When the rains may come (Science Fiction)

61. Catching up

Brendan observed the oil paintings on the wall of the big living room. All the pictures were framed in thick tiled borders that shone like tear drops. It took him a moment to notice that the paintings weren't hanging on the wall. The photo realistic illustrations of all the people were painted on the surface of the wall itself. The realization made him pause.

"Don't be surprised," Gemma whispered to him. "This is just a glimpse into the frivolous luxury my entire family indulges in. And the owner of this house, my cousin, Eva Koehlwin is the worst of them all."

Brendan gaped at her.

Gemma's face was grim. "Look at that golden candelabra on the fireplace. You can sell that off and probably buy a single bedroom apartment in Kingsville. Yes, even in the current economy."

"You are kidding."

Gemma just shook her head. "Look at that jade sculpture in the corner. It's probably handmade and exported from a country where pieces like that are only owned by royalty. And I'm sure Eva received it as a gift." She sighed. "And I don't even have to wonder if the embroidery on those couch cushions is made from real gold."

Brendan frowned at her. "Stop that, Gemma."

"Stop what?"

"Stop complaining about your cousin's lifestyle," he said. "I know you don't like the gaudy show-off types even if they are your own kin. But you can't expect her to favor you with that obvious distaste on your face."

Gemma's lips became a thin line. But she couldn't help agreeing with Brendan. She was treating the visit like a personal one. In the end, her reason to see Eva was purely business. She had to treat it as such.

She nodded at Brendan and took a deep breath. "Thanks for the pep talk. I feel more focused now."

Brendan's usual cheerful smile was back. "Anytime." He playfully nudged her shoulder.

"Germaine!" A voice cooed at them from behind. Brendan almost jumped at the sudden call.

Both of them turned to look at the woman. He had been wrong to subconsciously judge the her based on the austerity of all the decorations of the living room. Eva Koehlwin wasn't as much of a show-off as he'd expected.

She was in her mid-thirties with the same dark hair as Gemma. Except Eva wore hers long. Other than that, Eva also wore a peach colored blouse, an almond brown pencil skirt, jet black stockings but no shoes–that's how she had managed to sneak up on them with her noiseless arrival.

She stepped up to Germaine and hugged her tightly. "My god, you really are here." Eva giggled.

Gemma just smiled nervously. "Yes, yes I am."

Eva then turned to Brendan with a curious smile. She leaned closer to her cousin and muttered surreptitiously . "Who's the cutie? Have you been busy?"

"Yes." Gemma's reply was cold. "But not in the way you're implying."

Brendan blushed, having overheard the exchange. Not to make himself more awkward than he already was, he curtly stuck out his hand. "I'm Brendan. Nice to meet you Ms. Eva."

"Likewise, Brendan." Eva smiled a smile that disarmed his embarrassment in an instant. All Koehlwins seemed to be naturally charismatic. The woman turned back to Gemma. "What brings my long lost cousin back home then? Especially since you had vowed to never see our faces again."

Gemma's calm expression almost faltered for a moment. "So you still hold a grudge against me, Eva?"

Eva seemed almost offended. "Of course not. You know I don't indulge in petty matters like grudges. I find it immensely tiresome to be angry at something for longer than five seconds." She paused and smiled in amusement. "But you know, you happen to have more principles than others in the family. I'm just surprised that you broke your own rules."