Chapter 10 #3
“Ah, yes. She’s just fine. Seeing Mike’s face was a shock, but after her initial reaction, she was happy to have another picture of her beloved husband.”
“Have? You mean she bought it?”
“Yes. That’s only one of several paintings you sold.”
“Please refund her money. I’d like to give it to her as a gift.”
Helen chuckled. “You won’t make a living that way. Seriously. As a professional, you have to learn to place value on your art. They’re paying for your time, your talent, your supplies, everything. Could they own that piece without all you did?”
“I guess not.”
“That’s right. She knows that. She paid for it because she wanted your interpretation of the subject matter. No one forced her to buy it.”
“Maybe she just didn’t want anyone else to have it.”
“You’ll never know why anyone buys or doesn’t buy your work. And to be honest, that’s none of your business. Your job is to provide it. That’s all.”
They said goodbye, and Mallory tucked her phone back into her purse. She rejoined the other two people in the kitchen. Dante was sitting at a stool, sifting flour into a bowl.
“Guess what?” she said brightly.
“What?” Dante asked without looking up. He wore a lopsided smile, as if he knew exactly what was up.
“I may have a job designing fabric!”
He set the sifter down and caught her in his arms, giving her a strong, reassuring hug. “I knew it! I knew that gallery show was just the start.”
She tipped her head and studied him. “How did you know?”
“That someone would snap you up if they saw your work? I didn’t know for a fact, but I believed it would happen. I believe in you.”
After sharing a quick kiss, he whispered, “The question is, do you believe in yourself yet?”
She smiled, realizing that she did. “I could do it.”
“Do you want to?”
“Of course I want to. I think it sounds like fun. And how exciting would it be to see my paintings on someone’s dress or purse or shoes?”
“Or butt,” said Antonio as he entered the kitchen from the man cave downstairs.
Mallory giggled.
“Hey, Dad. I didn’t know you were home.” Dante rounded the counter and gave his dad a hug and a slap on the back.
“Oh, I’m here pretty much all the time.”
“I thought you still went down to the station, just to hang out and shoot the breeze with the guys.”
“Yeah, well, most of my contemporaries have retired. I don’t know the new guys very well.”
“Don’t you have a son in almost every fire station?” Mallory asked.
Antonio chuckled. “You have a live one, Son. You know I like to tease, and when someone can dish it back, I like it even better.” He winked at her. “Congratulations, by the way.”
“So you heard the whole conversation?” Mallory asked.
“Yes. Probably the only one who didn’t was Gabriella. She’s completely human, but we won’t hold that against her.”
“Gee, thanks.” Gabriella sidled up next to him and slipped her arm around his waist, giving him a squeeze. He kissed the top of her head.
“How does that work?” Mallory asked.
Gabriella gave her husband another side squeeze.
“If you’re the only human among a whole family of shape-shifters, it must be kind of strange,” Mallory prompted.
“I’ve had a few years to get used to it.”
“Mallory? I…uh…I was hoping to talk to my dad for a few minutes,” Dante said.
She nodded, then bit her lip. He hadn’t said anything about talking to his father before now. Had he avoided telling her so she wouldn’t ask why? Stop it, Mallory. It’s not always about you.
“Why don’t you take over for Dante, so he and his dad can talk downstairs? I have some stories I can tell you.” Gabriella smiled evilly at her son.
“Oh no, you don’t. At least don’t take out the baby pictures, Mom.”
“Only the one of three boys in the bathtub.”
“No, not that one!”
“Rub-a-dub-dub,” Antonio said and winked. Then the men disappeared downstairs.
* * *
“So, what did you want to talk to me about, Son?”
Dante leaned forward and clasped his hands. “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I’m not asking your permission as head of the family. I just want your wisdom. Okay? I’m thinking of moving in with Mallory.”
His father leaned back on the couch and studied him for a moment. “Haven’t you only known her for a little while?”
“Yes and no. I’ve known her since high school, but back then, I was only an admirer. I’ve gotten to know her well over the past couple of months or so.”
“And you’re ready to move in with her already?”
“I don’t know. It feels right, but I don’t want to leave Noah in the lurch.”
“Have you talked to Noah yet?”
“I mentioned it. We haven’t really gotten around to the details yet.”
“I can tell you’re in love with her. But is it the kind of love that will last?”
Dante mulled that over. Yeah, he loved her. No question. And yes, he was probably a little starry-eyed at the moment. Colors were brighter. His step was lighter. Whenever they were apart, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. “How do you know—how does anyone know if it will last?”
His father shrugged. “You feel like you can trust them completely, and you would forgive anything they could ever do.”
Dante thought about that. Did he trust Mallory totally and unreservedly? Could he forgive her for any mistake she might ever make?
“Probably. Maybe I should wait before making it permanent. Just test the waters by living together. In fact, that might help answer my questions.”
“What questions?”
“Huh? Oh, just the same ones you had a minute ago. Will it last? Also, will we drive each other crazy—or will none of the little things matter when you love someone so much?”
“I probably shouldn’t say this, since I’m supposed to be a fuddy-duddy father, but it seems like the living together thing has its advantages.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. It seems the safer route to go instead of getting married too soon.”
“See? I knew some of my wisdom rubbed off on you,” Antonio said.
“I feel bad about leaving Noah, though.”
“He’ll find another roommate or move to a smaller place he can afford by himself. You shouldn’t base your decision on guilt for leaving your brother. Don’t you think that someday he’ll find his soulmate?”
“Of course he will.”
“And if you’re still roommates at that time, he’d probably leave you in a heartbeat.”
Dante half smiled. “I would hope so.”
“That’s how you know you love someone, Son. When you want their happiness as much as or more than your own.”
Dante nodded thoughtfully.
“Is that how you feel about Mallory?”
“Yeah, but I don’t need you to tell me I’m in love. I know that.”
His father slapped him on the knee and rose. “Good. One of your knucklehead older brothers needed to have it pointed out to him.”
Dante chuckled. “Let me guess. Gabe?”
“That’s father-son privilege.”
“Does that mean you’ll keep our conversation in confidence?”
“Except for your mother, of course. She’s half of me. I can’t keep secrets from my other half. If you’re smart, you’ll avoid keeping secrets from Mallory unless it’s for her sake.”
“Good to know.”
“Now let’s go upstairs and watch your mother teaching your future wife to cook.”
Dante laughed. “I don’t know who will be doing the cooking. I’m a pretty good cook, you know.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen your kitchen. You cook a mean TV dinner.”