The Fate of the Muse - By Derrolyn Anderson Page 0,78
work he was out hustling for more work, handing out flyers advertising his landscaping services. If I wanted to spend time with him I had to tag along, sitting in his truck waiting, or reading quietly at the farmer’s market.
At least I hadn’t seen Amber since I’d been back. It was probably inevitable that I’d run into her at college, and I wondered how she’d act when our paths crossed again. I smiled inside when I thought about him telling her about our engagement, but she didn’t strike me as the type that would give up very easily, and I was still feeling insecure. I scooted closer to Ethan.
My art studio was my sanctuary, a distraction from my troubling thoughts, and I’d kept it to myself for the past week like my own little secret garden. Whenever Ethan was working and I was feeling edgy, I’d head over there to furiously paint out all my anxiety. I’d started spending most of my time there, taking long afternoon naps on the couch, luxuriating in my independence.
I brought more and more of my things there, and the place started to feel like home. I planned on surprising Ethan with it, but I found myself holding back, waiting for the perfect time. I liked having a clandestine place to go and be alone. In solitude was precious control, and the freedom from having to depend on anyone else.
“How about we go surfing tomorrow?” I suggested hopefully.
“Can’t,” he said firmly, “I have to work.”
I sighed, for thoughts of Olivia plagued me, making me so anxious that I’d have to sneak out to see Lorelei at night, purposefully surfing myself into exhaustion. I knew that Ethan wouldn’t like it, but I ignored the little flush of guilt I felt. What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.
“We can surf a lot more when we’re married,” he said bending down to kiss me, and I really wanted to believe him. Kissing Ethan made me feel better no matter what the problem. The sound of shuffling feet and a clatter of plates broke us apart.
“Marina, my friend,” Lue was beaming at us as he set down a platter with a wheel of grilled sausage, coiled like a snake on a mound of steaming rice. This was followed by a tray stacked with delicious looking fried spring rolls. “Kaj yaub,” He announced, setting it down with a flourish.
“Wow,” I looked up with a smile.
Lue and his family had been fussing over me to the point of embarrassment, bringing me tea all day, and trying to feed me every chance they could get. The rally and its outcome had restored Lue’s faith in justice, and he was so grateful that it bordered on worship. As much as I tried to give the credit to Abby’s hard work, Lue insisted the water spirits were to thank for his good fortune. In his mind, I was clearly their representative, and as such, deserved an offering.
Lue came closer to the truth than I cared to admit, but he believed what he believed, and there was no point in arguing. Besides, the food was fantastic, and the way he was working, Ethan needed to eat every chance he could get.
“It looks delicious,” I smiled.
He handed me a takeout container, “For Abby,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “Good for the baby.”
“She’ll be touched,” I said, bowing my respects.
Lue laughed his funny little laugh like he always did. He often seemed amused by me, as if my very presence was somehow comically entertaining, but it didn’t bother me. He was one of the few people in Aptos that I felt completely comfortable around, and I respected his opinion above all others. He refused to join us and turned to shuffle off, leaving Ethan looking at me with a wry smile.
“The food sure is getting better around here,” he raised his eyebrows at me, “Looks like you’re inspiring Lue to cook more.”
I made a face at him.
“Aww, I didn’t mean it that way,” he said, kissing my cheek and digging in.
After we ate, I walked Ethan back to his stand, giving him a hug and telling him I should be getting going. I’d told Abby I’d walk down to feed the cats today, and I was thinking about slipping away to paint at my studio.
“Don’t go,” he whispered in my ear, “I like it when you’re here with me.”
I looked over at Long watching us, and ducked behind Ethan’s shoulder, “Sorry… But I promised