Chapter 45
Splashes of red iron oxide, burnt orange, raw sienna, and antique copper fill the canvas before me. It’s the third painting of four in my series, but also the one I’ve come back to time and time again in an attempt to catch the brilliant array of autumn hues in a bright day’s light.
The peak, if you will.
At least that’s what I expected this painting would be when I planned the series—exploring peak fall color, showing off against a cloudless blue sky.
But looking at the four of them lined up together now, finished and on display in the bay window of my studio, I don’t think there is a peak work in the bunch.
Instead, they work together—better than I ever hoped they could.
“These are absolutely stunning, Lucy,” Claire’s voice praises from the doorway.
I turn down the radio and wave her in. “Thank you, can you believe that they’re done?”
“Completely done? Already?”
“Once I found my flow”—I shrug—“there was no stopping it.”
Claire crosses the room and throws her arm around my shoulders. “I’m so happy for you. Will you tell me about the series?”
My head falls against hers as we stand there, staring at the paintings together.
“They depict the passage of time but specifically capture the change of seasons through light.” I point at the first one.
“Morning light coming through the window inspired this one. It’s what started this all for me.
It gives the appearance of fall on the horizon because the morning sun tints the dark green leaves. ”
We turn our attention to the second painting. “The early signs of fall color illuminated by golden hour.” Then the third. “And this one is peak autumn foliage.”
She leans forward to get a closer look. “The way you’ve captured the variations of leaf color, the detail… Lucy, you were meant to be making this kind of art.”
“Thank you,” I murmur.
Looking at the fourth, I hear a hum slip through my friend’s lips. “This last one. I’m surprised to say this, but it’s my favorite.”
The final painting depicts quiet, muted colors on an overcast day. The leaves are now mostly brown, many gone, and there is a subtle snowfall drifting around the trees. “The start of a new season, instead of focusing on the old one ending,” I explain.
“The snow is so… serene.”
“It turns out that change doesn’t have to be bad.”
Claire turns to face me. “I hope you mean that.”
“Why…” I trail off as my heart rate quickens.
Her smile is heavy with sadness as she walks over to the sofa and sinks down on the green velvet.
I follow, picking up one of the throw pillows and hugging it to my chest as I sit.
This is similar to the look in her eyes when she told me about the Carpenter Collection coming to town and ending life as we know it in Ellicottville.
I have a feeling that life as I know it is about to change once more.
“You did it, Lucy. You busted through your artist block and created this amazing series of work. And I know the gallery is going to love these because they’re beautiful and have such depth and you’ll have a windfall of funds.
So,” she pauses to fidget with the scrunchie on her wrist. “Well, I thought it might finally be a good time for me to move in with Levi.”
It’s a funny feeling, being genuinely happy for someone and having your heart broken by them at the same time. I blink back the pressure in my eyes and plaster on a smile.
“I’m so happy for you,” I assure her.
And truly, I am. But that doesn’t mean I can’t also be devastated for myself.
Who am I without my loud, bold, brave best friend by my side?
“I’ll be just down the road, back over here all the time of course,” she says hurriedly. “And I’ll always make sure that you’re eating when in your studio all day. That won’t change.”
My smile feels a fraction less forced as a laugh bubbles out of me. “I’m getting better about that already, I swear.”
She laughs as well, swiping at her teary eyes.
“How long have you two been talking about this?” I ask.
“A while, I guess.” She averts her gaze. “About a year now.”
“A year? Why did you wait so long?”
Sharp attention cuts back my way. “Are you kidding? I couldn’t even think about leaving when you were so down on yourself. I love you, that would have broken my heart!”
This time, I can’t hold it in. Tears spill over my cheeks as I toss the pillow aside and pull her into a tight hug. “I love you,” I blubber into her auburn hair.
“I can’t believe I’m really doing this. I’m going to move in with a man.”
“A man that’s crazy about you,” I point out.
“Well, it’s not official yet. There were two items to cross off the list. First, telling you.”
“Done. What’s the second?”
Her brow pinches seriously. “His ugly, lumpy futon has to disappear and never see the light of day ever again.”
I smirk. “We do know a man with a pickup truck that could probably be of help.”
“Do you think Jake would drive it down river for us?”
“No”—I shake my head—“better to dump it in the lake behind the slopes.”
“Good idea. Gosh, it’s just so old and dirty!”
“And don’t forget ugly, that’s worth mentioning twice.”
Claire nods. “So ugly.”
“And look, you know I love Levi for you and think he’s a perfectly clean man. But, Claire, I have to tell you… that thing smells.”
We collapse together in a fit of laughter across from my paintings. They’re back lit by sunlight streaked through steady falling snow.
I guess it’s time for the season to change after all.