The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 40) Perfectly In Tune
“If I’m not mistaken, I believe you’re infatuated!” Lyla says almost in a whisper to Marcus as Destry returns to the table and sits down. “Did I miss anything?” Destry asks as she looks at Marcus and Lyla, then back to Marcus. “No, not really.” Lyla smiles and says, “I was just picking on Marcus, trying to make him a little more nervous than he already is.” She says playfully.
“No need to be nervous, Marcus. I’ll take good care of you.” Destry smiles and then reaches out and touches his hand. “You two are so fun to watch.” She continues as she waves for the waiter to bring the check. “It seems like you both are always smiling.”
“Well thank you.” Lyla says with a grin. “We’ve been friends for so long and through so many things together, it’s as if we can read each other’s minds. You can’t help but love this guy!” She lightheartedly grabs Marcus by the arm.
Lyla notices the expression on Destry’s face changes slightly so she immediately clears up her statement with, “Like a brother. We’re just really close friends and that’s it.” She waves her hands across each other as if cancelling her first statement.
Marcus looks at Lyla and they both grin then nod yes. At this very moment, Marcus knows his best friend has made sure everyone is on the same page. He knows Lyla is perfectly in tune with his newfound feelings for Destry Boucher.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 39) Blocking His View
“And just how did you become such a know-it-all when it comes to Destry and her family?” Lyla questions sarcastically.
“Well I. . .” Marcus stammers. “You two hooked up after I went to my room last night, didn’t you?” Lyla says with a shocked yet playful look on her face. “It wasn’t a planned thing.” States Marcus as if he were a little boy in trouble. Lyla starts laughing as he tries to explain. “I went down to the hotel bar for a quick drink and she was sitting alone, going over messages on her phone.”
Lyla cannot help but giggle. She nudges his arm and says, “I think it’s great. You two definitely have many things in common. You should know by now that you never have to explain yourself to me, ya crazy man.” She kisses him on the cheek. “I’ll be sure to slip away every chance I get.”
“No no, you don’t have to do that,” Marcus says in a serious tone. “Don’t worry, I’m a big girl and can take care of myself quite nicely in a large city.” Lyla pops a chunk of pineapple into her mouth. “I’ll catch the early part of your show and then meander my way back to my room. I saw a few shops I’d like to explore while I’m here and I doubt you’re interested in any of that.”
Marcus is not paying attention to the conversation as he watches Destry who is across the room. She is still talking on the phone as she leisurely heads back to their table. Lyla slowly slides in front of Marcus’ face blocking his view of Destry, she then smiles with a wide grin.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 38) Busy Day Ahead
“Good morning sunshine!” Marcus says in a boisterous voice. “Yikes! Tone it down there a bit.” Lyla says with a laugh. “You’re bouncing off the walls aren’t you?” She continues as she grabs her purse and shuts the door behind her.
“Yeah, I have to admit I’m about to bust. This is so cool!” He says as he hits the elevator button. “I’ve already been talking with Destry, she’s incredible.” Again, he taps the elevator button. “I can’t help but agree with you on that, she’s truly interested in your work and has things organized perfectly.” Lyla says as she and Marcus step into the elevator and ride it down to the main floor. Once they step out, Destry meets them with a smile and gives them both a hug.
“I hope you two rested well, we have a busy day ahead of us.” She says as she rushes them out to the limousine parked at the curb. They are enjoying a lovely breakfast and coffee at a café located in an art center when Destry receives an urgent phone call. She excuses herself and steps away from the table.
“I hope everything is okay.” Marcus says. “She said her Grandmother is acting really strange, almost as if she has a split personality or something. The whole family is worried about her.” He takes a bite out of his toast. Lyla looks at him in an odd way. “What?” He questions as he glances at her. He mimics her quizzical expression and then looks in Destry’s direction before focusing down again at his plate.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 37) Breakfast
“Ah, this is really nice but I better get cleaned up and dressed.” Lyla says to herself as she drinks down the last drop of coffee and steps back inside her room. She leaves the doors to the balcony open allowing a slight breeze to blow in causing the curtains to gently flow in and out.
