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  Gaines wanted to bring something to wish her luck and remembered that she adored sunflowers. He drove to three different florists until he could find some. He knew that if he didn’t hustle, he might miss the opening entirely.

  Chapter Seven

  The Stillwell Art Center

  Opening night gala

  Ellie stepped into the large walk-in closet of her bedroom. She didn’t have the kind of wardrobe one would expect from a multimillionaire, but Ellie had never lived extravagantly. She was often seen wearing the same dress at more than one event. Not necessarily in the same year, but she couldn’t see the point in spending a lot of money on a dress if you were only going to wear it once. Ellie wasn’t cheap, but she was practical. So what if I look the same in different photos at different events? The only two things that would change would be her hairstyle and her jewelry. She was comfortable in her own skin and her own choice of clothes.

  But tonight was special. In the theme of artistry, she had had a local seamstress make something for her. It was similar to the first little black dress designed by Coco Chanel in 1926. The length was midcalf, with long sleeves and a low-belted waist. The deep V-neck was trimmed in silver brocade instead of the original one in gold. She wore a pair of black kitten-heel pumps by Stuart Weitzman, and her bag was a vintage Chanel she had purchased from Forever Fashion, the vintage handbag vendor who was opening her shop at the art center. Her pure white hair was cut in a chin-length bob with bangs, and she had added a silver metallic streak about two inches wide on one side. The hairdresser matched it to the silver on her dress. Tonight, she pulled one side of her hair behind one ear, and the silver streak was on the other. Diamond studs and a diamond tennis bracelet completed her simple yet elegant outfit. She puckered her lips for a coat of gloss over the cherry-red lipstick.

  Ellie stood in front of her mirror and sighed. How she wished Richard could be with her. He would be so proud of her. She could almost feel his presence, looking over her shoulder as the two would check themselves in the mirror before a night out. She stiffened for a moment. She could have sworn she smelled his cologne. Kiehl’s Musk. She had loved burying her nose in his neck. It was masculine without being overpowering. And she loved how it blended with his own natural scent. If there were such a thing. Ellie thought it was a thing. After all, people had body odor, right? The trick was to catch it before it went afoul. She was confident cologne was invented for that very reason. Odoriferous camouflage. It was common knowledge that was why women had carried posies or nosegays since the fifteenth century. Personal hygiene was a luxury for most people. She chuckled to herself. Now there’s a spray for every part of the human body.

  Ellie turned quickly as she thought she saw something move from the corner of her eye. “Take it easy,” she said aloud. She had to admit she was more than a bit nervous. The project had been an enormous undertaking. Aside from the actual construction, she had done almost all the heavy lifting herself. The planning, the meetings, the negotiations, the interviews. She also wanted it to stay under wraps. No one was to get a preview or sneak peek. That night would be the Great Reveal. It would only be fair, to the artists, the media, and the community. Everyone gets to see it for the first time at the same time.

  The press had been hounding her for weeks. She was glad she had hired one of the local college students to help her with the arrangements for the event. Working on the project didn’t seem half as stressful as balancing caterers, getting tenants settled, fielding questions, and managing those much-sought-after invitations.

  She indulged herself by renting a limo for the evening. Just a town car. Not a stretch. That would have been ostentatious. The groomer had dropped Ziggy and Marley off an hour before, both dogs wearing bow ties and berets. Ellie had the clever idea to cut holes in the berets to fit over their ears. Neither seemed to mind. Ellie wondered how long their getups would last.

  As Ellie left the house, she was taken aback by the clear, late-summer sky. The stars shone brightly. The air was dry and crisp. Just enough to make it a perfect evening.

  “Come on, guys.” The driver opened the rear passenger door, letting the dogs in, then went to the other side to open the door for Ellie.

  The dogs were extremely well behaved but took up much of the rear. Ellie wiggled herself in next to Marley. Thank goodness it was only a few minutes away. During the day, she and the dogs walked to the center, but tonight was different. She was wearing her good shoes.

