Page 128 of Fresh Canvas
A plan was underway. I was going to solve this mystery once and for all.
“Mom, have you seen my keys?” My loose black pantsuit billowed as I jogged back to my room. Catching sight of my reflection, I paused and tucked a wave behind my ear. I straightened my blazer over the simple, fitted white t-shirt beneath, then touched up my red lipstick.
Come on, confidence. Any time now.
Two nights ago, I had sent Barbara an email under the guise of searching for a new job, which Itechnicallywas. She had enthusiastically responded the next morning, suggesting we meet at her place on Friday evening. It felt like no time had passed since I read that email.
Time flies when you’re preparing to meet criminals, I guess.
Barbara seemed thrilled to be in touch again, claiming to have a slew of ideas for me already. I hoped none of them included prison.
Pressing two hands to my racing heart, I took a deep breath.
All I needed to see was that painting. The yellowing water lily. The wooden dock’s smooth edges.
“Keys… Keys…” I patted down my pantsuit and cursed as a telltale jingle smacked against my thigh. “Nevermind, Mom. I found them!” I grabbed my purse, yelled goodbye, and flung open the door.
A pair of surprised chocolate eyes widened down at me, Val’s hand still poised to knock.
“Val?” I breathed, not trusting my sight. “What are you doing here?”
The all-too-familiar scent of him engulfed me, muddling my thoughts and dredging up the past. Whatever Val had prepared to say had long been forgotten. He shifted awkwardly, pulling at the neck of his short sleeved white button-up. I would have rolled my eyes at the pretentious shirt if I hadn’t been so stunned.
After fully taking him in, I inwardly groaned, having forgotten just how hot he was. Val’s chiseled jawline had probably been clean-shaven this morning, but by now, it had begun to shadow. His dark curls seemed ruffled as though he’d beenrunning his hands through them, only adding to his windswept, rugged appearance. Like a cologne model on a sailboat.
I swallowed.
Time seemed to resume, though words evaded us both.
Footsteps shuffled into the living room behind me. I turned as Mom stopped short at the sight of Val’s tall frame in the doorway.
She gave me a comical “It’s about time” face, turned on her heel, and backtracked down the hall. I would have laughed if my past weren’t still lingering over my shoulder. I stared down the hallway after her, partly wishing I could follow.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call first.” Val’s quiet voice sounded strained over my shoulder. “I wasn’t sure you’d pick up. I went to your apartment, but some guy answered the door and said you’d moved. After that, I figured you’d be here.”
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. Tonight I had been searching for answers, but these weren’t the ones I had expected.
I braced myself and turned back to him. Remorse was stamped across his face, his eyes pleading and vulnerable.
“Can we talk?” he said.
I bit my lip to keep from kissing his.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure if I’m ready to.” I ducked my head to tuck a loose wave behind my ear, suddenly too cowardly to meet his gaze. “And I’m sorry about that. Really, I am. I know we need to have a conversation, but tonight isn’t good. I’m actually on my way out.”
Val’s face fell, though he masked it quickly. “I’m sorry. It’s a Friday night—of course you have plans with someone.” A sad smile tugged his lips. “You look great. I should have known.”
I softened at the insinuation. “No, Val. It’s not like that. I’m just heading to meet Barbara Gaines to—” I paused, heat pooling in my cheeks. “I’m sorry, this is awkward. Uh, to network for a new job. She’s offered to help me.”
“Oh.” He forced a soft smile. “That sounds… promising.”
Val’s puppy dog expression was wrecking me all over again. Here he stood, the innocent man I had vehemently blamed for acrime he never committed, looking lost and heartbroken. The same man that had brokenmyheart.
I needed to change the subject before I started bawling like a baby.
“I think I found Lake Attersee.”
Val seemed confused before his eyebrows shot up. “You what?”
