiddling my thumbs.”
Scott laughs, nodding. “Good. Good for both of you.”
“And that leads me to this.” I shift in my seat, suddenly nervous. “I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
He doesn’t blink. He also doesn’t look surprised.
“Are you asking for my blessing?”
“Yeah, I am. You’re the only family that she gives a shit about. You may still be trying to figure out your relationship, but she loves you, and you’re her brother, so I’m telling you and asking at the same time.”
“Look, I know that you love her. You’ve loved her since you were a kid. Fucked up a little, but hopefully that’s out of your system.”
“I fucked up a lot.” I blow out a breath. “So it’s a wonder to me that she wants anything at all to do with me. I can tell you that I’ll always do my best to protect her, to treat her the way she should be treated, and to be a man that she’s proud of.”
“Good. Because if she ever comes to me and says that you’ve hurt her in any way, I’ll light your house on fire and watch it burn to the goddamn ground.”
“We understand each other, then.”
His lips twitch with humor as I offer him my hand to shake.
“Circling back to what we were talking about earlier, her phone being out of commission explains why I couldn’t reach her last week. Mom’s ashes arrived, and I spoke with June about burying her. If Sarah’s schedule is clear, we might go ahead and do that later today.”
“I’ll text you her new number.” I pick up my phone and send Scott the contact. “I think she’s free later, but you should check with her.”
“I’m gonna shoot her a text now,” his words are slow as he taps on his phone. “I just want to bury that woman and move on.”
“What happens when your dad dies?” I wince and then sigh. “I know that sounds bad. I guess I’m curious if you’ll bury him with your mom, or?—”
“I don’t give two shits about what happens to my father, before or after he dies,” Scott replies shortly. “He can rot in hell as far as I’m concerned.”
“Point taken.”
His phone dings with a text. “She’s free this evening. Good. She also says to tell you that she’s running to the grocery store. How… domestic. ”
“It’ll happen to you one day. You’ll meet a woman and fall flat on your face in love, and then you’ll be talking about grocery lists and work schedules and thinking about fucking her all the damn time.”
“Hey.” He looks pained as he sits back in his seat. “She’s my sister. I don’t want to know about the perverted things you think about.”
“She’s not complaining, trust me. But it’s more than that. It’s having the person you like the best there to just be with you. Hang out. Walk the beach, or watch TV. Unload about your day. My point is, it’ll happen to you, and then I’ll razz you about domestic conversations about the grocery store.”
“No, it’s not going to happen.” He rubs his hand over his hair. “Relationships are too complicated, and I’m pretty much married to the job, so you enjoy your bliss with my sister, and I’ll cheer you on.”
I want to argue, but my phone rings, and I see that it’s Sarah.
“Hey, babe.”
“Hey.” Just with that one word, I can hear the frustration in her voice.
“What’s wrong?”
“Well, I just came out to start my car to go to the grocery store, and it’s out of gas. Like, completely out. There aren’t even enough fumes to get me to the gas station. Tanner, am I going crazy? Because I could have sworn that I just fueled up the other day.”
“You did.” I meet Scott’s eyes with my own. “You put gas in after Wolfe took care of the tire. I’ll deal with it.”
“I’m so annoyed,” she mutters. “I couldn’t have used a full tank in less than a week.”
“We’ll figure it out. I’m on my way.”
“Thanks. Sorry to interrupt your guy lunch.”
“We were just wrapping it up. No worries. I’ll see you in a few.”
I hang up and scowl.
“What happened?” Scott asks.
“She’s out of gas. She had at least half a tank in that car. What the hell is going on?”
Scott blows out a breath. “I’m coming with you. We’ll see if there’s any damage to the car.”
“Let’s go.”
Scott follows me to my place and parks behind me in the driveway. Sarah’s standing by her car, her face filled with frustration and confusion.
“All I want to do is go buy some bananas,” she says when I get out of the car. “So they can get overly ripe, and I can try my hand at making banana bread. That’s all. Why is that so much to ask?”
“She’s getting a little crazy,” Scott murmurs.
“I’m not crazy, except I feel that way all the time now. Anyway, the stupid car is out of gas. I’ve barely been able to drive it since I got it.”
Scott squats by the gas tank as I pull Sarah into my arms for a long, firm hug. “It’s okay. Maybe you didn’t fill it up all the way the other day. Sometimes the pump kicks off before the tank is full, and I just stop filling it, thinking that it’s done.”
