Lily's Mirage (Hell Yeah! ) Read online

“Don’t call these your last days, be positive.”

  “I’m being realistic,” Lily reminded her gently.

  “Remember how powerful intent can be. Intend to live.” She pointed a finger at Lily. “And going on a vacation is a good way to put that into practice.”

  Lily sighed. “I don’t have anyone to watch my shop. My friend Glory has a new baby, so she can’t come fill in for me.” She laughed wryly, picking up her love spell bag to take a whiff. “I certainly don’t want to leave my sister in charge, she’d try to run her bookkeeping business from my art gallery. She’d alienate my clientele in a matter of days.”

  “I have an idea.” Bliss perked up and gave Lily a confident smile. “My sister, Dinah, will be out of school soon. She’s an art history major at Tulane. I bet she would watch Charlotte’s for you.”

  Lily grew still. “Really? I remember meeting your sister once or twice here in the shop. She seemed to be a little dynamo. Do you think she’d be interested in working in the gallery?”

  “Of course, this experience would probably give her extra credit at school. Perhaps, you could fill out some paperwork and give her intern status. You two could help one another. How long would you be gone?”

  “I don’t know. A couple of weeks, maybe. I really have no plans yet. I don’t even know where I’m going.”

  Bliss wrote a few words on a piece of parchment and folded it carefully to slip into Lily’s love spell bag. “Where do you dream of going?”

  Lily thought for a few moments. “Somewhere on the ocean, I think. I’d love to be able to listen to the surf while I fall asleep.”

  “Hmmm, I think I know just the place.” Bliss rose and went to a back room, coming back with a set of keys in her hand. “My family has a small house on a private barrier island off the South Carolina coast, St. Phillips Island. The cottage is quaint, almost magical. It sits right on the beach, a beautiful place. The only drawbacks are that it’s only accessible by boat and a cousin, who serves as caretaker, is off for the summer, she has a new grandbaby to visit. So, you’d have to take care of yourself.”

  “Oh, that wouldn’t be a problem. I need the solitude. So, no one would care?” Lily felt excitement pulse through her veins at the prospect of such an adventure.

  “Dinah will be here with me, taking care of your shop. Isaiah has several jobs lined up, he’s still doing stunt work in movies. I don’t think he’ll be taking any time off for a while. As for me, I’m staying put, my destiny will come to me.”

  Bliss’s mysterious smile captivated Lily. “I’m jealous of you, you know.” She wasn’t only envious of Bliss’s hope of a future, she also coveted her friend’s unique outlook on life.

  “I don’t know why, you’re amazing.” Covering Lily’s hand, Bliss spoke to her gently. “You’re so smart. The business you’ve built has helped so many. Just think of the talent you’ve discovered, the careers you’ve launched. Plus, you’ve given so many a chance to see the unbelievable collection of priceless artwork you’ve amassed. When people step into your gallery, they are given the opportunity to glimpse a time gone by, to surround themselves with a culture they can find nowhere else. You’ve allowed Charlotte to live on, far beyond the days she was allotted on this Earth.”

  Lily nodded, at a loss for words. She knew Bliss was offering praise and encouragement. Sadly, what she said depressed Lily.

  She wanted to live. She wanted to live so much. There were so many things she wanted to do, to see. Lily wanted to experience a grand affair, she had so much love to give and no opportunity to share it.

  “I accept your offer.” She held out her hands for the keys. “I need this, thank you.”

  “Great! You’ll love it there. South Carolina’s low-country is a unique area, one of the last bastions of the Gullah culture, my heritage. The food is incredible and the scenery is spectacular. There’s a lot of history around the place. Explore. There’s even an old tale passed down in the family that Abraham hid out there at one time with Genevieve. All in all, I think you’ll find Lili to be just what you need.”

  “Lily? Like my name, I’m not sure I follow.”

  “L-I-L-I is the name of the estate,” Bliss said with a mysterious smile. “Named after one of our mysterious ancestors, I think.”

  “Pretty impressive coincidence,” Lily mused, her mind already racing with possibilities.

  Bliss held out the red mojo bag to Lily. “I would say this trip is meant to be.”

