Page 78 of The River in Spring
“It’s fucking beautiful, man. Thank you so much.”
“Dove said you liked the one I did of her, so I figured I’d give this a try.”
“You painted the one hanging in her grandparents’ house?”
“Yeah.”
I had no idea my favorite painting was Jimmy’s creation. But it makes sense. He got the eyes right.
“It’s beautiful, man. And this one is too.”
My eyes get misty looking at Maudie’s face again. Seeing her spirit. I come in for a quick hug. Not the first one we have shared in a year of knowing each other, but the most heartfelt.
“Don’t cry, bro. You big baby.”
My chuckle hides what I really feel in the moment. Here is my brother from another mother. Or another life where he called me a baby too.
The stage manager stops at the open door.
“Jimmy, I need to speak with you for a minute. Excuse us, Nobel.”
“I’m outta here. Thanks, man. I love it.”
“Good.”
I grab the oil painting and head out.
“Here! Nobel sit here!” my father calls above the din of the club. He waves me over to the group of tables where my family sits. There wasn’t any big enough for the Lyon’s and their guests. So, they got creative and pushed four together.
I take the three steps off the stage and snake through the happy patrons, most in the dark as to who will be performing. There was no billboard outside or online news. That alone should spark their imaginations.
Just as I’m about to reach my family, a hand grabs my wrist. It’s pink hair. The friend sits with an arm around her shoulders. Ah. Girlfriends.
“We meet again,” I say, smiling my recognition.
“You remember us then?”
“Yeah, I do. That was a good night. How you girls doing?”
Pinky lifts her left hand and shows off a ring.
“We’re engaged. Hey. Who are we going to see?”
A grin proceeds the answer. “I’m not sure. And congratulations!”
“Bullshit,” she whispers. “We’ve seen you on TMZ with,” she looks around before continuing. “With you know who.”
“I can neither confirm nor deny,” I say chuckling.
Their eyes widen and I see the excitement rise. Pinky squeezes her girlfriend’s hand. I lean down and give a final message.
“Keep it to yourselves. We don’t want a stampede outside.”
“We noticed the extra security! I’m so excited!” Blondie says, ignoring my directive.
I tilt my head giving a firmer order. “Come on. Behave yourselves for another five minutes.”
“Okay, okay! We hear you.”