“Maybe,” she says with a sigh. “It’s entirely possible that happened because I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”
“I don’t see where anything has been tampered with,” Scott adds as he stands. “Doesn’t look like anyone pried the tank open or anything like that. You probably just didn’t fill it up all the way, like Tanner said.”
“So annoying.” Sarah props her hands on her hips. “Now I need a ride to the grocery store because I’m going to want that banana bread in a few days.”
“You know, you can make the bread without waiting for them to go black,” Scott says.
“But the bread is better when they are overripe.”
“Says the woman who doesn’t like to cook.” I laugh when she scowls at me. “I’m sure it’ll be delicious, pretty girl.”
“Just like the mac ‘n’ cheese and hotdogs,” Scott adds.
“You guys can make fun of me all you want.” She lifts her little nose into the air and sniffs. “I don’t care. I won’t share my freshly baked banana bread with you.”
“Now you’re just being mean,” Scott says and reaches out to tug on her blonde hair. “You’ll share with me. I’m your favorite.”
“ Least favorite brother today.” She grins at him, though. “Okay, you’re my favorite again.”
“ Yes .” He pumps his hand in the air triumphantly. “Okay, I’m gonna head out. I’ll see you later at June’s.”
“Bye,” Sarah says with a wave. “How about it? Shall we go to the store?”
“Yes. We have that meeting with the art customer in an hour, as well.”
“I didn’t forget.” She chews her lip. “You know what, on second thought, let me go in and change really quick so we can go to the store and then straight to the gallery.”
“I’m fine with that.”
“I’m so damn nervous.” Sarah adjusts the collar of her red blouse for the fourth time since we arrived at the gallery.
“Don’t be.” I kiss her forehead and then adjust one of the canvases so the lighting hits the center of the piece just right. “All of these are incredible.”
“He’s right,” Wayne says from behind us, admiring Sarah’s art. “These are really beautiful, and so unlike anything else we have in the gallery. They’re an excellent addition to our exhibit.”
“Now you guys are just flattering me.”
“I don’t flatter unless it’s earned.” I kiss her forehead once more. “And it is. She should be here any minute.”
And I’m not wrong.
A few moments later, Clementine Bodine walks through my door, a bright smile on her beautiful face, and she hurries over to me and plants a kiss right on my lips.
“Tanner, darling ,” she says with excitement. “It’s always just an absolute joy to see you. God, you’re gorgeous. Let’s have a replay of that weekend in Hawaii sometime soon, shall we?”
“Uh, Clem, this is Sarah Pedersen.” I step out of Clem’s reach and turn to find fire sparking in Sarah’s eyes. “She’s the artist I was telling you about and the reason I called you in today.”
“Damn,” Clem says and looks me up and down. “A girl can try, I suppose. Hello, Sarah, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Tanner has told me about your work, and I’m excited to see it today.”
“Thank you,” Sarah says with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “We have some pieces on display for your perusal.”
“Oh, Tanner,” Clem exclaims as she approaches the canvases. “You weren’t kidding. These are amazing, and I can already picture them in several rooms in my house. Oh, and this one of the sailboat would be divine for my brother’s new place. He’s building a house on the hills, overlooking the ocean. Did you hear?”
“I think I did hear that,” I reply with a nod. “I’m sure that would make a great housewarming gift.”
“I’ll take them all,” Clem says, and Sarah’s head snaps back as if she’s been slapped.
“I’m sorry, what?”
“I want all six of them. Can I take them today?” She turns to me. “I’d also like to have them hung in the house, as we’ve done in the past.”
“Wayne can handle that,” I reply with a nod, and Clem’s eyes go to ice.
“I see.” Her gaze shifts between me and Sarah, and I reach for Sarah’s hand. “So, that’s how it is.”
“Yes, Clem. That’s how it is. But you’re a loyal and dear customer, and I wanted to give you the first opportunity to buy these pieces before they go on display or are offered to anyone else.”
Clem turns back to the paintings and nods slowly. “I do love them, and I’m still taking them all, even if I don’t get to have sex with you ever again.”
I feel my face wanting to flush, so I swallow, willing the flush away.
I fucked up. I should have told Sarah more about this customer, but it didn’t occur to me at the time. Clem is in the past, and Sarah’s all I think about now.
“I’m pleased that you like my work,” Sarah says, her voice all cool professionalism. “And I appreciate your business.”
