There was no information on the artist. Usually they attach a picture, website, and bio. But the artist must have wanted anonymity.
It looks flawless, like a photograph, my aunt observed.
We`ve been getting inquiries and requests to buy it all day.
You can`t sell it, my aunt began, until we find out more about it.
It does bear an uncanny resemblance to you, the volunteer commented. Do you know any artists?
Devon, my aunt, and the volunteer searched the painting for a signature. I stood in awe while Alexander hung back.
Here it is! my aunt exclaimed, like she`d just spotted an egg on an Easter hunt. In the corner, embedded in a spider`s web, was the name Sterling.
Sterling...That`s you--, my aunt announced to Alexander.
Devon and the volunteer turned to Alexander.
This is why you stayed in town? I asked Alexander.
Jameson insisted I enter, he said self-consciously.
That`s my niece, my aunt declared proudly. And her boyfriend is the artist. It is sure nice to meet you, the volunteer said as if she were meeting a celebrity. Here`s my card. I know that the curator of a gallery was interested in this piece. If you have others, I`m sure he`d love to see them, too.
This is why you stayed so long in Hipsterville. You were preparing to show your artwork in this fair.
Alexander didn`t respond.
Why didn`t you tell me? I asked, squeezing his hand.
I`m sure there are a lot of things you don`t tell me, he said, pointing to the bat stamp on my hand.
A few hours later the annual art festival was coming to a close. Sellers were packing up and booths were being dismantled. The four of us sat at the rim of the fountain, our bellies full of food and our feet tired from walking.
Aunt Libby and Devon sauntered over to a festival exit a few yards away to say good night while Alexander and I cuddled by the waterfall.
I`ll pick you up tomorrow night, Alexander said, his arm around my shoulder. And I`ll have a surprise for you.
I can`t wait. I`ll be counting the minutes!
His face lit up like the moon shining above him.
Alexander leaned into me and gave me a slow kiss. His lips tasted like soda and caramel apples.
He watched me from the fountain as I headed over to my aunt and her boyfriend, who were now holding hands and getting lost in each other`s eyes. At any minute, Devon could lean over to her and sink his fangs into her neck--if he had any. But if he did, would he really do it in front of the whole town?
Knowing my aunt Libby, a carefree otherworldly old soul, she might wish to become a vampire. Just my luck, I`d have to visit my aunt in the Underworld while I remained an outsider mortal in Dullsville.
It was great meeting you, Raven, Devon said when I finally caught up to them.
Thanks for the cotton candy, I replied. Hope to see you soon.
I turned away so the new couple would have a private moment before their departure. More important, I had to confirm Devon`s true identity.
I got my compact out of my purse, opened it, and angled it behind me. I took a breath when my aunt tapped me on the shoulder. When I glanced into the reflection, Devon had already disappeared.
Aunt Libby and I spent the midnight hours curled up in our pajamas on the futon, as if at a slumber party, surrounded by rose-scented votives and lavender incense and talking incessantly about our gorgeous guys.
My aunt was giddy as she replayed every girlie thought and feeling she had.