Page 70 of Watercolor Skulls

Taking my phone out of my pocket, I flip it open slowly, remembering the day we bought it. We took a selfie in front of my bedroom windows before she tucked it away for safe keeping. When the image pops up I cover my mouth. I hadn’t been able to open it until now.

Jesse wraps her arm around my shoulder, taking the phone from me. “Oh, wow, she was beautiful. Raffe is going to love this, Lily.”

“I thought he might like to see what she looked like as a woman.”

She hugs me tight. Wiping tears from her face, she backs away, setting the phone down so she can see the image while she paints. I move to sit in a nearby folding chair. “Oh, no. Come here, we’re doing this together.” She snaps her fingers, beckoning me to her.”

When we emerge from the basement several hours later Dan rushes to me. “Goddammit, Lily.” He hugs me to him.

“Chill, big guy. We were downstairs painting.”

Dirk smirks as he sits down to his breakfast.

Dan walks with me to the table, forcing me into a chair gently.

“Tonight, six o’clock we meet here for supper,” Dirk informs all of us.

Jesse sits down beside him. “That should work. Dan and I have a few clients today, but we should be done by five.”

“I’m cancelling,” Dan chimes in as he leans into the refrigerator.

“No, you’re not.” I swivel in my chair to look at him.

“Baby, you had a rough day yesterday. I want to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine and JD is coming to the house today to help me on a project.”

Dan brings a gallon of milk to his lips, draining half of it in seconds. He caps it and puts it back in the fridge.Why was that so hot?

“Seriously, Dan. I’ll be fine. You can pick me up after you’re finished at the shop.” I fan myself; the temperature having risen several degrees in the last few minutes.

Dirk and Jesse both laugh under their breath, neither taking their eyes off their plate.

“Okay. Okay, I’ll go to the shop, but you call if you need me.” He wraps his arms around me from behind, kissing me on the head.

“Did you find Raffe?” I ask Dirk. “Is he okay?”

Dirk nods, standing to rinse his plate. “He’s chill. Like I said once the shock wears off, the anger will fade. He’s not mad at you. He’s upset with the situation.”

I pick at the eggs and toast in front of me. “We painted a portrait of Jenny this morning. If he’s ever ready to see it.”

“He will be. Eventually.” Dirk gives Jesse a quick peck on the cheek. His eyes run a quick assessment. “You good?”

“I’m great,” she smiles at him. He leans in and kisses her for a long minute. I sit back in my chair afraid I’ll catch fire from the sparks they emit. These two are combustible.

When they finally pull away I hide my face, certain I’m all sorts or red. “See you all tonight,” Dirk says before leaving the room.

Jesse cleans up and leaves a few minutes behind him. “I need to go get Billie Rose up for the day.”

“Thank you for helping me with the portrait.”

“No problem, hun. He’s going to love it.” She smiles assuredly. “I know I’ve said this before, but I am really glad you’re here.”

“Me too.”

Dan waits until she leaves us. “I didn’t hear you leave the bed. I was worried you ran away.

“I heard Billie Rose crying.” I go back to picking at my breakfast.

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