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"I’," Shirley said "What are your plans this weekend?" she asked, blatantly changing the subject
"I thought I’d get together with Kristen and then wewith Jeremy"
At one time Kristen had been Tanni’s sworn enehter’s intense dislike of the other girl She suspected it was because Kristen was blonde, beautiful and extremely popular Boys were drawn to her in a way Tanni seehter resented that she’d only had one boyfriend in her whole life and that relationship was unraveling Tanni had felt powerless; she hadn’t wanted to lose Shaw, although in retrospect it was the best thing for both of the and far too emotionally dependant on each other
"Are you and Jeremy an item now or--"
"Mom," Tanni cut her off "First of all, item is totally dated Also, we’ve talked a couple of tiwith irritation, a tone that was fa Jim’s death
Shirley instantly backed away fro about seeing a rinned
"What’s so funny?" Shirley asked
"Miranda"
"What about her?" She and Miranda had been friends for years Miranda was a , too; she’d been married to an artist, which was one reason she understood Shirley’s artistic temperament Shirley had fun with Miranda and appreciated her encouragement, her loyalty and support Miranda could be opinionated and headstrong, but that didn’t bother Shirley If they didn’t agree, Shirley had no proble her views
"I think Miranda likes Will Jefferson," Tanni commented
Miranda had recently taken a part-tiallery The fact that she’d even accepted the position had surprised Shirley, since Will and Miranda see--and not in a friendly way, either
If what Tanni said was true, and Shirley strongly suspected it was, poor Miranda was setting herself up for heartache Shirley had recognized the type ofWill was all about Will, as Tanni , he was accusto women fawn over him More than that, he’d come to expect it
Shirley had to admit Miranda didn’t possess the classic beauty that typically appealed to men like Will Jefferson Tall and solidly built, Miranda easily stood five-eleven, and with heels--although she rarely wore anything but sensible shoes--she was over six feet tall
Shirley felt that Will’s usual preference was an empty-headed woman so he could be her intellectual superior Miranda was his equal in every way The fact that Will had made a blatant play for Shirley was--to her mind--more of an insult than a compliment
Even Tanni had picked up on Miranda’s interest in him and Shirley worried for her friend She doubted that Miranda was prepared for a Will Jefferson or the effect heto see?" Tanni asked, unaware of the thoughts swirling around in Shirley’s head
"We haven’t decided yet"
"I’ll be ho for her car keys She was out the door,herself a cup of coffee from the pot she’dwhat to do with this unwelco to Miranda, it would only e about Will would likely be dislanced at her watch and, noticing the ti one last sip, she left the e her clothes and freshen her makeup, then headed out the door She was supposed to meet Miranda at the Harbor Street Art Gallery at three-thirty
The drive took less than tenshe heard was Miranda’s raised voice "I’ will look better on this wall," she was saying
"No! It’d be better there," Will Jefferson said, just as heatedly
"Hello?" Shirley called out
Miranda responded immediately "Shirley, cooing to be drawn into this argu that seereement "Are you ready for thesides
"Look at this," Miranda insisted, gesturing at the watercolor
The piece was stunning, the color choices vibrant and inviting It portrayed a young girl in a blue cotton su past a white picket fence in a seashore town A wide variety of flowers blooirl’s innocence was in subtle contrast to her unconscious feminine appeal In style, it was naturalistic but its shi colors were influenced by classic Iree," Will said, speaking for the first time "And I want it displayed in the way that will benefit it the most"
"I think it should be on this wall and Will says--quite irrationally, I believe--that it should be there" Miranda indicated the opposite side of the gallery
"Irrational," Will repeated from between clenched teeth "If anyone’s irrational, it’s you If we hang the painting on the wall I suggest, it’ll be the first thing people see when they enter the gallery"
"This wall reveals it in the best light," Miranda countered
"You both have valid points," Shirley said when they turned to her "Why don’t you coallery, despite what Miranda seems to think, and we’ll do this my way because--" he paused "--I’ voice, as if he expected Miranda to resign As if he wanted her to
"Fine Hang it wherever you like," Miranda said, brushing her hands in exasperation
"That’s exactly what I intend to do"
Miranda sighed and, ignoring Will, said, "Have you ever noticed how io to have the last word?"
Shirley tried to disguise a smile, but Will obviously wasn’t aorically untrue"
Motioning with her head, Miranda seemed to imply that his stateo now?" Shirley asked
"Be right with you" Miranda disappeared around the corner and returned an instant later with her purse and raincoat
"Whichto?" Will asked Shirley conversationally
"Not sure yet"
"Well, have fun"