Leighton stepped off the elevator into the reception area of the gallery after Casey had left. She checked herself. After all the students had left.
Maxine worked at her desk, her posture poised and erect, like she waited to receive marks on sitting like an elegant lady in an etiquette class. No doubt she could teach it. She could probably walk the entire length of the gallery with three of the Met’s exhibition catalogs balanced on her head.
Even this late in the afternoon, her raven hair looked coiffed, not a single gray showing, unlike Leighton’s, where they seemed to appear every other day. Yet, Leighton would resent the time-consuming and expensive upkeep, not that expense mattered to Maxine.
Maxine turned. “Are you finished for the day, dear?”
“Yes, and I thought it went well.” Leighton sat on the corner of the desk.
Maxine flicked Leighton’s hip. “Don’t be a neanderthal.” She removed some catalogs from a chair and pushed it toward her.
Maxine had been her mother’s best friend since before Leighton had been born. They’d met as roommates at Bryn Mawr, and their friendship had thrived for decades before Leighton’s mother passed away. Maxine had been as devastated by the loss as she’d been. Whenever Maxine brought up stories about Leighton’s mom from times Leighton hadn’t been privy to, it brought equal parts fondness and sadness.
Now bored with her retired husband and having no children of her own, Maxine devoted her time to the atelier; Leighton, whom she loved like a daughter; and Kalyssa, who’d fulfilled her broken dream of being a grandmother. Well, the type of grandmother who took a four-year-old to tea rooms and Christmas dinner at the Ritz, not so much the kind to whip up a batch of cookies or opine whether Anna’s or Elsa’s dress would make a better choice for Halloween.
Speaking of which, Leighton needed to get Kalyssa to pare down her costume shortlist from Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Puss in Boots, and the entire cast of Gabby’s Dollhouse to a more manageable size. Halloween would be here before she knew it.
Leighton settled into the chair Maxine had provided and crossed her legs. “Did you enjoy meeting the new students?”
“Yes, I liked them, and I reconnected with last year’s.” Maxine stroked her blood-red fingernails through her temples. “I dare say, I think Phoenix may have developed a thing for older women over the summer. He complimented my cosmetics and asked where I purchased them.”
Maxine appeared to have applied her impeccable crimson lipstick seconds ago, though Leighton doubted it. In contrast, her own always rubbed off on her coffee mug or Kalyssa long before now. Part of her wanted to tell Maxine that Phoenix’s interest in her beauty products was more likely a result of him discovering his true self rather than his attraction to someone mature enough to collect Social Security. “That was nice of them.” Leighton wanted to practice using Phoenix’s preferred pronouns after what he’d shared upstairs, even if he wasn’t around. She kept her mouth closed about the rest.
“Will you and Kalyssa be too busy for brunch on Sunday?” Maxine switched off her laptop. “I can cancel the reservation. It’s a hectic week for you.”
The mention of the mid-day meal called to mind another Leighton didn’t like to think about and hadn’t in some time, one she hadn’t even attended. Messy and lengthy divorce proceedings had followed, but she’d gotten the only three things she cared about: her daughter, her freedom, and the old brick building that housed her atelier. “We’d love to have brunch with you.” She squeezed Maxine’s arm. “I hope George can make it this time.”
Maxine gave a dainty cough. “As you know, I allow him to skip brunch to play golf once a month. Since he used his free pass last week, he’ll be there.”
They couldn’t be more different as godparents. As involved in her life as Maxine was, George was the polar opposite. Years ago, before his retirement, he’d been even busier. It always seemed to be something. Manufacturing, silver, stocks. He must have known what he was doing because they weren’t hurting for money.
“Tell Kalyssa she can drink a Shirley Temple and have as much whipped cream on her Belgian waffle as she wants. I haven’t spoiled her in a long time, and a bit of sugar won’t hurt. You made her order scrambled eggs last week, if I recall. I need to make sure I remain her favorite gallery volunteer.” Maxine gave her a little pinch on her cheek, something she’d learned was Maxine’s love language.
Leighton tilted her head. “What do you mean remain her favorite volunteer?”
Maxine pulled her purse from a lower drawer. “Casey, of course. Didn’t you notice her effervescence? Her adorable personality? Her smile? And those dimples. Kalyssa’s going to love her.”
Leighton tried to hide her shiver. Great. That was all she needed. What she really needed was a glass of wine.
Maxine glanced at her. “You look tired. Why don’t I pick up Kalyssa from preschool? Go rest.”
Leighton sighed. “She has ballet.”
