Secrets, p.18
Secrets, page 18
He had started working on the trunk the previous week. It took several days to get it clean and down to the original wood. He was surprised it was in decent shape considering how it had smelled when it arrived. It still had a smoky odor, but he figured that would dissipate over the next week or so. Then there was the refinishing, which would add its own aroma to the mix.
Luna had some crazy ideas about the origin of the trunk and the measly contents, but she had been busier than usual, probably because she was taking a weekend off and had to cram in more time during the week. Plus, she had to shop for her trip. Cullen smiled, thinking about her and Marshal Gaines. Individually they were fun, funny, and interesting, but when they were together, it grew exponentially. And it was contagious. Even during serious conversations, the four of them would find a silver lining. He once joked “that silver lining is a bolt of silver lightning.” That fueled a conversation about old adages with a twist. “Even at its lowest ebb, the tide will turn . . . and swallow you in the undertow.” Then there was “Tomorrow’s another day . . . hope it’s not your last.”
Cullen wondered what dinner alone with Chi-Chi would be like. He tried not to think too much about it. He didn’t want to talk himself into sabotaging it and hoped Luna wasn’t doing the same thing in her situation.
On the drive to the center, Cullen turned on the radio to get the local news and weather. He almost drove off the road when the song “Smooth Operator” by Sade came on. He had known Chi-Chi for about a year, and it finally hit him. That’s who she reminded him of! Sade Adu, pronounced Sha-day. She, too, was Nigerian. “I’m such an idiot. I can’t believe I missed that,” he muttered under his breath. “Maybe because I haven’t heard it in a long time? That song came out around the time we were born,” he said to no one. But it reinforced his opinion about music and reminded him of the conversation he had had with Chi-Chi and Luna about contemporary music. He smiled to himself, anticipating the coming evening. He wondered if it was going to be awkward without the crew. He also wondered if there were any subjects that were off-limits. They rarely discussed race. Culture? Yes. General politics? Yes. Religion? Often. Luna considered herself a “spiritual” person but not tied to any particular religion although Christianity had a lot of good points, she concluded. Chi-Chi also had a Christian background with a smattering of traditional Nigerian beliefs in higher beings. She once compared them to saints. Each one covered a particular subject, idea, or territory. Cullen considered himself a Christian and attended church on holidays and other occasions. At least he knew religion wouldn’t be a problem. He was learning more about Chi-Chi’s culture and upbringing, which seemed to be strict but loving. He smirked, thinking about the time he had driven Chi-Chi to her car and told her men needed an invitation to kiss a woman. He now realized it was a bit of an exaggeration, and perhaps she might have misinterpreted what he had said. He’d find out soon enough. He hoped. In a good way.
* * *
Luna bounced up when the timer went off. She had fallen into a deep state listening to the New Age music. She checked the clock. It was almost eleven, and she still hadn’t finished picking out her clothes. She had the essentials packed. Toiletries, the new teal silk pajamas with navy piping and a matching robe. Luna shuddered when she thought about the $500 she had spent on sleepwear. It was the most she had spent on any type of clothing in her life. But the company was called Lunya and she rationalized that it was a “sign.” Chi-Chi chortled at Luna’s explanation for her extravagance. “But it does look lovely on you.” Chi-Chi supported her the day they had gone shopping.
Trying not to waste more time, Luna pulled out a pair of jeans and a light, cream-colored sweater for the next day, a silk scarf, and a pair of slip-on canvas shoes with rubber soles. But what to wear now? She wanted to make a good impression, which was always the case, but this time it was special. Really special. Chi-Chi had suggested a baby-blue maxi dress with the tribal print split neckline, and a light denim jacket. She finished it off with her shooties—the booties with an open toe—bangle bracelets, and hoop earrings.
The night before, Chi-Chi had braided Luna’s hair in the same fashion as during their emergency makeover a few weeks before. It fell beautifully over her left shoulder, and she could undo it if she wanted to go wild and wavy.