  When her car pulled up to the front, the valet opened her door and helped her get out while the driver let Ziggy and Marley out. They quickly moved to Ellie’s side. For the most part, if you didn’t like dogs, you weren’t about to have a conversation with Ellie. At least not in person.

  There was a small space next to the massive front doors where guests were having their pictures taken before they entered. It was truly a grand opening.

  The courtyard had been transformed into a tropical paradise, with high tables decorated with orchids. A small jazz combo played under the staircase as waiters carried and passed hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. The Wine Cellar provided several tasting tables. Champagne-filled glasses were scattered about.

  All the gallery doors were wide-open, with many pieces placed around the courtyard and the patio. And, of course, everything was for sale. That particular evening, a portion of the proceeds would go to the Art Fund, Animal Care, and Children’s Services. The George Wall Lincoln car dealership would match every dollar collected. They had even donated a new Lincoln Corsair to be raffled off at the end of the evening.

  The place was packed with people. It was possible they had reached maximum capacity. Ellie had sent invitations to the top brass of the community but also offered the public an opportunity to attend for a fee of $25.00. She felt it was a fair price to pay for free food and drinks and to be a part of an exciting event. Ellie wondered if any of the invited guests would pony up a donation. She was curious to see the receipts and pledges at the end of the night.

  When the jazz combo finished its set, a string quartet began to play. After their hour of music, a guitar virtuoso played classical guitar in the style of Segovia. Ellie was pleased with the variety of music, food, drink, and, of course, the works of art on display.

  She floated through the crowd, making sure she said hello to each and every one of the guests as well as all the artists and vendors. Ziggy and Marley were getting bored with the chitter-chatter and made noises to go out to the dog park. Ellie had had the foresight to hire two assistants from the animal hospital to be “doggie-sitters” during the event. She knew Ziggy and Marley would be antsy and would want some fresh air.

  Ellie was happy to see Wiley, Luna’s dog, scampering about. She liked Luna. There was something about her that was special. Different. Ellie couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she sensed that Luna was an acutely sensitive person. On more than one occasion, she thought Luna was about to say something, but then Luna would quickly change the subject. Ellie hoped once the center was up and running, she and Luna could have a cup of tea in the charming space Luna had created.

  Ellie also liked Cullen. A handsome gentleman. Ellie knew Cullen was single, and she strained to think of someone who would be a good catch for him. As far as Luna, well, she was different. Ellie knew it would take a special man to understand the current that ran through Luna Bodhi Bodman. True, Ellie did not know her well. Not yet. But there was something about that young woman that made Ellie want to get to know her much better.

  * * *

  Cullen and Luna had arrived an hour before the announced beginning of the event just to be sure everything was in place. Cullen’s showroom space was well lit without looking like Madison Square Garden. A dozen antique chandeliers were connected to dimmer switches, showing off their illumination. Most were turn-of-the-nineteenth-century lights that had originally been designed for candles. One of Cullen’s first projects was to wire them and turn them into functioning twenty-first-century ceiling fixtures.
He had done a meticulous job with each and every one. Most had begun as broken pieces of tarnished brass tossed into a bin.

  Cullen thought this was an interesting phenomenon. People didn’t want to take the time or spend the money restoring things, yet they didn’t have the heart to part with them either. At least not to throw them into the trash. It was always in Cullen’s favor when he went to garage sales. People were willing to sell the box of junk in return for a few bucks. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But it wasn’t the money Cullen would make after restoring the piece. It was the time he spent re-creating something that gave him a sense of fulfillment, especially when he was finished and could step back and observe the results of his own personal artistry.

  Cullen was explaining the origins of one of the pieces to a guest when Ellie made her way into the room. Cullen had been in awe of Ellie since the first time he had met her. She was spunky, bright, and had a great sense of humor, with a robust laugh to match. It was almost as if she were impervious to aggravation, yet he was sure she had experienced a great deal of it during the construction of the center. Heck, even before they broke ground, she had had to overcome many obstacles. But she was an unstoppable force of nature. Cullen recognized a similar trait in his sister.

