“No. Don’t go. Where did you see me?”
“Hollywood Bowl. And Toronto.” The only reason she had agreed to accompany her father and brother to the film festival. To hear Ian Hart in person. Who was now so into their conversation, she felt the restaurant slip into vague shadows. “You were wonderful. Your music totally captivated me. Sometimes when I listen to your albums, it’s like I’m hearing the pieces for the very first time.” Kari stopped because her words had somehow brought his sorrow back to the surface. Suddenly, all she had said seemed so feeble and out of place, including, “I’m sorry.”
He made a genuine effort to clear his gaze and offered another almost smile. “I have one of your oils. At least, I did. Now . . . you’ve heard about my current situation?”
Of course she had. But Kari had no interest in talking about things that belonged to the outside world. “Which one?”
“The ballerina dancing on the ocean wave. The first time I saw it . . .” Ian drew a tight breath. “It’s a long story.”
“I understand. A little. Really. And I’m so sorry. It’s just . . . I’ve never spoken with a buyer before.”
“What? Never?”
She shook her head, mostly in wonder. Ian Hart.
“I bought it sixteen months ago. Just as I was beginning to see . . .” Another hard breath. “I needed a break. Your painting reminded me of what I’d lost. What I needed to get back.”
Kari breathed a soft, “Wow.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I’ve just moved here.”
“No kidding. When?”
“Yesterday.”
Ian came closer still to a real smile. “Okay, that’s spooky.”
“You’ve moved here?”
“This morning.”
“Wow again.”
“You said it. Why Miramar?”
“I’ve always wanted a refuge. A place where I could be safe.” She could scarcely believe the words she heard herself release. Her secrets shared with a man she knew only through his own art. A total stranger. Now in possession of intimate details. She wanted to take a step back, maybe just offer a soft farewell, until . . .
Ian said softly, “Sheltered from the harshest storms.”
She shivered.Wowdid not go far enough.
“My aunt called Miramar her midnight harbor,” Ian said.
What Kari thought was,I’m going to paint that. “Your aunt lives here?”
“She did. I’ve inherited her apartment. As of today.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kari watched the waiter approach with Ian’s meal and said, “I should get back to my friends.”
“Wait. Kariel . . .”
“Just Kari. Kari Langham.”
“Thank you for speaking with me. Really.”
“I’m so glad I did. Really.”
“Can I see you again?”
Apparently, this was a night made for the shivers. “I’d like that.”
“Coffee tomorrow? No, wait, I’m booked . . . A glass of wine tomorrow evening? Here?”
“Seven o’clock.” Kari brought her smile back to the table, slipped into her chair, and announced, “I have a date with Ian Hart.”