Luna turned and looked at her bed. It was covered in a pile of rejected outfits. “Wiley. Why did you let me do this?” He offered a disinterested woof. “Yeah, yeah. Enough of fashion week. I’m going with Chi-Chi’s idea.” Wiley’s head perked up in agreement. “You should have said something earlier.” She laughed and gave him a big smooch on the head.
She applied her makeup very carefully. She didn’t want to look like she was overdoing it. “Casual. I’m casual,” she kept repeating to herself. She also decided to wear her contact lenses instead of her granny glasses. She plopped them in a case and stuck it in her bag. She considered it might be time to trade them in for something a little more modern. Then she laughed at the thought. No one would recognize her!
She took a long look in the mirror and turned to Wiley. “What do you think, pal?” He gave her his particular woof of approval, his tail banging an affirmative on the floor. “Come on. You’re staying with Uncle Cullen tonight.”
Luna was worried that having to take care of Wiley would interfere with Cullen’s evening, but Cullen insisted. “He’s no trouble at all.”
She took one last look before she locked up and set the alarm. Cullen knew the code if he needed to get in for any reason. Ellie was the backup. Confident she was ready for this new adventure, she harnessed Wiley in the back seat of her SUV and put her weekender bag in the back. She checked her tote bag for a sketch pad, tape measure, and fabric samples. Then it dawned on her that she didn’t have a gift! You never go to anyone’s house without bringing something! With all the excitement of shopping and preparing, she had forgotten a house gift. The thought of a candle crossed her mind, but she felt that would be too girlie. She hit the button on the console. “Call the Flakey Tart.” The electronic voice repeated “Calling the Flakey Tart.” After two rings, Heidi answered with her usual greeting. “What sweetness can we bring into your life today?”
“Hey, Heidi! It’s Luna.”
“Hey, Luna. I thought you were going out of town this weekend.”
“I am, but I’m such a knucklehead I forgot to pick up something for the host.”
Heidi laughed. “I have just the thing. I made a beautiful apple strudel that came out of the oven about an hour ago.”
“Sounds scrumptious. I hope I don’t eat it on the way!”
“I’ll throw in a scone for your trip.” Heidi chuckled.
“Thanks. Come to think of it, how about a couple of them. Do you have any brioche?”
“Yep, I do. Want me to put a box together? Three of each?”
“Fantastic! But make sure you put an extra scone in a bag for me!”
“No problem.”
“I’m on my way over now. Uncle Cullen is doggie-sitting for Wiley.”
“Great. See you in a few.”
Luna was relieved. She would have brought something for the house but she didn’t know what he needed. The first time he visited the center, she had given him a tour, and he bought dinnerware and glassware. If she had more time, she would have looked for something appropriate. But a good apple strudel wasn’t terrible. Plus the breakfast goodies. She was satisfied with the pastry party she was going to offer.
* * *
Chi-Chi unlocked the safe and was beginning to put the jewelry on display when her phone rang. It was her brother. “Hello, sister. I am an hour away.” His cheerful voice was loud and clear.
“Abeo! I thought you were coming day after tomorrow.” Chi-Chi’s voice was nervous.
“Do you not want to see your older brother?” he kidded. “I have those stones you asked Father to send from Nigeria.”
“Of course I want to see you. And yes, I need the stones.”
“What is the problem, then?”
“I wasn’t expecting you until Monday, and I made plans for the weekend.” Chi-Chi wasn’t sure what might unfold and she didn’t want her brother to interfere.
“Should I turn around and go home?” he asked with a hint of sarcasm.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Chi-Chi knew he had driven fifteen hours. “I cannot change the plans, so you will have to be on your own for the evening.”
“I think I can manage that. What are your plans for the evening?”
“I am having dinner with a friend.”
Abeo’s voice brightened. “And what kind of friend?”
“A friend. Must you be so nosy?”
“Oh, do not disrespect me.” Abeo was half serious.
“You are being ridiculous again. I am not disrespecting you. But I am a grown woman and capable of making plans with friends without your permission.” Chi-Chi knew she was being curt, but she couldn’t help it. She wasn’t prepared for this kind of monkey wrench being thrown into her evening.
