Chapter 51
Chapter Fifty-One
B ackground music playing softly, Frankie rested her brush hand on her leg and studied the work she’d done so far. She’d begun to layer in Arlington’s face, mapping the contours with various shades of flesh tones, sketching out the nose and cheekbones, refining his strong jawline, creating the slope of his neck.
He was coming to life under her brush.
She could see him much more clearly than before. She’d always had a vision in her head of the finished piece. That was her process. She’d imagine what she wanted to paint and then work from that, although she liked to use photos, too, when it was a portrait. But what was on her canvas and what was in her head were starting to mesh.
Her favorite part was doing the small details that really made a piece come to life. The highlights and shadows that gave dimension and spark to a flat painting. She was days away from that, however.
The ice in her water tumbler clinked as a piece melted and shifted. She’d unintentionally worked through lunch. The paint had been going on exactly how she wanted it to, her vision had been really strong for how she wanted each stroke to look, and so she’d kept going, despite her grumbling stomach.
Maybe now was a good time to take a break. She’d make a quick meal and come back down, see what else she could get done today.
She’d had a text from Harper earlier, to say they’d arrived safely and were about to get on the road to the assisted-living facility. Frankie picked up her phone and checked to see if there were any more updates from her sister.
There weren’t but there was a notification of a new email. She went to her inbox to see what it was. A message from Allan. She clicked the link to see what he had to say. She’d sent him the cover mockup a day ago and hadn’t heard anything. That wasn’t usually a good sign.
She smiled as she read.
Hi Frankie,
Sorry for the delayed response. I wanted to sit with the cover and get past my initial reaction. To be honest, it was a lot to take in. I know you talked about using color, but that was more than I expected. At first, I wasn’t so sure.
But the more I look at it, the more I love it. This might actually cause a new trend in sci-fi covers. It’s still very much science fiction but you’ve made it fresh. It feels really accessible, too. Like something someone who doesn’t usually read sci-fi might take a chance on.
Bottom line is you’re hired. I’ll send you the titles and synopses for the next two books. Please feel free to invoice me for whatever additional deposit you need. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
Best,
Allan
She exhaled. That was amazing news. This was exactly the kind of work she needed. The kind that would get recognized and bring in more work. She was thrilled. The fear she’d been holding on to, the fear that working as a full-time illustrator wouldn’t be enough, no longer seemed like a fear at all.
She turned off her music, dipped her brushes in oil, and went upstairs to make some lunch. The house was quiet, as Willa and Jack were in the guest house knitting. Willa had taken Archie with her.
Frankie was getting leftovers out of the fridge when someone knocked on the front door. She went down to answer it.
Lucas was on the other side. “Hi.”
“Hi!”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I know you’re working, and I shouldn’t be interrupting, but I feel like I’ve barely seen you the last few days.” He kissed her again. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.” She stayed in his arms. It was such a nice place to be.
“With everything going on, I never did get to have everyone over for dinner like I wanted to and now Angie’s leaving in a few days.”
She pulled back. “He is?”
Lucas nodded. “Yep. He’ll be headed back home before you know it.”
“I’m sorry about that. I thought he’d be here longer. That I’d get to see him more.”
“None of us anticipated that he’d end up working for Mitch and Jack, but what can you do? They needed help and he was the right guy for the job.” He shrugged. “How about you and me go out for dinner or a movie or something tonight?”
“I’d love that, but don’t you want to spend time with your brother?”
“I do, but a couple hours won’t hurt. Besides, he already told me he’s got paperwork to do and that he doesn’t want to be the reason I neglect you.”
She smiled. “You’re not neglecting me, but that’s sweet of him. You want something to eat? I was just about to make some lunch.”
“Just now? Lunch was hours ago.” He frowned. “Do I need to come over here more often? Make sure you’re taking care of yourself?”
“Oh, stop it. I’m fine. Trust me, skipping a meal wouldn’t be the worst thing for me.” She chuckled.
“I’ve already eaten but I’ll hang out with you, if you want.”
“I want.”
He came with her upstairs. “So, for tonight, I’ll pick you up around six, if that works?”
“Yep, sounds good.” She went back to getting out leftovers, which was salad and some lemon pepper chicken breasts.
He looked around. “Why does it seem so quiet here today?”
“Oh.” She made a little grimace. “Harper’s not here. Her mom passed away, so she flew to Nevada to take care of things. Mitch went with her.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. That was nice of him. How’s she doing?”
“She’s doing pretty well.” Frankie added salad to a bowl. “It’s also quiet because Willa’s at the guest house with Jack. He’s teaching her to knit.”
Lucas grinned. “Jackson Marsh knits?”
“He does. He’s making me a throw for the couch in there.” She tipped her head. “Did I tell you I’m moving into the guest house? Eventually, that is.”
“You’ll have your own place, then. That’s nice.”
She got out a knife and a cutting board and sliced up a piece of chicken. “Not sure when it’ll happen, since Jack’s there, but it’s not a big deal.”
Lucas glanced toward the water. “I heard the paparazzi have had the place staked out.”
She glared at the boats. “Yes. They’re awful. They won’t leave the man alone.”
He went over to the windows and stood there, hands on his hips. “I’m not sure that’s legal.”
“What isn’t?”
“Them being out there, clogging up that waterway.” He walked back over to the counter where she was working. “I might call Kai at the marina. See what he knows. If anyone would know, it’s him.”
“That would be great if he could actually do something. I feel like Jack’s whole purpose for being here has been thwarted by those idiots. Not to mention, it’s like living in a fishbowl. I know they don’t care about me, Harper, and Willa, but still.”
He told her stories about him and Angelo while she ate and laughed. He refilled her glass of water when she’d nearly emptied it.
“You’re good company,” she said. “Not that I didn’t know that already.”
Grinning, his eyes narrowed. “Seems like the right time to ask for a favor.”
“You need me to do something for you? Anything. Just name it.”
“Can I see the portrait you’re working on?”
She laughed. “That’s what you want? Sure, come on. I’ll show you.” She put her dish in the sink and took him downstairs. “There’s not a lot to see. It’s a work in progress. Days away from being done.”
“I’m still curious.”
She gestured to the canvas. “There it is.”
He went closer. His mouth came open slightly, but he said nothing, just stood there, looking at it. Finally, he spoke. “Frankie, this is amazing.”
“Thanks. It’s got a long way to go.”
He turned to see her. “This is art. Real art. Which didn’t come out the way I meant it. Obviously, what you do is art. But this is…gallery worthy. It’s beautiful. It’s got emotion. Even in this state. I’m seriously in awe of your talent.”
“As my boyfriend, you’re required to say that.”
He shook his head. “I mean it. Why don’t you paint more? Is it a time thing?”
“That and it’s expensive. I haven’t had the funds, really. Graphic design on the computer doesn’t require supplies and it suits most people’s needs. And budget.”
“Makes sense.” He came over to her and took her hand. “It’s kind of hot knowing how talented you are.”
She laughed. “You think so, huh?”
“I do.” He nodded and kissed her cheek. “Don’t get too famous, okay? I don’t want to lose you to some rich dude who promises you trips to the Louvre and all that.”
She just grinned at him, amused that he could actually think that would happen. Not to mention, Lucas wasn’t exactly poor. He was just being sweet. “You have nothing to worry about. Cross my heart.”
“Good. See you tonight?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Or a rich dude.”