Page 89 of Salvation
“Thanks for having me. I—uh—I brought these.” I stick out my hand, holding the container of cookies, and MJ’s jaw drops open.
“Is that what I think it is?”
“Cookies from Della Rae.”
“You are an angel. I’ve heard rumors about these but never tried them for myself.”
Ripping off the lid, she grabs a cookie and shoves it into her mouth, her eyes rolling to the back of her head as she chews.
“Sooo good,” she says with her mouth full. “Now, I’m really glad you came. Come in.”
She steps to the side, letting me in as she stuffs her mouth with another cookie, and I laugh, following her to the living room and taking in my surroundings as we go. Just like on the outside, everything inside is welcoming. There’s no white wall in sight. Pictures of Hayes, MJ, and their friends hang everywhere. If I had a dream house, this would be it.
When we reach the living room, Lily looks our way and smiles. “Ivy, I’m so excited you decided to come.”
MJ laughs, filling the home with even more warmth. “What are you talking about, Lily? You told her that if she didn’t, you’d come to her house and kidnap her. She was probably terrified not to show.”
Lily shrugs, unapologetic. “Sometimes kidnapping is good motivation.”
Snorting, MJ moves to sit beside her, keeping the container of cookies in her lap and swatting Lily’s hand away when she reaches for one. “You would know, wouldn’t you?”
“Um—would you?” I ask, choosing to sit on the couch opposite them. “Because that’s a little concerning.”
The two women must read the genuine worry in my voice because they throw their heads back, falling into one another as they laugh.
“Theo technically kidnapped me one time out of the grocery store parking lot, and now the whole town won’t quit talking about it.”
“And was it good motivation for you?” I ask, amused at their laughter.
Lily wiggles her brows. “The best.”
I join in on their laughter this time, my nerves completely melting away.
“So, Ivy, how is the mural coming?” Lily asks as we all calm down. “Do you need anything from us?”
“It’s—uh—it’s different than any project I’ve worked on before, but I’m excited about it. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity.”
“I wouldn’t have dreamed of giving it to anyone else. Your art is incredible. How long have you been painting?”
“Since I realized I was good at it in middle school,” I say, shrugging to avoid making a big deal about it.
“Oh, I want to see your paintings,” MJ says, picking up another cookie and still blocking Lily from getting any. “Hayes says he saw some of your work from when you were younger and that you’re really good. Do you have any I could see?”
“I don’t actually. When we were younger, Campbell always begged to keep all my paintings, and as I got older, I started to sell them. I don’t keep any of my art.”
“Wait—” MJ screams, startling me as she finally passes the cookies off to Lily and sits up as quickly as her stomach will let her. “Campbell has some of your paintings? Are you telling me that the willow tree painting hanging in his guest bedroom is yours?”
“I mean—I haven’t been to Campbell’s house, but I know he has my willow tree painting. He—uh—he bought it at my first gallery show. I didn’t even know he was there.”
“Shut up,” MJ squeals. “Shut up. Shut up. I’m obsessed with that painting. I’ve asked Campbell if I could buy it several times, and he’s refused every single time. I never understood—not until now. You’re not just good. You’re spectacular.”
Heat blooms in my cheeks from both the compliment and the way MJ narrows her eyes as if something had just occurred to her. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She nods, and then, without missing a beat, she says, “Now let’s circle back to the part where you said you haven’t been to Campbell’s house because WHAT? That man’s obsessed with you. How have you not been to his house?”
“He’s not obsessed with me,” I mumble.
MJ and Lily look at one another, then simultaneously say, “He’s obsessed with you.”