“Oh my. Are you in a mood today?”
“Sorry. No. I am trying to get the shop ready, and now you surprised me with an early arrival. That’s all.”
“I see. So let me come to the shop and help you today,” Abeo offered.
Chi-Chi wasn’t sure that was a good idea either, but she knew she had no choice. “That would be very nice. See you soon.” Chi-Chi thought she might throw up in the back of her mouth.
A little over an hour later, Abeo arrived at Silver & Stone. “I am very impressed.” He scanned her shop from one end to the other.
“Thank you.” Chi-Chi smiled demurely, hiding her anxiety. She didn’t know what to say if Cullen came into her shop. Of course, she would introduce him to her brother. He was a friend after all. But she knew her brother was a bit nosy and might press her for details about her dinner arrangements. Why did her brother have to come to town so soon? It was just like him to disturb her plans. Ever since they were teens, Abeo enjoyed getting under his little sister’s skin. She loved him dearly, but there were times she wanted to smack him with a stick.
“Lebici, what have you done with your hair?” He peered closely at the pin-straight ponytail that ran the length of her back. “I don’t remember your wearing it like this?”
“I thought I would try something new,” Chi-Chi replied. The night before, after she had braided Luna’s hair, Luna returned the favor by flat-ironing Chi-Chi’s.
“Do you not like it?” She really didn’t care if he did or not, but she had to be polite.
“It looks lovely.” Abeo hugged her. “Tell me about your plans for the weekend.”
Chi-Chi maintained her reticence. “I am having dinner with a friend. His sister is away for the weekend.” She wasn’t sure why she had thrown that into the conversation. Maybe because she didn’t want her brother to think it was a date date. Just as she wasn’t sure if it was a real date, but it felt like it might be. Even though her family accepted the idea that Chi-Chi might not marry a Nigerian, they were far more concerned that she might never marry at all. Single women over the age of twenty-six were considered “thornbacks,” while women aged twenty-three to twenty-six were “spinsters.” But nowadays, it’s not unusual for a woman to marry well into her thirties. Chi-Chi must have explained that to her parents ad nauseam.
“But you are almost halfway to forty,” her mother reminded her at every opportunity.
“Is it that Cullen fellow? His sister is Luna?” Abeo hadn’t met them before, but Chi-Chi had spoken about them numerous times. Her parents had met them at the grand opening almost a year ago while Abeo was in Nigeria doing business for his father.
Chi-Chi was taken aback. “Yes, if you must know.”
“I didn’t mean anything by that, dear sister, but you speak of them often. I am sorry I will not be able to meet your friend.”
Chi-Chi was hoping he wouldn’t meet either of them, at least not anytime soon.
“It is nice you can keep someone’s brother company but will not keep your own brother company?”
Chi-Chi wasn’t sure how to answer that. “Abeo, I made these plans weeks ago. You were not supposed to arrive until Monday. You cannot expect me to be rude and cancel my plans simply because you changed yours.”
Abeo was surprised at his sister’s straightforwardness and logic. “You are right. I apologize for making things inconvenient.”
“Do not be cynical with me.” Chi-Chi was hoping the conversation wouldn’t take a bad turn. She didn’t want to ruin her attitude about her dinner plans.
Abeo looked crestfallen. “I am not being sarcastic. Most sincerely. I forget that you have a life and a business. I keep thinking you are still my baby sister.”
Chi-Chi wrapped her arms around him, then looked him straight in the eye. “I love you. I love Mommy and Daddy. And I also love my life here.”
Abeo’s eyes got misty. “I am very proud of you. Again, I apologize for being an interloper.”
“You are not an interloper, but you are also not getting an invitation for dinner tonight.” She gave him another hug.
He grinned at her. “I suppose my usual guilt trips will not work on you any longer?”