  Ellie seemed to glide across the floor. “Cullen! The place looks superb!” She took his hand, then pecked him on each cheek.

  “Thanks, Ellie. I’m happy you like it.” Cullen was almost blushing.

  She couldn’t help but notice several SOLD tickets on some of the items. “Well, certainly looks like you’ve had a few customers already!” Ellie was truly delighted. She wasn’t quite sure how his antique/restoration business would do with so many original artists, but Cullen had made arrangements with some of the other tenants. He would display pieces of their art in his showroom and they could borrow pieces from his. It was already turning into a cooperative enterprise. Ellie was quite pleased.

  Even Jimmy, the odd beer-can sculptor, had made something for all of the other tenants. They were metal tulips made from the red-and-white Budweiser cans. The leaves were from green Heineken and Dos Equis cans. Ellie wasn’t sure where Jimmy got all his materials, and she really didn’t want to know. As long as the place didn’t smell like stale beer she was fine with what he did.

  All that anyone knew about Jimmy-Can-Do was his name. That was it. Except for Ellie, no one knew his real last name. No one knew where he lived or where he had come from. He was rarely seen on the premises. In the morning, he would open his gallery, hang price tags and item numbers on his work, and disappear. A yellow pad and pen sat on the top of a box that read:

  We work on the honor system. If you want to pay by credit, please leave your name and contact information and the item number you’re taking. Someone will contact you. Otherwise, please deposit cash or check. Thank you.

  The fact Ellie had installed the newest, most high-tech security systems in the state was a big plus. If anything went missing, they would eventually find the culprit.

  When Jimmy first approached Ellie, she wasn’t sure what to expect; but she was immediately fascinated with the six-foot-tall palm tree he had made from beer-can cuttings. Once he had finished a piece, he coated everything with a type of polyurethane to smooth the edges. Ellie thought it was just a matter of time before beer-can jewelry became all the rage on Instagram. Ellie knew Jimmy wouldn’t show up for the opening, but his work was on display. The dozens of creations from floral arrangements to lamps, to coffee tables, gave the corner of the center a whimsical feel. She was pleased at the interest the guests had taken in a new way of recycling.

  Ellie made her way through the crowd and into the café. Luna was standing next to the credenza, speaking to several people about different types of teas and their benefits. Her easel was set up in the corner, with a rough sketch of a coffee cup with swirls of steam on it. The place had a warm and welcoming feeling to it. She guessed Luna was a part of that warmth. And the yellow dress? Well, that made for a ray of sunshine. Ellie was quite impressed at how lovely Luna looked that evening. Luna excused herself from her guests and walked over to Ellie.

  “Ellie. Congratulations. This is more than I even imagined. It’s fantastic. What a vision you had!” Luna was almost gushing. But she was totally sincere.

  “Luna, you look lovely.” Ellie kissed her on both cheeks.

  “I clean up real good.” Luna laughed.

  Ellie took both of Luna’s hands, stepped back, and gazed at her. “Indeed you do. I don’t think I would have recognized you.”

  “Oh, thank you.” Luna was doing a half twirl, swinging from side to side. “And you look beautiful, Ellie. I love the dress. Very Chanel.”

  “Yes it is. I had Lily make it for me.”

  “It’s spectacular.” It was Luna’s turn to admire Ellie.

  “I’ll have to get Lily’s information from you. I have a bunch of skirts, circa 1960s, but they are in dire need of help.”

  “If anyone can breathe new life into clothing, it’s Lily.”

  A few more minutes of small talk, and Ellie was on her way to the other shops before she had to make her welcome speech.

  About an hour into the extravaganza, Ellie picked up the microphone and began to speak. She was surprised how emotional she was feeling. With the two years of working on the project, and the last few months of final preparation, she hadn’t had the time to absorb the Herculean feat she had accomplished. Not until just then. She had a small speech she had prepared, but she couldn’t quite get the words out.