“Perfect. I need to run an errand near there. I’ll be back long before she’s finished.”
Leighton dreaded fighting traffic. At least Maxine wouldn’t have to either. She paid her driver to do it. “You don’t mind?”
“Not at all.”
Less than twenty minutes later, Leighton poured two glasses of wine as Stefan rummaged through her pantry for snacks. She relaxed into her sofa with her chardonnay and struggled to forget about Casey’s smile and her dimples, but both lingered at the forefront of her mind. So, what if she’d indulged in a fleeting, pleasant interaction? Leighton had felt a strange connection as she listened to Casey explain her reaction to her painting.
Regardless, nothing could happen between them. Leighton had allowed herself to appreciate a few moments with her today. Tomorrow, she’d be all business. Her days of indulging in an enjoyable interaction with someone striking, let alone dating or having a romantic relationship, lay in her past. Marriage had taught her a hard lesson. She breathed out a sigh and took a sip.
“Those two knuckleheads are going to be a handful.” Stefan assessed a box of graham crackers before returning it to the shelf.
“Phoenix and Jaiden?” She chuckled and swirled her wine. “I agree. I don’t remember them being this bad last year, but they started rooming together at the beginning of the summer. Maybe that has something to do with it. They’re going to drive us nuts with their innuendo, but they amuse me.”
He joined her in the living room and dropped into her green wingback chair. “What’s your impression of the new students?” He ripped open a bag of pretzels.
“What do you mean?” Leighton set her glass on the coffee table.
“What do you think I mean? It’s not a trick question.” Humor and annoyance mingled in his voice. “Did you like them? Their personalities?”
“Of course. Didn’t you?” Her response came out forced. She unbuttoned her cuffs and rolled up her sleeves.
He laughed. “This isn’t an interrogation. I’m just making conversation. So far, I like everyone.”
“Yes, they’re an exceptional bunch.” When she’d gotten comfortable, she retrieved her glass. “Still, everything has to go well. I have a lot riding on it.” She’d doubled her number of students and teaching staff from the previous year. And while last year’s students had drawn attention with the paintings they produced, even more eyes would be on the atelier and gallery this year. She tucked her legs beneath her. She’d discarded her boots seconds after entering her apartment.
Stefan studied her. “It will. I’m certain of it. We vetted everyone as much as we could, we planned the curriculum down to meticulous detail, you know what worked and didn’t work last year, and we have Erica to help.” He downed a gulp of wine.
“Sure, we vetted everyone, but one of our first-years has a toddler we didn’t know existed.” It wasn’t a question of how it’d happened. Casey hadn’t wanted them to know. Why?
He shrugged. “That doesn’t change her talent or her goals. Are you worried about her focus? Her commitment?”
Leighton considered his question. “No, she seems more committed than most. Having a son might make her more dedicated. You read her essay. She seems to want this more than any of them, Erica included.” Leighton was no stranger to aiming high. She admired that facet of Casey.
“So, what is it then?”
“I’m just worried. Everything has gone into this dream of mine.” After her divorce, she’d poured all her energy into Kalyssa and the atelier. Her personal life had come to a thundering halt, but Kalyssa was doing great, and her school looked to flourish. Unless something unexpected happened.
“So, what’s worrying you?” He popped a pretzel into his mouth and crunched loudly.
Leighton remained quiet. It sounded silly, being knocked off balance by one little encounter. She debated whether to admit it or say nothing, but their long friendship and mutual trust won out.
“I got thrown a curveball. Of all the things I thought might happen today, it was most unexpected.” She instantly regretted the confession, but it was too late to turn back.
He chewed and swallowed. “Casey?”
“Yes. Casey.” She enjoyed saying her name aloud despite being stunned he’d guessed. “How did you know?”
He cleared his throat. “Well, she’s the most talented student we have, and that’s counting the second-years. I know that captured your attention even before you met her. She’s also the most attractive, and I’m not even into women. But, Leighton…Well, I’m not sure it’s my place to mention it—”
“I’m her teacher, and she’s my student? Yes, Stefan, I’m aware.” Too aware. That reminder had surfaced so many times throughout the day she wondered how she’d managed to talk about motion sensors and tardiness.
“Okay, good, because that could complicate things.” He raised his eyebrows. “However, for what it’s worth, I think you may have also thrown her a curveball. I saw how she looked at you. She’s not very good at hiding her appreciation.”