After washing up and getting dressed she sits at the desk and opens her laptop. Pulling out the paper Destry gave her yesterday; she downloads the schedule of events onto Marcus’ website and reads the local news from home. To waste a little more time she begins to flip through the travel guide that the hotel has placed in her room. When she gets halfway through it, she looks up at the clock.
“Marcus should be calling soon, hope he slept well.” She says to herself as she tosses the guide onto the table. A text message comes through on her phone and she smiles. “Speak of the devil.” She answers, “Yes” to his question of, “Are you ready for breakfast?”
Shortly after she sends her answer, there is a knock at the door. Looking through the peephole, she sees Marcus standing there with a goofy smile on his face as he rocks back and forth from his heels to his toes. Grinning, she unlatches the lock.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 36) Creamy Yellow Hues
The next morning, Lyla awakens to the noise of horns honking and the hustle and bustle of city life. She slept heavy and deep and feels refreshed as she lies in bed for several minutes listening to the sounds around her.
As comfortable as she is, she knows she must force herself to get up and moving. Slipping out of bed, she pulls her robe on over her pale pink night slip then walks over to the small coffee maker and turns it on. Once complete she fills a coffee cup and sweetens it with creamer.
With cup in hand, she brushes aside the many layers of sheer curtains to find the handle to the glass doors and with a click, opens the latch. As she steps out onto the balcony, she is surprised by the creamy yellow hues of the new morning.
The sun brightens the thick aged walls of the buildings across the street, which brings about a lazy feeling in her. She sits down on a little chair that is near a small round table and slowly sips her coffee while watching people as they go about their morning routines.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 35) Inspiration
Lyla smiles as she remembers Marcus explaining the reason for painting this image. It is what came to him when she decided to return to her hometown. With it hanging high up on the wall in his art shop for months, she never had the chance to see it up close.
“Hey, what are you smiling about?” Marcus asks as he joins her. “Ah, that looks really nice.” He says as he looks at his favorite painting. He walks over to her and wraps his arms around her. “You were the inspiration for that you know.”
“Yes, you told me and it’s absolutely breathtaking.” She says as she wipes a tear from her eye. Embarrassed that she is overcome with emotion, she tries to make a joke of it and smacks Marcus on the arm. “We are two peas in a pod aren’t we?” She laughs as she attempts to distract herself from her feelings.”
“Yes Ma’am, we certainly are.” He replies happily. They spend the rest of the afternoon with Destry as they view all details of the display. They also discuss the schedule for this showing as well as the upcoming exhibits while in Spain. Once all the fine points are agreed upon, Lyla and Marcus head back to the hotel restaurant for an early dinner. It has been a long day and they both decide to part ways as they retire to their rooms for some much needed rest and relaxation.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 34) Intertwined
While Marcus and Lyla take in the display, Destry walks over to one of the staff members. Each step that she takes echoes loudly in the open space. After a short exchange of words, she brings the man over to introduce him to Marcus. The little round fellow is very pleasant and calm as he shakes Marcus’ hand.
“It is an honor to meet you Mr. Olwen. I hope you find the exhibit to your liking.” States the man respectfully. “Yes, yes. You did a fantastic job.” Marcus says. “Thank you so very much for all of your hard work, it’s much appreciated.”
The man smiles at Marcus and nods his head in agreement as he steps away to continue with his project. Lyla excuses herself as she meanders off alone to slowly weave in and out of the staggered displays. She takes a moment at every piece and is amazed at how vibrant each item is.
Some of the paintings are highlighted, with down lighting, and several are lit from behind creating a halo effect. Each one looks as if the colors and textures are dancing off the canvas in midair. As she rounds a corner, she comes to a large painting of two flowers, intertwined as if delicately holding on to each other.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 33) Exhibit Hall
After a quick limousine ride, they find themselves at the gallery where the first showing is to take place. It is in a large impressive building that has housed many talented artists throughout its years. As soon as they enter the exhibit hall, Marcus takes in a deep breath.
“Oh wow,” Lyla says in amazement as she glances around. “Marcus, look at this!” He is standing still, slowly moving his head as he looks at how his art is strategically placed throughout the large open gallery. The various types of lighting have added an incredible amount of charm to the grouping and it causes Lyla to tear up.
