With the playhouse renovations finished, Rayne had plenty of free time, so he didn’t have a valid reason to refuse Isabel’s request. Somehow, he doubted she would take “I don’t think your son and I need to spend that much time together” as an excuse. Then again, Emilio didn’t look all that thrilled by the idea either, so maybe he could convince Emilio to show him where the decorations were and let him do the job while Emilio was at work.
“I’ve got time,” he said.
“Excellent!” Vanessa looked thrilled. “I’ll send you both the details in e-mail. It’s going to be spectacular, you’ll see!”
With that, she linked arms with Isabel, and the two women went off, heads close together as they chatted. Emilio watched them and shook his head.
“I think we just got played.”
“Youthink?” Rayne cast a disbelieving look at Isabel’s back. “She wasn’t even trying to be subtle.”
“Do you ever remember her being subtle in the past?” Emilio asked dryly. “Or don’t you remember the box of condoms and lube and the pamphlets on safe sex she left in my room when I turned eighteen?”
“How could I forget?” Rayne groaned and raked his fingers through his hair. “I’ve never wanted a sinkhole to open up and swallow me more in my entire life.”
“Mama is a realist.” Emilio chuckled. “At least the lube came in handy.”
“So did the condoms.” Rayne grimaced and held up both hands. “Sorry, that was inappropriate. Forget I said anything.” He huffed out a sharp breath. “How do you want to handle this? I don’t want to intrude on your space.”
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that avoiding the past doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. You know the house almost as well as I do, and I think everything is up in the attic. I’ll give you a key, and you can work when you have time. I’ll be at the studio from about eight in the morning until late every day, so we probably won’t run into each other often. If you need help with the boxes, I can set aside time for that, too.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Rayne said. “Do you want to pick up the tree or do you want me to do it?”
Emilio considered the question. “If we get one tall enough for the two-story foyer it might take both of us,. Plus, I have a truck.”
“I have a compact car, so your truck is definitely the better option.” Rayne thought about the layout of the Rives house, speculating on what other options were available for the tree. “Do you want it in the foyer? It’s a great place for a tall tree and wrapped bannisters, but I’m open to other ideas if you have them. You’re more familiar with what’s available to decorate with.”
“I think the foyer works, and that’s where Papa always put the big tree,” Emilio replied. “We could get another one that’s not as big for the family room that’s more child-friendly. What do you think?”
“That’s a good idea,” Rayne said, rubbing his chin as he pictured the family room. Unless it had changed drastically since the last time he saw it, the room was cozy and welcoming, more appropriate for a smaller tree with presents piled around the base, not a fancy showstopper tree. “We’ll need two trees, and I also want a few live wreaths and some garland.”
“All right. I guess we should get up to the tree farm soon, then. Are you busy on Monday evening? The theater is dark after the matinee show.”
“Now that the playhouse is finished, I’m not busy any day,” Rayne said. “I’d like to take a look at your decorations before we go out there, if that’s not too much of an imposition. It’ll help if I know what I’m working with.”
“Sure.” Emilio considered. “Why don’t you come over to my house on Monday afternoon? I should be back from the theater by two. We can go up in the attic, see what’s there, then head out to get the greenery.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Rayne said. “I’ll see you at four on Monday.”
“All right.” Emilio paused. “Are you coming to opening night?”
“Yes, Steve reserved seats for me and some of the other volunteers. Apparently the show is almost sold out for the entire run, so we’re lucky he set them aside.” Rayne fixed Emilio with a curious look. “Are you nervous?”
“Nervous? Me?” Emilio chuckled. “I don’t get stage fright anymore, fortunately. Other than my solo and the waltz, my job is to make sure all the performers are where they need to be, and to dry tears, soothe stomach aches, referee arguments, and try to keep the drama to a minimum.”
There were follow up questions Rayne wanted to ask. Was Emilio satisfied with being a teacher rather than a dancer? Was he happy running every aspect of the studio by himself? Did he regret not pursuing a career as a professional dancer? But those were all personal questions that Emilio might not be comfortable answering.
“I’m sure it’ll go fine, or if it doesn’t, no one will be able to tell,” Rayne said instead.
“Thanks. Feel free to drop by backstage, so you can see how the new facilities are working during a live performance.”
“I might do that,” Rayne said.
“Great. Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” Emilio nodded. “Congratulations on the remodel.”
“Thanks.” Rayne watched Emilio thread his way through the crowd back to his mother’s side. Isabel glanced at Rayne and said something to Emilio, her eyebrows raised. She was asking about their conversation, no doubt, and Rayne turned away before he could see Emilio’s response.
Isabel meant well, but he knew her efforts were wasted. Emilio didn’t trust him, and without trust, there could barely be friendship, much less anything more. She’d see they weren’t going to rekindle any old flames or maybe Emilio would set her straight. Either way, she’d learn history didn’t always repeat itself.
