Page 26 of Strictly Friends
Puffing from the unaccustomed exercise, Ruby followed his gaze and took a moment to catch her breath before answering. ‘I don’t know, buddy. Don’t forget we saw an awful lot of boats down at the marina.’
Clearly keen to explore, Jake skipped along a well-trodden sandy path running through a carpet of thick grass and surrounded by leafy trees and wildflowers while Ruby did her best to keep up. Just as she opened her mouth to plead with him to slow down, he suddenly stopped in front of a small clearing. He turned to his mother with wide eyes and beckoned silently. When she reached his side, Ruby stared in surprise at the sight of a man seated on a folding chair in the middle of the clearing. He had his back to them while staring at a large square of blank canvas propped on an easel. On the grass at his feet lay a pile of sketch pads and a pack of coloured pencils.
Glancing at Ruby, Jake hissed in a not-so-quiet whisper, ‘I think he’s an artist!’
The man spun around on his chair, and Ruby’s jaw dropped as she gaped at the stranger in shock.
What the hell was George Clooney doing on Sorrel Island?
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The man stared at Ruby, his expression mirroring her shock. Then, recovering quickly, he jumped from his chair and strode purposefully towards her. She stepped in front of Jake, holding out her arms protectively as the man circled them without a word. Taking a half-step forward, he examined Ruby’s face intently through narrowed bright blue eyes that showed not a hint of embarrassment. Up close, although with his salt-and-pepper hair and beard he was still a dead ringer for George Clooney, this man was much taller and at least twenty years younger.
‘The gods have done it again!Magnificent!Absolutely superb!’ When he finally spoke, his voice had an unmistakeable American twang.
Ruby stared at him blankly, far too shocked by the brazen scrutiny to protest the man’s bizarre behaviour.
‘You’ve just gotta love this island, am I right?’ He flashed a brilliant smile that showed off perfect white teeth. ‘Lady, I don’t know who the heck you are, but what I do know is that you areexactlywhat I was praying for!’
George Clooney – or not–what the actual hell?!The sheer effrontery of the stranger snapped Ruby out of her trance, and she exploded.
‘Now you hold on just a minute! Are you taking the pi—?’
‘Mum!’ Jake nudged an elbow into her side in warning.
The man blinked, clearly taken aback by her reaction. Then, looking her straight in the eye, he surprised her with a smile so radiant she was shocked to feel her pulse quicken.
‘I mean it, lady. Trust me, you really are the answer to my prayers.’
Ruby frowned and scrambled to gather her wits. The man might be good-looking, but he was also a complete nutter. She backed away from him slowly, reaching for Jake’s hand and casting a furtive glance around for an escape route.
‘Look, lady, I promise you I’m not crazy,’ he chuckled, looking more amused than offended. ‘My name’s Mac. I’m guessing you’re also staying at Paradise Inn, is that right?’
When she nodded cautiously, he waved a hand as if swatting away her misgivings. ‘Well then, MissIda will vouch for me. I’ve been visiting for the past five years.’
It was Ruby’s turn to narrow her eyes. She was familiar with the few guests staying at the inn, but she had never seen Mac, either at mealtimes or on the grounds.
‘We’ve been here for three days, and I’ve never laid eyes on you.’Believe me, I would have noticed.
‘I’m an artist, and I keep my own hours,’ said George Clooney/Mac, his tone so dismissive that Ruby bristled.
Jake’s nudge in her side reminded her of the need for manners, even when dealing with deranged strangers, and she shrugged.
‘Fine. Well, I’m Ruby and this is my son, Jake.’
Mac stared at Jake and held up a hand, stooping so Jake could obligingly slap it with his own. Evidently done with the pleasantries, Mac turned back to Ruby. ‘So, here’s the thing, Ruby.’
She remained silent while he scratched his beard thoughtfully. ‘Okay, I realise this might sound absurd since you don’t know me from Adam, but here’s the thing.’
He paused and leaned forward to peer once again at her profile, and Ruby bit her lip to stop herself from screaming.Will the man ever get to the point?
‘Perhaps I should introduce myself properly. Mackenzie Castro, at your service,’ he announced grandly. He raised an eyebrow and looked at her expectantly, but Ruby just looked blank.
‘I am averywell-known figurative artist,’ he elaborated, looking somewhat pained. When Ruby still looked clueless, he sighed and added slowly, as if speaking to a child, ‘I paint portraits.’
‘Oh!’ Her brow cleared as she finally understood what he was talking about. Although she still didn’t see what that had to do with her or why he was behaving so strangely. Admittedly, it was also hard to concentrate on his words when she was so distracted by his looks.
‘I’ve been invited to submit a portrait for an exclusive exhibition in New York next year. It’s a high-profile, prestigious event, involving only thebestfigurative artists,’ he added pointedly.