Leighton laughed. “You should’ve seen her in the gallery.” She also thought she’d caught a glimpse of Casey’s admiration but wondered if she’d imagined it. Still, Stefan’s words rattled her and confused her more. “We might be misreading things. She could be straight. After all, she has a child.” Minimizing her interest in Casey had become more difficult with the knowledge Casey might also feel whatever this was between them.
He rolled his eyes. “You’re queer, and you have a child. I’m sure you noticed how she responds to you. I’d bet on her being about as straight as I am. She jumped away from you like you might burn her if she got too close.”
Leighton shook her head. “Why would she do that? It makes little sense.” Casey’s reaction seemed out of place. It’d thrown her so much she’d fumbled to regain her train of thought.
“I think you scare her.”
“Scare her?” Leighton twirled the bracelet on her wrist. “Scare her how?”
He shrugged. “Perhaps the idea of you is frightening. She might have a bit of an infatuation with you as an artist, then she meets you and, well, you’re you.” He traced her outline in the air. “Now she’s about to spend a lot of time in close quarters with a beautiful woman she admires and finds attractive. Despite taking longer to graduate from college, she’s still young and impressionable. I’m sure it’s a lot to manage.”
“You sound like you may have some experience in this area. Don’t tell me young Stefan Jovic had a crush on a teacher.” She shot him a wry grin.
He dug another pretzel from the bag. “Too many to count.”
His admission sank into her heart and the realization of how serious the situation could get shifted her mood. “Look, it’s fine for us to joke about this now, but she’s my student, and that’s not going to change. Having a successful atelier is my dream, and I’m not about to jeopardize it. Let’s also remember Casey is Maxine’s scholarship recipient, so this discussion needs to stay between us. Maxine would have a coronary if she heard even a whisper about this. I could lose her funding, not to mention her respect.”
“I’ve spent little time with Maxine so far, but from what I’ve gathered, she does seem a bit conservative. Still, it’s not like we use grades, or you could use your position of authority to advance or impede Casey’s status here. You were careful to design your atelier in a way that doesn’t create an atmosphere of competition.” He stood and tipped his empty glass toward her.
She extended hers to accept his offer of more wine. “True, I intend for them to compete against themselves to become the best artist they can be. Even so, it’s impossible. It’d be scandalous if I had a relationship with one of my students.”
Stefan nodded and walked to the kitchen.
“Maxine might be my biggest funder, but the smaller investors are just as important. I have to consider optics. Plus, I wouldn’t want to jeopardize Casey’s scholarship.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe I’m even talking about this in the hypothetical sense.”
He returned to the living room with their wine and a sleeve of crackers. “Jesus, Leighton, I’m not advocating for it. I’m merely pointing out that if something happened, it’d be between two consenting adults. It’s not like she’s seventeen. She graduated from college and has a child. Although, I admit it surprised me when she said she had a two-year-old.”
Leighton replayed her encounter with Casey in her mind. “His real name is Anders. Her son. I asked.”
His forehead creased. “That’s a strange name.”
“She said she named him after his father’s favorite artist.” Leighton gave him a knowing look.
“Anders? As in Sweden’s famous Anders Zorn?” His eyes narrowed. “Who’s the kid’s father?” He scooted to the edge of his seat.
She shrugged. “I didn’t ask.”
“So, daddy likes realism, too. I wonder if any other famous artists are named Anders.” He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “Shall I google it?”
“All she said was that she’d named him after his dad’s favorite artist.” Leighton wished she’d never brought it up. It felt like a betrayal.
“She might have met his father in art school.”
He didn’t abandon the subject even as she retreated into thought. She needed to end this tangent since Andy’s father had nothing to do with her. With a groan, she unfolded her legs and took her glass to the kitchen. “Kalyssa will be home soon. I don’t want to be having this conversation when Maxine drops her off. When it comes down to it, it’s not ethical for me to have feelings for a student. Besides, the last time I fell for someone, look where it left me.” She paused for effect. “I’d rather be alone the rest of my life than risk going through that again.”
He winced and stood. “I get it. Let’s chalk this up to meaningless chitchat over a glass of wine. You won’t hear any more from me unless you bring it up.” He held out his arms.
She gave him a rueful smile and stepped into the embrace. “Thanks. I’m grateful you accepted the position. I know it’s going to be an amazing year.” It had to be. She’d worked so hard to get to this point.
“Yes, it is.” He hugged her tightly. “Thanks for the wine. Since you’re kicking me out, I’m taking the crackers.”
When he left, only silence remained. And in that space, void of sound or distraction, her mind wandered again to Casey’s hazel eyes. This couldn’t be happening. Her expectations for the day had been so high. And now this.