Page 47 of Dahlias, Sapphires, and Cool Autumn Dusk
“Well, honestly, I think Rembrandts are always and forever. Few things are, but you know them when you see them. They’re priceless. That’s why we usually only find them in museums. And—” I caught my breath, my bravery running out.
She lifted an eyebrow. “Go on.”
I bunched my fists and closed my eyes. “I think you know that, too, which is why you keep it upstairs but have the Warhol downstairs where everyone can see it. You don’t want anything to happen to the Warhol, sure, but you trust the cameras and your security system. This one is upstairs, because you care about this one specifically. Due to that, you keep it where you and your parents can keep an eye on it.”
Murial didn’t say anything for a few long moments, then her lips spread in a slow Cheshire grin. “Oh, youaresmart. I assumed you would be asleep, like everyone else. You’re not. You’re smarter. Well, it makes this part easier. I do care about that painting more, and actually I love it. I treasure it, because my daddy bought it for me on my thirteenth birthday. It’s the best thing he ever gave me.” She took a step away, her gaze distant again. “Except my cheekbones. Those are better.” She waved her hand carelessly. “Come along, Alatheia.”
I followed her quickly because I didn’t think I had options. When we faced off with Maggie, my stomach tightened. I knew things would go badly, but maybe I expected more time.
“Maggie did a very gross thing.” She folded her arms and sternly considered Maggie. “You did, and you know it. We don’t rip open the shower curtain on people. It’s classless and ridiculous.” Maggie stared at the floor, her expression properly chastised. “She’s been in love with Jeremy Lent for years. Last year, he showed her a little bit of interest. He showed some to Greer, too, but she said he confused her.” She leaned over to whisper conspiratorially, although she spoke at a volume anyone could hear. “It’s easy to confuse Greer, if we’re honest, but Maggie actually thinks she’s in love.” Murial shook her head sadly. “Jeremy was never in love with her, but in any case, she owes you an apology. A sincere one this time. Maggie?”
The other girl swallowed. “I’m sorry.”
“There. She’s sorry. Do you forgive her?”
All eyes in the room swiveled to focus on me. Luckily, I knew my line. “Yes.”
“Good.” Murial sighed. “I can’t have the Lents feuding with our people. It’s too messy, because I like the Lents. They know how to have a good timeandhow to behave, which honestly is a rare combination in our generation. Not to mention, they’re handsome and funny and rich. One of us, if you get my meaning. We can’t have things falling apart during my senior year. I’m going to be honest, Alatheia…Your name means truth, right?” She didn’t wait for me to answer, barreling onward without pause. “I don’t know quite what to do with you. Are you dating one of them? If yes, which one?”
If I outright lied to her, I felt like she would know it. Instead, I went for a half truth. “I’m not dating any one of them.”
Since it wasn’t a lie, she nodded, her gaze almost sensing my honesty. I almost let out the breath I was holding in relief. “Okay, well Maggie apologized, and I got to have a look at you. We’ll look at art together again sometime soon. I heard about your art friend. Tiffany’s talented, but I can show you treasures the likes of which no one else can show you. I am so glad I didn’t have to threaten you to stay away from my people, since it makes things so much more pleasant. You surprised me, which is a rarity.” Her teeth flashed in what I supposed was a smile, though it felt like a baring of teeth in aggression. “Before I let you leave, did you have any questions?”
Davis joined her, sipping a drink as she considered me. “Hi, Alatheia.”
“Hi,” I responded but I didn’t bother to look at him. “Since I ran into you, why did Julian get invited instead of Jeremy?”
Murial’s giggle somehow hit me as acidic and musical at once. “The best way to get Jeremy to a party isnotto invite him. Besides, I wasn’t sure if I wanted him here tonight. Maggie needs time to get over the love, so seeing him knocks her back in theLent hole. You can tell him I said that. Davis? Take her back downstairs. Alatheia, before you leave, next to the Rembrandt is Michiel Sweerts. Bit of a deep cut, but I think it’s a really interesting work. Take a look, then when next we meet, you can tell me something you’ve learned about him.”
I blinked at her, not used to getting social homework but sure I would obey nonetheless.
Davis extended his hand, so I walked ahead of him to the elevator, my eyes on the Sweerts. The piece was lovely, but I could look it up to learn more later.Every last detail,I promised myself in social terror.
We stepped into the elevator, and Davis grinned at me, slipping his keycard back into his back pocket. “You can breathe again.” His smile struck me as genuine, so I sagged against the wall and did take a couple of relieved breaths. “She is my cousin, and a lot, but she liked you. That’s a good thing, I promise. You’ll see what I mean.”
I nodded, not wanting to discuss it. I only wanted to leave.
“I bet Phoenix told you not to talk to me.” I shot him a glance, but couldn’t deny it. “I like Phoenix, but he doesn’t like me, which is okay. I’ll win him over, eventually. I’ll win you over, too, because I can already tell I like you. At least I like the look of you, and the way you handled Murial and the Rembrandt impressed me. You’re smart, even if you’re in the class with Collins. I can’t quite make you out, if I’m honest.” The elevator door started to open, and I felt as if my muscles all went taut, ready to move. He continued, saying, “I’m sober. So are you. Every person up there was sober, but it’s better to keep your head when vultures are near enough to pick your bones. Even if the biggest vulture flies with you.” He extended his hand again, gesturing toward the room grandly.
I searched the crowd, expecting to see the Lents waiting for me. I couldn’t spot them in the crowd, but I told myself not to panic.
Davis touched my shoulder as if he could read my mind. “Don’t worry. They haven’t left you. The twins are probably drunk in the basement with the water polo team because they heard they have to go to California this week. Phoenix is probably with the addicts in the kitchen, while Barrett is likely out back with the graduates, but likely also pretty wasted. Want me to find any of them for you?”
I didn’t, I realized, but then I didn’t want him to do anything for me.I want to leave. As fast as I can. My chest tightened, panic threatening as I gazed around the room at how many people managed to pack into the space.How would that interview have gone if I didn’t know art?I wondered.
“I’m good,” I said as I carefully moved away from his flawlessly unscuffed and unused boat shoes.
“Okay, I’ll see you in class.” He stepped back into the elevator and the doors closed silently behind him.
My heart raced in my throat. I wanted to puke, but I didn’t want Murial to catch it on her security cameras. She wanted to look at art, but I knew she was dangerous. Maybe she would just forget me? I rushed out the front door, pulling out my phone.
A million mean things flooded my mind, all shitty texts I could send to the group chat as a follow up to myhelpcomment no one bothered to read. Barrett said we would stay an hour, yet he was nowhere to be found. Phoenix promised to escort me home, yet I didn’t know where he went. Ditto for the twins…who knew, right then?
I would remember I couldn’t count on them at parties in the future.
Leaving, I texted then called a car.
She didn’t threaten me. In fact, it was just the opposite, so why did I feel like I had dodged a bullet? Could I keep dodging it?