  “You’re a life saver, Dinah.” Lily closed a file drawer and handed the pretty young woman a binder. “Here is everything coming up and I’ll be back in time for the Cummings showing. All you’ll need to do for it is to confirm reservations with the caterer and make sure you send some follow-up reminders to those we’ve invited.”

  “Great, I’m excited.” Dinah let her eyes rove over the paintings hanging on the walls and sitting on strategically placed easels. “This is a dream job. I plan on absorbing as much of this atmosphere as possible.” Dinah wandered over to one of the paintings, a portrait of an elegant octoroon, standing on the banks of a picturesque bayou. “So, this is Genevieve. I’ve heard so much about her from my grandmother Angelique and my Nana Fontenot.”

  “I think I see some resemblance, Dinah. She has your beautiful eyes,” Lily offered sincerely. “I’m constantly fascinated with your family. Charlotte and Abraham were so ahead of their time. For the heiress of a plantation to sponsor a former slave as an artist was revolutionary.”

  “I agree. From all that I’ve learned, Charlotte was fearless.” Dinah folded her arms and moved over to stare at a portrait Abraham had painted of his friend and benefactor. “She was breathtakingly beautiful, wasn’t she?”

  “Yes, and mysterious. Her diary hints at some secrets, including several of Abraham’s paintings I haven’t been able to locate. One, in particular, intrigues me, it’s called Mirage.”

  “Really? What does the diary say about Mirage?”

  “Not a lot.” Lily leaned on the counter, staring at Charlotte’s portrait. “She implied that it was special and contained a message of some kind. If you want to read the diary while you’re here, I’ll get it for you.”

  “I’d love to, Lily. Thank you.”

  Before Lily could say more, the phone rang. “Excuse me.” She moved to her desk to take the call. Flora’s number was clearly displayed. “Hello, Flora. What can I do for you?”

  “You can’t go on this trip, Lily. I talked to Jay this morning. He has a lead for a clinical trial with Duke University. Please, don’t go. What if something comes up?”

  The plea in her sister’s voice touched Lily’s heart. There were times that Flora drove her crazy, but in her own annoying way, she knew her sister loved her. “Nothing’s going to come up, Flora. I love you for caring, but the chance that I’ll get approved for one of these experimental treatments or clinical trials is slim to none. I need to get away, I need some time alone to come to terms with this. I need a last fling with life.”

  “I know I give you a hard time about slowing down, but I’m not giving up hope. You’re going to get help, Lily.”

  “Well, if a miracle happens, I can always come home. I’m not traveling to a foreign country, just to the coast.”

  “You’re running away, Lily.”

  “I don’t think there’s a place far enough away that I could escape what’s coming, Flora.” She glanced at the clock. “I have to go or I’m going to miss my flight. I’ll have my phone, although I have no idea what the cell reception will be like. This place is supposed to be fairly isolated.”

  “Great. Check in with me please, go stand on the highest sand dune and give me a call every once in a while.”

  “I’ll call you if something goes wrong,” she promised her sister. “The gallery is in good hands, a descendant of Charlotte’s will be taking care of everything.”

  “I’m not sure that association can be claimed as a good recommendation. The Renaud family is very much like the Fo
ntenot’s and the Beaureguarde’s, their reputation as charlatans is quite well known.”

  “Nonsense, just because you don’t believe in something doesn’t negate the truth. I’ve seen enough in my life to know there are things in this world that aren’t readily explainable.” She shook her head in frustration. “We’re not having this debate again. I need to get on the road.”

  “All right, be careful. I love you.”

  Lily softened. “I love you too. Take care of yourself and I’ll be in touch if I need anything.”

  After providing Dinah with everything she needed, including Charlotte’s diary, Lily caught a cab and set off for the airport. In less than three hours, she found herself in a small, rustic building, standing in line to rent a car for the drive to Saint Helena. Once there she’d arrange for a ferry on to St. Phillips Island.

