Page 21 of Sweet Escape at Bayside
She wiped her hands and said, “It’s okay. We couldn’t help but overhear you guys. I think I learned more about my sister during your argument than I have the whole time we’ve lived here.” She stole a glance at the gallery. “She’s so mysterious. I don’t know where she goes or what she does most of time. None of us knew about her and Justin, and I’m theonlyone who knew she had a boyfriend she’d broken up with before coming here. Or rather,left behind—sorry. I hate that she did that to you, but I know Vi well enough to realize she never meant to hurt you. But I’m wondering…” She fidgeted with the basket and finally said, “Was she always tough as nails when you guys were together?”
He couldn’t stop the smile tugging at his lips. “She was tough as nails and soft as silk. I don’t think there’s another woman like Violet on this earth. I know she’s mysterious to most people, but she’s also an open book. You just have to know how to read between the lines, and that’s never easy.”
Desiree’s brow wrinkled. “I was a teacher, and reading between her lines is totally out of my bailiwick. But there’s one thing I do know about her. Even though she acts like she doesn’t care, she really does. She’s the reason I stayed on the Cape when Lizza left us holding the mortgage to the inn. And when she first met Rick? Even though she barely knew me, she was suddenly myprotector.” She laughed softly and said, “You should have seen her stand up to him. She’s pretty amazing. When Rick was going to propose, Violet got in touch with Emery and Lizza and arranged for them to be there as a surprise for me. Things with Lizza are complicated, but Violet knew how much having her there would mean.”
“She’s got a big heart behind those steely gates,” he said. “I don’t know if Lizza knew what she was doing or not when she brought me here. But I hated seeing Violet so upset.”
“We never know what’s behind the things Lizza does,” Desiree said. “And trust me, nobody likes seeing Violet upset. She’s important to all of us. The thing about my sister is that she sees what other people need in their relationships, and she pushes them toward it. But she doesn’t seem to have that same vision for herself.”
“Maybe because what she needs isn’t typical.” How could it be with the way she was raised? He had a feeling Violet knew what she wantedandwhat she needed, but not only didn’t she trust people to give her those things; she also didn’t seem to know how to put herself, her needs, her desires, first. “Are you worried about her?”
“Of course. She’s my sister.”
“I don’t know what she’s told you about us, but what you heard from me this morning is true. I’m still in love with her, and I know we have a lot to work through, but the argument you heard was fueled by hurt and love, not hatred. So if you and Rick are sticking around instead of going on your honeymoon because you want to make sure she’s okay, you should know that Violet’s well-being is my concern, too.”
Desiree sighed and glanced at the gallery again. “She’ll pull away from you even if she doesn’t want to.”
“I know that now,” he said.
“She’ll make you feel ridiculous for worrying about her, and she’ll—”
He put a hand on her shoulder, silencing her concerns, and said, “I know. We all have baggage, and I’m not here to kick hers around. I’m here to help her carry it.”
Desiree threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tight as she choked out, “Thank you. She deserves to be cherished.” She drew back and said, “Butdon’ttell her that—”
“Or she’ll run the other way. I know. I’ve got her, Desiree.” He waved to Rick, who was walking across the grass from the resort next door with Cosmos trotting happily beside him. “Looks like someone’s ready to have you all to himself. Go enjoy your honeymoon so your mother knows she left for a good reason.”
As Rick came to Desiree’s side Cosmos tried to climb her legs. She scooped him up and he immediately started licking her face.
“What does our honeymoon have to do with why Lizza left?” Desiree asked. “She said she was leaving so you and Violet could finally find the answers you’ve been searching for.”
He must have looked as confused as he felt, because Rick said, “Looks like Lizza’s up to her old tricks again. Her matchmaking worked for us. Maybe you’ll get lucky, too.” He kissed Desiree’s cheek and said, “I think we can leave soon, sweet girl. Daphne said she thinks her sister might be able to help Violet with the gallery since Harper isn’t coming back until filming wraps up on her project in three or four weeks.”
“Didn’t I tell you? This morning Violet and I decided to close the gallery while we’re away. She said she wanted to spend time building up her inventory. We had a huge summer, and we don’t need the cash…” Desiree smiled at Andre and said, “Besides, I think we all know it’s notinventoryshe wants to give her attention to.” She laced her hand with Rick’s and said, “Let’s leave tomorrow morning. I’ll call the Monroe House and see if they have space for us to arrive early, and if not, we can find a Band B along the way.”
As they discussed their travel plans, Andre went to see Violet. He stepped inside the gallery, taking in the knotty-pine floors, yellow walls, and exposed rafters, both of which were painted bright yellow. Beautiful paintings with Desiree’s signature in the corner hung on the walls. He wondered why Violet had never mentioned her sister was such a talented artist. Interspersed with the paintings were batik wall hangings in varying sizes, pottery plaques, clay planters, and a plethora of other items. Each item was different, with beautiful earth-toned glazes and Violet’s signature designs of trees and bushes, waves, and other natural elements. Tables covered in vibrant batiks held hand-painted cards, shells, and decorated driftwood. More of her pottery filled shelves and a bookcase. His eyes caught on several tiny clay animals, like the ones she’d made for the children at the clinic, and his heart warmed. He picked up one of the animals and wasn’t surprised that Violet hadn’t signed her name anywhere on it. She’d once told him that she didn’t create so others would give her recognition.Every piece of art is different, as are the emotions it evokes. I’m not part of the equation.
Except shewas. He knew how much of herself she put into every piece of art she crafted. As he admired her handiwork, he remembered standing behind her while he taught her to sculpt the human form. He could still feel her hands beneath his, her back against his chest, as they molded the clay, falling in love one touch at a time.
A door in the back of the gallery opened, and Violet walked through, wearing exactly what she’d had on this morning—a black boatneck tank top and snug jeans that had ragged tears on one thigh and just below the opposite knee—but as she closed the door behind her, she lookedcompletelydifferent. Gone was the scornful, troubled look in her eyes, replaced with the challenging look he knew well. It was the look she’d hidden behind for the first week they’d known each other. The look he knew others translated to,Don’t even try to mess with me.But he’d become adept at reading between Violet’s lines, and her message came across loud and clear—I’ve been hurt enough. Let me remain invisible and we’ll get along just fine.
He’d never been good at following orders. And he knew she didn’t really want to be left alone. At least not by him.
“I see you’re still not signing your pieces,” he said as he set the animal down and went to her.
“I doubt that will ever change.” She crossed her arms, watching him approach.
“I had a nice talk with Desiree and Rick just now. I’m wondering, what did Lizza tell you about why she left early?”
“She left so Des and Rick could go on their honeymoon. Why?”
He gently unfolded her arms and said, “Because I’m starting to see a clearer picture of the way Lizza works. She doesn’t like to take credit for the things she does, either.”
“What do you mean,either?”
He waved around the room at her artwork. “Does anything in here have your signature? Your unique stamp? A hiddenVsomewhere?”
“No, but what does that have to do with Lizza? She signs all of her artwork.”
