The painting was frighteningly huge. No sane individual would have such a thing on their wall. I’d like to see her argue that my place is Chloe’s now.
When I saw that she was turning back to face me, I quickly lay my head back on the couch and sighed pitifully.
“Jo?” She sounded winded. “Where did you get that picture?”
As if it pained me, I lifted my head off the couch to look at her, pretending I didn’t know what she was talking about.
“What picture, sweetheart?”
She used her thumb to gesture behind her back. “That one.”
“Oh…that old thing? I’ve had it for a while now. I forget where I found it.” I rested my head back against the couch. I could hear Albert off to the side pretending to cough in a napkin to cover his laugh. I nearly smiled myself. It’s true what they say about politicians. We have no shame.
“You’ve had that for a while?” Her question was quiet and unsure. Everything she had assumed was being shot down.
I nodded turning to look at her with sad eyes. “It saved my life.”
The shock that was now on her face was well worth the exuberate amount of money I paid to have the picture blown up and a frame made for it in the time that I had. It was true, I’ve had the original print for some time now. In investigating her brothers, I discovered Rob’s little shop on eBay. As soon as I saw the pic I bought it. I tried to get the original, but he wouldn’t sell it.
She bit her sexy bottom lip as she battled within herself. She didn’t want to have good thoughts about me. She didn’t want to ask how the painting had saved my life.
I’ve got news for you, my sweet Journey, when I’m done, you’ll never question my love again.
“How did the painting save your life? I’ve got to hear this.” Albert muttered dryly, relieving her. She exhaled, gently blowing her breath through her thick plush lips.
Show time. “The doctors told me I died on the operating table.” I paused for a moment so that could sink in. “And all I could remember was…was walking toward the light.”
Albert erupted in another fit of coughing.
“Are you okay, old boy?” I asked trying to cut eyes at him without Journey noticing. If he didn’t get a hold of himself, he was going to give me away.
“Yeah, yeah…I think the acrylic,” He waved his hand around looking up in the air. “Is choking me up. Go ahead and tell us what happened next.” He was barely holding it together.
“As I was saying.” I smiled at Journey. “I was walking toward the light, feeling at peace. And I heard a voice calling. A sweet voice, soothing to my soul. And when I looked back over my shoulder, the only thing that was there was that painting.”
Her eyes raked over me, before she frowned slightly. “Operating table? But it looks like only your leg was injured.”
Oh sh*t! That one got away from me.
I cleared my throat. “Yeah—well yeah they had to operate on the leg.” Albert just stood behind her shaking his head.
“You saw the light from a leg operation?” She asked.
“Well…babe, there is no such thing as a safe operation. You can ask any doctor. But the good thing is, this painting is what called me back.” She turned her head and looked at the painting before she looked back at me.
“Hmmm…okay.” It didn’t sound as if she was really buying my story, I looked up at Albert for a little assistance.
He stepped forward taking her bag out of her hand. “Here darling, let me show you where you and baby girl rooms are.”
She didn’t follow him right away. She just stared down at me through narrow eyes. Ayana, bless her soul jumped up and wrapped her little arms tightly around my neck as if she feared her mama was going to take her away from me.
That got Journey’s feet moving, but as she passed me she still looked at me with eyes full of suspicion. When they were gone my gaze went back to Ayana, who was now sitting in my lap staring up at me as if she too was waiting to see what other ridiculous thing was going to come out of my mouth.
“I don’t think your mama bought my tale.” I whispered. She erupted in giggles falling against my chest.
Journey
Jo was full of crap!
“He saw the light?” I asked Albert as he led me down the long hall to the wing of the penthouse for the bedrooms.
Albert chuckled, shaking his head. “That boy… he’s been that way since he was a kid. No shame… he’ll do and say whatever it takes to get what he wants.”
I stopped walking and folded my arms. “I’m glad you think this is funny. I don’t see the humor.”
Albert took my arm and quickly guided me into a guest bathroom.
“Okay, little lady, before you get upset just hear old Albert out.” He was talking very low.
I can understand the whispering, but I was drawing a blank as to why he’d pulled me into the bathroom. Maybe sound traveled good in the hall and he didn’t want to run the risk of Jo hearing his words.
Hmmm…this should prove interesting.
“Jo hurt you, didn’t he?”
I nodded. “More than I care to admit.”
“Wouldn’t you like to get a little revenge?”
My eyebrow lifted in interest. It’s a shame how good that word made me feel. “Revenge?”
He nodded.
“How so?”
“As you can see, the boy will do just about anything to get you back.” He gestured towards the living room and the ridiculously big painting.
“Yeah, that painting is a little crazy.”
He nodded. “Of course it is, and if I know Jo like I think I do, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. He’s prepared to humiliate himself, beg, borrow, and apparently lie to prove how much he cares for you.” He shrugged. “
“So why not