  As she waited patiently, she watched a man ahead of her in line. He was leaning low over the desk, speaking in hushed tones to the sales clerk. With his ragged jeans, muscle shirt, and a straw cowboy hat that had seen better days, he could’ve been anything from a local rancher to an auto mechanic. Regardless, he was one fine specimen of manhood. Damn, he was just what she needed. Lily licked her lips. “Just look at all those muscles,” she murmured, enjoying the view. The guy was certainly ripped. His skin was golden, his shoulders were double-wide, and he had an unbelievable butt. Too soon, he straightened up, nodded his head, then turned to leave. She gave him a big smile, but if he even looked at her, she wouldn’t have known, his sunglasses were dark and he didn’t smile back or nod. “Well, boo to you too, fella.” She shrugged, refusing to let one man’s rudeness spoil her day.

  Stepping on up to present her credit card and make her request, Lily happened to notice a cell phone lying on the corner. “Does this belong to the guy who just left?” she asked the old man who appeared to be more interested in a broadcast of a baseball game coming over the radio sitting next to him than anything else.

  “Yea, I think so.”

  Lily glanced over her shoulder, seeing the hunk in question standing next to the gas pump. As soon as he finished, she took the phone. “I’ll take it outside and give it to him. I’ll be right back.” Throwing her purse over her shoulder, she hurried out the door. The sun was shining bright and Lily felt good. “Hey!” She waved at the gorgeous guy, but was surprised when he whipped off his sunglasses and held up a hand, like he didn’t want her to come near him.

  “Look, I appreciate that you’re a fan, but I came here for some privacy. No autographs today.”

  Lily did stop in her tracks, but she didn’t retreat. She gazed at his handsome face and noticed his gorgeous eyes, almost a violet blue color. The Greek god also possessed two very intriguing dimples. When he took off his hat to run his hand through his hair, she saw he had a mop of golden curls. She took a moment to stare at him, trying to determine if she could identify him. Nope. Nothing. Lily had no idea who he could be. Nevertheless, he was easily the most handsome man she’d ever seen.

  Too bad he was such an ass.

  “I’m sorry, Cowboy, I’m not a groupie. While you might want to shed some of that giant ego you carry around, I didn’t figure you’d want to lose your phone.” She tossed his cell to him and turned to walk away.

  Blade Jensen caught his phone, narrowed his eyes, and watched the feisty, doe-eyed beauty take her leave.

  “Hold on! I have it!” she called suddenly.

  To Blade’s amusement, the woman threw down her purse and chased after a football thrown by a young boy who was playing nearby. His enchantment only increased when she hiked up her skirt and kicked it back to the kid with a graceful move, giving Blade a great view of her legs, even a glimpse of a bright pair of pink panties. Blade studied her profile with interest, noting the intriguing sprinkle of freckles on her cheek, sure that she’d glance back at him to make certain he’d caught her little performance. To his surprise, she didn’t.

  The pretty lady just sashayed away from him and never looked back.

  Interesting.

  If he was anywhere else and anyone else, he’d take off after her like a shot.

  The drive to Saint Helena was made fairly quickly. The Sea Island Parkway was one of the most scenic drives she’d ever taken and the bridge itself was impressive. Lily did as always when she crossed a bridge, she held her breath as she traveled the expanse. Lily did not like heights, especially over water.

  After making a few stops, she finished purchasing all the supplies she’d need for her stay. Everywhere she looked, Lily saw something to interest her. Bliss had been right, the area was unique, almost like stepping back in time. Once she was on the road again, she spotted an art gallery housed in a colorful bungalow. Unable to resist, Lily pulled into the drive, not only to feed her innate curiosity of how others approached their business, but also to get a feel of what a local would recommend she do while visiting the islands.

  Inside, Lily was enchanted as she studied the paintings displayed on the walls. “I love your place, you have some great pieces.” There were many beach scenes with beautiful sunsets, some featuring a local lighthouse, and others playfully depicting wildlife or rosy cheeked children.

  “Thank you, I’m glad you like them. My name’s Mesu Sungilla.” The ebony skinned owner held out a friendly hand.

  Lily returned the gesture with a friendly shake. “Hey, I’m Lily Bastien. I own an art gallery in New Orleans, I never miss an opportunity to check out talent when I’m traveling.”