“Destry, this is absolutely beautiful.” Says Lyla as she puts her arm around Marcus. “I’ve just become so emotional I think I need to step away for a minute.” Marcus looks at Lyla then grins because he too is having a difficult time controlling his emotions.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 32) Look After Her
“Are you sure everything is okay? Do you need to go meet with your Grandmother?” Asks Marcus truly concerned. “Oh no, not at all, she is surrounded by her staff and they are a wonderful group of people. I am sure they will look after her. I just do not want to miss too many of her calls. The situation is just very odd.” Destry states in a worried tone.
“How so?” Marcus questions. “Suddenly, she has been thinking of selling her vineyard and all the land that has been in our family for years. She has become very forgetful and does not remember many important conversations. Her assistant has observed her doing odd things and when he asks about it, she has no idea of what he is talking about.” Destry looks down at the table as she continues speaking.
“It’s like she has an evil twin running around or something.” She motions for Marcus and Lyla to follow her. “She has all the classic symptoms of dementia or the early signs of Alzheimer’s. I want to get her to a doctor as soon as possible.” Destry holds the door open as they step out onto the street.
“Oh, I shouldn’t be bothering you two with this, enough about me. Let’s get focused on those beautiful works by Marcus!” She says with a wide smile as they get back in the car.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 31) Worried Look
Destry’s Grandmother is Arrosa Valente who owns and resides at the family vineyard in the Ribero Del Duero region of Spain. She is a hearty woman with a great sense of business and is actively involved in the day-to-day processes at her winery.
Much like her granddaughter, she has a pile of thick hair on her head but instead of the dark locks of youth, she has a lovely blend of pure white strands of maturity. Arrosa is known for her strong sense of independent thinking and she most definitely has a mind of her own.
Arrosa’s beautiful granddaughter idolizes her. To Marcus and Lyla it is obvious in the way Destry speaks about her elder. Laughing nervously, Destry places her phone in her pocket as a worried look flashes across her face.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 30) In Good Hands
“Are you having fun yet?” Lyla asks Marcus. “I’m really nervous, does it show?” He says as he glances over at Destry. She is several feet away and standing with her back to them.
“Oh Marcus, you’re doing fine, do not stress about this.” Says Lyla as she touches his arm. “This is what you’ve been hoping for all your life and you’ve worked so hard to get here. Just enjoy it!” She smiles. “Destry is amazing and definitely has your best interest at heart, it’s quite obvious.”
“How so?” Marcus asks as he once again glances over in Destry’s direction. “She is very focused on you and has things so well thought out and under control, you’re in good hands.” She states just as Destry walks up to them.
“Sorry about that, it was my Grandmother. She is going through a few things and was asking my advice. Now if only I can get her to truly listen and act on what I suggest.” Destry states with a slight laugh.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 29) Take This Call
Once they reach their destination, they enjoy brunch and receive a schedule of exhibit locations. Destry is very detailed with a minute-by-minute listing and she has their full attention. It is obvious she is very passionate about her work and it shows in the expressions on her face. She is most sophisticated, well versed and has made Marcus and Lyla feel extremely comfortable.
“Destry, thank you so much for everything. Looks like you two will be spending a lot of time together.” Lyla says cheerfully to Destry and Marcus. “Once I get back to the hotel I’ll update the website with the schedule.” She makes notes on her copy, neatly folds it, and places it in her purse.
“Oh yes, that would be wonderful. The more we spread the word the better.” Says Destry as she watches Marcus. She leans across the table toward him. “Are you ready to go to the gallery? I cannot wait any longer to see what you think. They did an amazing job with the displays.” She says gleefully as she pays the check.
Just as Destry stands up her phone rings and as she looks at it, her expression grows serious. “Would you excuse me for a moment? I need to take this call.” Destry says softly. “Absolutely, please go ahead.” Marcus says as he sits back down and watches Destry walk away from the noise of the room.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 28) Mesmerized
As they step out onto the busy street, Destry motions to a driver who is standing near a limousine. He is dressed in the typical black suit, white shirt, driver hat, and a very poised posture. He opens the door and all three slip inside the plush vehicle.