  After a few deep breaths, she started. “Good evening, everyone. Words cannot express my gratitude for the support we have received in making this vision, this idea, a reality. I wish all the artists the absolute best and hope this is the beginning of a long relationship with you and the arts. Thank you.” Applause, hoots, whistles, and hollers bounced off the glass. It was thunderous. Ziggy and Marley came running in, with Wiley following behind, all three barking up a storm.

  The evening flew by, and Luna was acutely aware that Marshal Gaines was nowhere in sight. There was only a half hour left before the event was over. She started to wash out the coffee and teacups in the small sink when the hair on the back of her neck started to rise. She whipped around and saw the tall, dark, and handsome marshal pushing his way through the crowd, Wiley leading the way. Luna was trying not to shake and fumbled with the china. He caught her eye and gave a wave. She smiled back and motioned for him to come in.

  As he approached the doorway, she noticed that he was carrying a bouquet of flowers. Sunflowers. He remembered. One evening, when they were talking about some of their favorite places, Luna mentioned Tuscany because the hillsides were alive with sunflowers. Wow. I’m impressed. Shocked. Stunned. Verklempt. Naturally, she didn’t want to sound like an imbecile and utter those words. As he got closer, her knees were hammering out a rhythm of their own. Easy. Steady. Smile.

  “Congratulations! The place looks great. The whole place is great. Wow. I’m really impressed.”

  Luna trembled at his words. Didn’t she just think those same words only a moment ago? “Marshal Gaines. So nice of you to come.”

  “Sorry I’m late. Work stuff and then there was construction on I-26 near Hendersonville.” He paused. “These are for you.” He handed the flowers to her. “You look quite lovely this evening.”

  “Why, thank you, Marshal Gaines.” She smiled coyly.

  “Oh. I hope you don’t mind me paying you a compliment. It’s hard to know. Being PC and all.” He sounded very official for a minute.

  “Don’t be silly. Kindness doesn’t cost a thing.” She held the flowers up to her nose. “Sunflowers. Reminds me of Tuscany.” Another wobble in her knees. “They’re beautiful. Thank you. Let me see what I can find to put them in. Can I get you a cup of tea? Coffee?” She gestured for him to sit at one of the café tables.

  “A glass of wine would be better.” He smiled. Luna thought it was the biggest smile she had ev
er seen on his face.

  “I assume you are off duty, Marshal Gaines?” she teased.

  “For the night, yes.” He nodded assuredly. “And you can just call me Chris, if you don’t mind.”

  “Sit tight. I think I know someone who knows someone who can help us out.” She laughed. The phrase I know someone who knows someone was a favorite joke among criminals and law enforcement.

  Luna went into Cullen’s studio to fetch something that would work as a vase. She didn’t want to use any of the artists’ pottery. She didn’t want to be responsible. Display, yes. Usage, no. She knew Cullen had a few glass vases in his storeroom. When she entered, she stopped short again when she saw the old table, the one that had given her the weird vibe earlier. She approached it gingerly, as if it might bite her. The closer she got, the stronger the feeling, but much to her surprise, it wasn’t as ominous as before. It was almost as if it were calling to her. She moved closer and touched the top. “I’ll be back, but not tonight.” Luna had a habit of talking to things. Scientists call it anthropomorphizing, giving human qualities to inanimate objects. It is not an unusual occurrence with highly sensitive people who also experience great empathy. She wasn’t embarrassed by it, either, which simply added to her charm.

  She grabbed a tall clear vase and headed back to the café, winking at Cullen as he was showing someone a rocking chair he had restored. He gave her an odd look. She winked again.

  With the vase in one hand, she tagged a waiter with the other. “Could you possibly bring two glasses of red wine to my shop?” Gaines wasn’t the only one with a good memory. Luna recalled his interest in wine, particularly red.