“That’s one for no expectations, two ‘you already are doing somethings.’ How do you feel about that?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. He wasn’t going to let it go.
“Better,” she said, “but annoyed that you’re making everyone talk about it.”
He finally smiled. “Good girl.”
“And don’t patronize me.” She took off his stupid hat.
“I meant it,” León said. “That was some good truth. Anyway, you’re supposed to squirm on your birthday. That’s half the fun for everyone else.”
Oh. Thanks so much, everyone.
Kelsey laughed. “That’s true,” she said. “Here, presents will make you feel better.” She pulled a small package from her capacious purse, handing it across. “Happy birthday.”
The gift was a delicate necklace with a jeweled painter’s palette hanging from it. Celia threaded the loose clasp under her hair, then ducked her chin, trying to fasten the tiny ends. León leaned in to help, not asking. His fingers, when they brushed her neck, had rough traces of dried paint on them that tickled her skin.
She let him fasten the clasp. Telling him no was futile.
Finally, he crossed to the last open chair. So, he was joining them.
“Here,” Trevor said, handing around another package. It was flat, maybe a book. But no, it was a framed photo of Celia and Kelsey from a punk-themed shoot he’d done with them years ago. Celia had to smile at the fishnets, boots, and wild hair, their thinner faces harshly lit under an iron bridge.
“Finally, art to hang on your walls,” León commented.
She shot him a sour look across the fire. He was stiff-backed, thumb tapping on the sides his thigh.
Andrew took his time getting up to retrieve his bag, looking satisfied with himself, as usual. The heavy duffel clinked lightly when he set it down in front of his chair. Ceramics.
He began setting out forms wrapped in miles of paper on the edge of the firepit surround, four small ones and one about two feet tall.
“Okay,” he prefaced. “The big one is simply to show off. But, Celia, you can choose which of the smaller ones you want to keep.” He ceremoniously unwrapped the large one, then turned it to catch the firelight. Everyone leaned in as one.
It was his bronze and green sculpture, a nude torso. The glaze looked liquid in the firelight, slick and rich. It was a celebration of motion and delicacy, the curves unapologetic.
“Oh, Andrew,” Celia said, “it’s gorgeous.” She shook her head, heat on her cheeks. “I don’t look like that.”
“Yes, you do. I just found your best angles.” He began unwrapping one of the smaller packages. “These are the studies. You choose one. Happy birthday and thank you for posing.”
Gradually, smaller sisters of the large sculpture came out to sit near the fire. Celia picked up each to look them over, then handed them to Kelsey, who passed them around further. Fuss was made over Andrew’s workmanship. Trust him to give himself a gift at the same time.
Celia chose her statue, cradling it in her lap. León drew her eye again. He was turning one figure over in his hands, scowling. Still annoyed for no reason. He looked up, catching her watching him, and stood.
“I’ve got to get back to painting. I’m not ready for the exhibition.”
Kelsey and Andrew groaned.
“You work too much,” Kelsey complained. “Hang out, I brought a card game.” León shuddered, and she laughed. “More players, more fun.”
He shook his head, stepping over their feet to get around the firepit. “Andrew, come with me? I want to show you something.” He still had the ceramic figure in his hand and gave it to Andrew, who rose and followed him into the dark.
Celia finally lifted her beer to her lips. Fine. Let him go back to sulking so she could enjoy herself.
•••
Once inside the pool house, León held his hand out for the figure again. Andrew handed it over, puzzled.
“I don’t really have anything to show you,” León said. “I just wanted to ask, can I keep this one for a while?”