“This is really nice, Destry. I didn’t expect to be traveling around in such style.” Says Marcus as he looks around the interior of the car. Destry is sitting across from Marcus and Lyla as she directs the driver to take a quick tour of the city. She points out various places and attractions and gives them a bit of a history lesson as they make their way to the restaurant.
Lyla looks over at Marcus and grins. He seems to be mesmerized by Destry and they are having a delightful and fun conversation about art, textures, and the use of color. Since Lyla joined Marcus on this trip, mostly for moral support, she spends the majority of her time looking out the window and not paying much attention to what Marcus and Destry are discussing.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 27) He Is Composed
“Destry, it is so nice to meet you in person.” Lyla says as she gives her a hug. Both women smile and are very relaxed as they greet each other. Marcus is a bit more reserved as he walks up to Destry and shakes her hand. She looks Marcus in the eyes and smiles. “Ah Marcus, it is lovely to shake the hand of the famous artist.”
“Yeah right, famous.” He says as if trying to downplay his talent. “Are you both ready to go?” Destry asks as she motions toward the door. Lyla looks at Marcus to make sure he is composed. In unison, they both nod yes. Lyla grins then speaks for them both. “Yes, I believe we are very much set.”
“Wonderful.” Says Destry happily. “The last several crates you sent arrived about two hours before you. The team was on call and expecting the shipment so they are adding them to the exhibit as we speak.” She continues as they walk through the lobby. “I think we should grab a bite to eat, go over your schedule for the next several days and stop by the gallery.” She pauses as the tall attendant opens the door for them. Destry quickly steps close to Marcus.
“I think you will be very pleased with how wonderful your art displays in all the proper lighting. You’re going to be a huge hit Marcus, I can feel it!” Destry says excitedly.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 26) No Pressure
“I love my room,” Lyla says to Marcus as she steps out of the elevator to the bustling hotel lobby. Marcus is a nervous wreck and has been waiting for fifteen minutes. He is pacing back and forth, hands in his pockets then hands out of his pockets. He runs his hands through his hair and then shoves his hands back in his pockets. Lyla cannot help but laugh at his nervous energy.
“What?” Marcus says with a tense and slightly angry tone as he looks at his friend. “You need to calm down, everything is moving along like clockwork.” Lyla is very composed as she takes him by the arm and they walk over to a sitting area. “Destry will handle everything. All you need to do is be the calm cool artistic person that you are. No pressure, Marcus.”
“What? No pressure! Are you kidding?” He asks almost in a squeaky juvenile voice. Lyla laughs again but her giggle is quickly interrupted by a female voice. “She’s right you know,” Says Destry as she walks up to them. She is wearing a light yellow dress with a short matching jacket. Her dark hair is twisted up in the same style that she has worn during their online chats. Thick loose spirals and sprigs of hair frame her face and gently hang near her neck. Destry’s facial features are soft and smooth and she has the longest thickest eyelashes Marcus has ever seen.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 25) Check In
From their small airport, Lyla and Marcus catch their flight to New York and after a short layover; are well on their way to Madrid, Spain. Marcus sleeps most of the way and Lyla dozes off every little bit, but she does not feel rested. Once in Madrid, a driver greets them, escorting them to their hotel to check in and unpack. The rooms are open and spacious and not something Marcus or Lyla would be able to afford if it were up to them to pay.
The first thing Lyla notices as she steps into her room are large glass French doors that open out to a private balcony. She pulls back the many long layers of thin wispy curtains, opens the glass doors, and walks out into the midmorning sunlight. She is in awe of the city as she looks around from her fourth floor suite. People are scurrying all about in the street and she hears laughter coming from an outdoor restaurant nearby.
“Oh wow, this is so wonderful.” She says to herself as she leans on the iron railing. Just as she turns to step inside she sees Marcus. He too has stepped out onto his balcony and is waving at her like a little kid. Lyla laughs aloud and waves back, then goes inside to freshen up. After an hour of unpacking and getting organized for their stay, she calls Marcus’ room. He says to meet him near the elevator in the lobby where they are to await the arrival of Destry Boucher.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 24) Closer To Spain
“Hey Lyla you in there?” Again, Marcus rings the bell then knocks on the door. Relieved to know it is indeed her friend that is on the other side, Lyla says “Yep,” and unlatches the locks. As she swings the door open, Marcus greets her with a boyish smile.