  With a big grin, Mesu pointed to the back. “Speaking of talent, let me show you some work by a local artist.” She led Lily to a small room and as soon as she rounded the corner, the vibrant colors almost knocked her down.

  “Oh, spectacular!” Lily breathed her admiration in a low voice filled with awe. “I’ve never seen anything like this.” The paintings were stylized with some primitive elements, all depicting dark-skinned people performing everyday tasks. The women wore brightly colored, long flowing skirts and dresses with turbans on their heads. They were depicted quilting, wielding a machete in a cotton field, even fishing off a pier.

  “Thandie Newberry has accurately depicted the Gullah culture in these paintings. She has captured the beauty of the salt marshes, the tidal creek, and the palmetto trees. Most of all, she’s managed to convey the hopeful joy of the Gullah people who inhabit these sea islands.”

  Lily fished a business card from her purse. “Would you pass this on to Thandie? I’d love to do a showing for her in my gallery.” As she issued the invitation, she hoped she’d live long enough to make good on the offer.

  “I sure will. Are you staying on the island?”

  “I’m staying at a friend’s home over on St. Phillips.” Lily followed Mesu to the front, her eye falling on a wooden sculpture of a sand piper. The simplicity of the piece struck a chord in her heart. Automatically, her hand went out to soothe the wood, loving the fine details of the feathers. “Oh, I like this.” Picking it up, she carried the statue to the counter. “I’m staying at the house called Lili. Do you know it?”

  Mesu’s eyes widened, the whites showing all around the smoky topaz centers. “Yes, everyone knows about the Lili house. The Renaud family are infamous in these parts.”

  “I’m friends with Bliss Renaud, she owns the shop next to mine in the Quarter. She invited me to spend a few days here.”

  As Mesu rang up Lily’s purchase, she nodded. “Bliss is a good girl. All of Mirabelle’s kids are old souls.”

  Lily thought that was an odd thing to say. “Anyway, what’s fun to do around here?”

  Mesu waved her hand. “Many things, from fishing to hang-gliding. Check out the scenery, especially some of the old plantation era ruins. And the food…” She took out a folded paper bag from beneath the counter and popped it open, inserting the wooden bird inside. “Eat as much as you can while you’re here, true low-country cooking is not to be missed. Soul food and seafood meets Creole and African cuisine – magnifique!” She made
a French gesture by kissing her fingertips.

  “I’m buying local ingredients to cook with and I plan on stuffing myself daily.” Lily picked up the bulky bag. “The hang-gliding sounds good too. I want to try some new things before I…leave.” Backing out, she gave a thankful wave. “I’ll try to stop by again before my time is up, please have the artist of those beautiful paintings call me.”

  “I will. Have a good visit, Miss Lily. The Renaud’s house will take care of you.”

  Lily nodded slowly, not sure she really understood, but taking Mesu’s good intentions at face value.

  After getting directions to the dock, Lily arranged to leave her rental car in a special lot where it would be safe until her return. Two teenage boys helped her move the boxes of groceries onto the boat and one gave her an impromptu tour spiel as he ferried her the short distance between the islands. “You’re lucky, St. Phillips is an amazing place. Once we arrive at the docking facility, it’s another three-mile trek to the house, every trip you make on the island will be a nature tour. If nothing’s changed, there’s a four-wheeler in a shed close by and I’ll help you load your stuff in it. Is there going to be somebody to help you unload?”

  “Nope, I’m on my own.” After she answered, she wondered about the wisdom of her honesty. The young man had a kind face and Lily was banking on her ability to read people.

  “I see.” Although he looked a bit perplexed, her boatman changed the topic. “Well, my name is Seba and I’ll be dropping off the mail every couple of days. If you need anything, either be here at three on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays or leave me a note on the bulletin board by the dock.”

  “Thanks, I think I bought most everything I’ll need. I’m sure there’s plenty here to keep me occupied. Later in the week, I hope to go kayaking or hang-gliding.”

  Seba nodded. “Sounds fun. You’ll love it here. The island is self-sufficient with its own water and power supply. There’s a natural maritime forest and a long white sandy beach. All in all, St. Philip’s has about 5000 acres, including the marshland and the creeks.”