4. The art exhibit
1775 Words
Meghan’s P.O.V.
The art exhibit was everything I hadn’t even realized I had missed. The walls were filled with Skye’s work, each piece reflecting his distinct, hauntingly beautiful style. Paintings of Fairview’s landscapes, portraits of its people, abstracts that seemed to hum with emotion—all of it brought memories back so vividly it was like I had never left. Gran, my unofficial tour guide for the evening, was in her element, pointing out her favorites and loudly critiquing anything that didn’t quite meet her approval, or any piece that was simply made by an artist who wasn’t related to her.
“I don’t even know what that one’s supposed to be,” Gran said to me, eyeing a particularly abstract painting with a raised eyebrow,
“but it looks like someone spilled grape juice all over it.”
I tried to stifle my laugh.
“It’s modern art, Gran. You’re supposed to interpret it.”
“Well, my interpretation is that it’s nonsense,” Gran whispered with a wink, but her expression softened as she looked around at the rest of Skye’s work.
“He’s got a gift, that boy. Always had it.”
“He really does,” I agreed with her, my heart swelling with pride for Skye. I couldn’t wait to tell him how incredible his work was, to remind him of the sketches he had made when we were just kids and that somehow always looked magical.
As we stepped outside, the cool evening air brought a refreshing contrast to the warm lights of the gallery. I took a deep breath, feeling a strange, wonderful lightness I hadn’t felt in years.
“Well, there they are, our lovebirds,” Gran said suddenly, nudging my shoulder with surprising force. I followed her gaze to see Skye standing at the side of the building, his face lighting up when he spotted us. Beside him was a petite, gorgeous woman with wavy red hair, her arm looped through his.
“Meghan?” Skye said, sounding very surprised.
I laughed as I nodded. Surprised to see that even after all those years, he hadn't changed that much.
“It’s been a long time, Skye Miller. Didn’t think you would even recognize me. Congratulations on tonight, by the way,” I said, smiling because I was genuinely happy for him and his success.
“I never thought I’d see you showing off your artwork to half the town. It’s incredible. Honestly.”
“Thank you,” Skye replied. Smiling as if my words meant the world to him.
“This is Lila Monroe, she works at the arts center and she is the love of my life.” Skye smiled, wrapping his arm around the gorgeous redhead standing next to him, her cheeks slightly blushing.
“But what brings you back to Fairview? Last I heard, you and your family moved out years ago.” Skye added, still looking surprised at me. Gran chuckled, giving my arm a small pat.
“She came back to help out her aunt at the bakery. Isn’t that right, dear?”
“Yep,” I replied with a nod.
“Aunt Beth’s health has been touch-and-go lately, and running the bakery alone got to be too much for her. So here I am again, back in Fairview for the foreseeable future.”
Gran gave an approving nod, her eyes twinkling.
“Isn’t it nice? And just think what Blade will say when he finds out Meghan’s back in town. He’s going to be so thrilled.”
Skye raised his eyebrows, an amused smirk tugging at his lips as he looked back at me, knowing far more than he was saying.
“I’m sure he’ll be pleasantly surprised,” he said, glancing over at Lila, who smiled back at him.
Gran gave them one last, knowing look before patting my shoulder again.
“Well, we’d better head off before it gets too late. Good night, you two. And Skye, don’t be a stranger—you and Lila come by for lunch sometime this week, you hear?”
Skye chuckled, knowing he was trapped.
“We’ll be there, Gran.”
As Gran and I walked back inside, I threw one last friendly wave over my shoulder.
“It’s good seeing you again, Skye. I’ll be around—drop by the bakery sometime.”
Once we got back inside, the gallery lights had dimmed just slightly as more people filtered in, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. I walked beside Gran, who was still buzzing with excitement, recounting every funny detail about the artwork we had already seen. The evening had been wonderful really—warm and comfortable, the familiar buzz of Fairview wrapping around me like a warm hug. But as we stepped back into the main hall, Gran leaned close, whispering,
“I need to find the little girls’ room. You’ll be all right for a few minutes, won’t you, darling?”
I smiled, giving Gran’s hand a squeeze.
“Go ahead. I’ll be right here.”