“You did grab the bag I had at your place, right? Oh, and you got my laptop too?” She asks. “Yes Ma’am I did. There’s no way you’d let us get out of town without either one!” Marcus grins as he grabs her luggage and carries it to the car.
Slowly, Lyla closes the front door and engages the lock. As she walks down the path toward the vehicle, she turns and glances back at the big house. It is as beautiful today as it was when she saw it for the first time at age seven.
The large tall windows reflect the grayish brown branches of the old trees and puffy white clouds as they float by shadowing the ground. The mirror effect of the glass seems to be catching images from the world around it as drifting clouds become faces, ships, and even noses of old men. Lyla laughs as these images cross along the front of the house from window to window until there is no more.
“Come on! We are going to be late!” Marcus yells from the driver’s side of the car. He is standing in the road with the door open as he bangs on the roof of the vehicle. “Alright!” Lyla shouts back then repeats it under her breath, “alright.” She laughs as she joins Marcus in the car for he is growing more and more nervous with each step they take which brings them closer to Spain.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 23) Not To Dislodge
While sliding the duster along the top of the richly polished wood, Lyla realizes she feels quite content here. At first, she was on edge but as time passed and she stayed busy, a warm and pleasant feeling has come over her. Humming a tune, she runs the duster along the surface of the mantel one more time, being careful not to dislodge the cloth that is covering the painting hanging above it.
Stopping after the second pass, she looks up at the dingy beige cover that conceals the piece of art. Slowly she reaches up to take hold of the cloth when the doorbell rings causing her to stop and look out at the foyer and the front door.
“Hum, I guess that would be Marcus.” She says softly as she pulls her hand away from the cover and steps off the hearth. Glancing at the clock, she realizes it is twelve forty-five. “He’s just a little early.”
She heads toward the door and reaches out at the lock and doorknob but hesitates. The bell rings again causing her to jump, but still, she stands there without moving. For some odd reason she does not want to open the door.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 22) Still Quite Beautiful
Looking out the kitchen window, Lyla sees that her water garden pond needs tending. It looks awfully disheveled and is full of dead and dried leaves from fall. Most have sunk to the bottom and need to be removed; some are stuck to the rocks circling the rim. Tiny pink blooms have popped open on the redbud trees and as unkempt as the yard is at this moment, it is still quite beautiful.
“Maybe things will be better when we get back from this trip. I might possibly be ready to love this place again.” She says to herself as she leans close to the windowpane to glance around at the garden. Turning around, she walks back through the kitchen and flips the light switch off as she pushes the swinging door open. Looking at her cell phone, the time reads twelve-thirty.
“Ok, I have half an hour before Marcus will be here, guess I could do a little cleaning while I wait.” She grabs a duster from the hall closet and heads to the dining room where she walks over to the decorative hand carved fireplace mantel.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 21) Latches The Clasp
Stunned, Lyla looks at the little door waiting for it to move again, but nothing happens. She backs up to the swinging door and without taking her eyes off the short one, nudges the kitchen door forward. As it sways open, the little pantry door moves slightly.
With much relief, she walks over to the small door and taps it open slightly with her foot. She peeks inside but does not look up. The rescue team said they found her as well as Marcus in the attic after the storm but she does not know why they would have been there. Generally, you go down, not up, to escape a tornado. She pushes the short door shut and backs up. Walking over to a utility drawer that is located in the island workspace of the kitchen, she pulls out a screwdriver.
Stepping back over to the little door, she quickly, as if she fears it will burn her, latches the clasp. Holding the large rubber handle of the screwdriver, she shoves it through the hook to ensure it can no longer slip open. “That should keep you from popping open again.” She says as if she were disciplining an unruly child. Keeping a watchful eye on it, she slowly backs away waiting for it to do something, but nothing happens.
“Maybe I’m just going completely insane.” Lyla grabs a glass out of the cabinet then fills it with tap water and drinks it down. After rinsing it out, she sets it on a clean dishtowel near the sink to dry.
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