“That is correct.” She patted him on the shoulder. “Come. Make yourself useful.” They retreated into the back office, where Abeo opened the stainless-steel case he carried. Chi-Chi gasped and put her hand to her chest. “These are beautiful!” She picked up the watermelon tourmaline. “You know this stone supports inspiration and happiness.” She turned it over in her hand several times.
“A similar meaning as my name. ‘Bringer of Joy.’ ” He gave her a broad smile.
“Yes, I think they made a mistake on your birth certificate. False advertising.” Chi-Chi bit her lip, trying to keep a straight face.
Abeo shook his finger at her. “Tsk. Tsk. Do not be disrespectful.”
“I am not. I blame it on the hospital.” Chi-Chi couldn’t contain her laughter any longer.
“Oh, Lebici, I do miss you very much.” Abeo beamed at his sister.
“You should visit more often,” she said absently, as she reached for the aquamarine stones. “These will make beautiful earrings.” She was already envisioning them dangling from wavy fluid silver. “I think the white fire opal should be a necklace. They are fragile stones.”
Abeo watched his sister delicately examine the pieces. “You are pleased?”
She looked up and kissed him on the cheek. “I am very pleased.”
Chi-Chi noticed that it was getting close to lunchtime. “Do you want to get some sandwiches and sit outside? I can call one of the pages to watch the store for a half hour.”
“That sounds like a splendid idea. And then you can show me around.”
“Abeo, I have to run my shop today. We will do the tour on Monday as we originally planned.”
Abeo feigned a pout. “If you say so.”
“Yes, I do.” Chi-Chi picked up the walkie-talkie and reached out to Lucy, another page from the local college. The crackling sound was followed by a woman’s voice. “Lucy here.”
“Hi, Lucy. This is Chi-Chi. Could you watch the shop for about a half hour? My brother surprised me, and I want to get him a sandwich and show him the park.”
“No problem. How soon?” Lucy answered.
Abeo bobbed his head in anticipation.
“Can you come now?”
“Sure. On my way.”
“That is very impressive,” Abeo noted.
“Yes. Ellie Stillwell, the woman who built this center, put a great deal of thought into it. Not just a place for artists but also how to operate efficiently.”
“I would like to meet this Ellie Stillwell.”
“You most likely will. She is in and out during the day. If you see two German shepherd dogs, then you will know she is in the building.”
“Dogs?” Abeo looked perplexed.
“Yes. Dogs. We have a dog park outside as well. And there is a young man on doggie patrol. He supervises when people drop off their pets. He is responsible for keeping it clean and making sure that the dogs behave themselves. He was a veterinary student but decided he enjoyed doing this much more.”
“Is this a day-care center for dogs?” Abeo’s eyes widened.
“Not exactly.” Chi-Chi explained about the service the center provided for tenants and guests with dogs.
“And no cats?” Abeo joked.
“No, dear brother.”
A few minutes later, Lucy strolled into the shop. “Hello, Lucy. This is my brother, Abeo.”
Lucy held out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
“We’ll be getting some sandwiches and taking them to the patio if you need me.”
“No problem,” Lucy chimed.
Chi-Chi and Luna often joked that “No problem” was a standard answer from the pages. Chi-Chi and Abeo walked across the atrium and into the Blonde Shallot. Chi-Chi introduced her brother to Rita and picked two of the day’s specials, then signed the check. As they were heading toward the patio, they bumped into Luna rushing past them with pastry boxes.
“Hey!” Luna said with a surprised look on her face.
“Luna, this is my brother, Abeo. He arrived two days early.” Chi-Chi rolled her eyes.
“Nice to meet you, Abeo. Chi-Chi has told me so much about you!” Luna was trying to do a Jedi mind trick to see if Chi-Chi and Cullen’s plans were still on track.
“I told Abeo he would be on his own tonight. He wasn’t very happy.”
Voila. It worked. Luna chuckled. “I am sure you will find something interesting to do. The center is open tonight for a music ensemble. A string quartet. Sorry I am going to miss it. Listen, I have to dash. I am already running behind. Enjoy your dinner. See you Sunday. Bye!” Luna raised her one free finger, waved, and scooted away.