“But you don’t appreciate my interest in Tanner.”
“I’ve been in love with Tanner since I was fourteen,” Sarah responds. “So, no. I don’t appreciate it. But, I can respect it, because he’s handsome and just generally wonderful. The only way you and I will have an issue, Ms. Bodine, is if you think you’re going to try to poach him from me.”
“Oh, honey, I don’t poach.” Clem’s smile is genuine as she turns to me. “Now that I know that you’re off the market, I can stop spending so much fucking money on art.”
My jaw drops, and both women laugh.
“Do you think I need to change out all of the art in my house twice a year?” she continues. “I may be rich, but I’m not foolish. There’s a race car driver in town that I’ve heard is delicious.”
“He’s taken, too,” Sarah says helpfully. “By my best friend.”
“Well, shit. If you hear of anyone on the market, be sure to let me know.” She winks at Sarah and then turns to me. “Bill me for the art and for the install.”
“I will,” I assure her, and slide my hands in my pockets as she walks out of the gallery. “I’m in big trouble, aren’t I?”
“When was Hawaii?” Sarah asks.
“Two years ago.”
“When was the last time you fucked her?”
I hear Wayne choke on a laugh, but I ignore him.
“Two years ago.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that she would practically make out with you when she walked through the door so I was prepared and didn’t have to physically restrain myself from knocking her ass through a wall?”
I swallow my own laugh now.
“Well, she doesn’t always do that.”
“Right,” Wayne says. “She flirts mercilessly. But since you came back to town, Sarah, Tanner doesn’t pay her any attention. Hell, he hasn’t encouraged her in a long ass time.”
“She was a distraction for a little while.” My voice is low so only Sarah can hear. “And who knew that she didn’t really want to buy all new artwork every few months?”
“Uh, a blind man could have seen that,” Sarah replies and pats my cheek. “You’re oblivious. And that’s the reason why you’re not in deep trouble. So, how much are we charging her for all of this?”
“No less than three thousand each.”
Sarah goggles at me. “What? Three thousand each ?”
“Should be more,” Wayne calls out.
“You’re a new artist, still unknown. We’ll start there and increase as word gets out. Clem is getting a hell of a bargain.”
“Holy shit,” Sarah whispers. “That’s a lot of money.”
“Congratulations,” Wayne says as he approaches us with champagne and flutes. “You need to celebrate your first ever sale.”
“I’m proud of you,” I tell her and take a sip of the bubbly.
“I’m kind of proud of me, too,” she says and sips her own glass. “I have so much work to do.”
“It’s a drug, isn’t it?” Wayne asks. “There can’t be anything else like it.”
“I think I’ll be painting full time by the end of the year,” Sarah replies. “As long as they keep selling, that is.”
A customer walks through the door and makes a slow circle through the gallery. When he sees the collection of easels set up behind us, and the artwork on them, his eyebrows pinch together.
“Are these available?”
I grin down at Sarah, whose mouth just dropped wide open, and turn to the man.
“These have been purchased, but this is the artist, and I believe she has more work to come.”
He turns to Sarah and offers to shake her hand. “Do you take on commissions? If I wanted a particular view painted or some such thing? I understand that would cost more, of course.”
“Sure, I could probably do that from a photo.”
“Would you be willing to visit the place so you can see it firsthand?”
“Depending on how far away it is, I don’t see why not.”
He looks back at the other work and then smiles at Sarah. “My wife’s birthday is coming up, and I do believe I just found the perfect gift for her.”
“How exciting,” Sarah replies. “I’ll give you my email address, and we will work out the details.”
“Wonderful. Oh, she’s just going to love this.”
The two exchange information, and when he’s gone, Sarah just stares at me, as if she can’t believe it.
“I think you’d better have business cards made,” I inform her.
“We also need to do a show,” Wayne says from the counter. “Perhaps for the holidays?”
“I don’t even know what that means,” Sarah says, but then launches herself into my arms and hugs me close. “Who knew that I could do this?”
“I did.” I kiss her softly. “I knew, pretty girl. I’m proud of you. And this is only the beginning.”
“I need supplies,” she says. “And I’d like to start painting out in the guesthouse again. I like painting out there.”
“We’ll figure it out,” I assure her, thrilled to see her so full of passion for her art. “You have to work where it feels right.”
“With you.” She says it with a whisper and tips her forehead against my own. “It feels right with you.”
I couldn’t agree more.