Gran disappeared down the hallway, and I took a slow breath, glancing around the room, feeling that satisfying sense of peace settling over me. I had forgotten how much I loved nights like this. But then, just as I started to relax, my gaze drifted, and I froze. Right there, across the room, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, was none other than Blade.
My heart did a strange, familiar flip, an instinctual reaction that sent me diving right behind a thick curtain hanging near the door. I pressed myself against the wall, the fabric swaying as I tried to collect myself. Or more so… hide.
What was he doing here? I mean... I should have expected him to be here, sure. This was his brother’s art exhibit after all, and of course, Blade would show up if it was about Skye. But actually seeing him again after all these years was something else entirely.
I closed my eyes, trying to breathe evenly. I hadn’t even prepared for this moment—the jolt of memories, the sudden realization that no amount of time seemed to have dulled the effect that damned man had on me. He looked older now, somehow even more solid, his face marked by that rough, almost cocky expression he had mastered since we were teenagers. The sharp cut of his jaw, the broad shoulders that had grown even more wider since we had been teens, the slight smirk that made it look like he knew every secret in the room. It all brought me back so quickly, it was almost dizzying.
Why on earth couldn't he have just grown fat and bald?
Why did he have to age like a fine wine?
Is this God, teasing me?
Torturing me?
“Meghan?” A voice interrupted my spiraling thoughts, and I nearly jumped and screamed. Peeking out from behind the curtain, I saw a pair of familiar brown eyes—Eluna, Blade’s younger sister, grinning widely at me with that same mischievous smile she used to have as a kid. And by the looks of it, Blade hadn't been the only Miller sibling who had aged like a fine wine... Eluna was looking absolutely gorgeous tonight.
“Eluna!” I whispered, a smile breaking across my face as I stepped out of hiding, just slightly.
“Wow, you’re all grown up!”
Eluna rolled her eyes playfully.
“That’s what everyone keeps saying. But I know exactly who you are, Meghan from down the street. I remember you used to come around the house all the time when I was little. You’d bring me licorice and tell me all about your school projects.”
I laughed, the warmth of those memories pushing away some of my anxiety toward a particular man standing far back in the room.
“You always had a sweet tooth! And you always kept me company when I was waiting for Skye and Blade.”
“Well, I was your number one fan back then,” Eluna said, crossing her arms.
“And I guess I still am. What are you doing back in Fairview?”
I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.
“It’s a long story, but I’m here to help Aunt Beth with the bakery. Just… ready for a change of pace.”
Eluna nodded approvingly.
“That’s amazing. I think Fairview could use a bit of the ‘Meghan magic’ again.”
“Well, I’ll do my best,” I said, laughing.
“I have to admit, it feels really good to be back. And it’s so nice to see you—and everyone, honestly.”
Eluna raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eye.
“Did you already see Blade?”
My cheeks heated up, and I glanced down.
“Well… yeah, of course.”
Eluna laughed.
“Don’t worry. He still talks about you from time to time, you know.”
“Oh, really?” I asked, trying to sound casual but feeling a strange twist in my chest.
“Yeah,” Eluna said, studying me with that sharp, knowing look as if she was trying to see through to my soul.
“He’d never admit it out loud, but I think you were one of the few people who really understood him. Well, besides Gran, of course.”
I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. Talking about Blade felt like opening a door I wasn’t sure I was ready to step through. But before I could even respond, Gran’s voice called out from down the hall.
“Meghan, darling! I think I’m about ready to head back if you are.”
I turned to Eluna with a smile, relieved for the distraction Gran had brought along with her, and my chance for departure.
“Looks like Gran’s calling it a night.”
Eluna nodded, grinning.
“It was really good to see you, Meghan. Don’t be a stranger, OK?”
“I won’t,” I promised, giving Eluna a quick hug before turning to meet Gran, who was walking toward us, her usual brisk pace a little slower than usual. And as we stepped out of the gallery together, Gran leaned close.
“It’s so nice to see all those familiar faces, isn’t it?”
I glanced back at the door, thinking of Skye, of Eluna… and of Blade, who I had avoided, but whose presence seemed to linger with me anyway.
“Yeah,” I replied softly, taking Gran’s arm just a little tighter.
“It’s good to be home again.”
- Writer
