Page 28 of Twisted Beauty

She wandered up a side aisle along the gleaming wood of the pews, stopping to take pictures of the elaborate carvings and artwork along the way. The din and rhythm of life continued right outside the open doors, yet it felt quiet and cavernous inside.

As she edged closer to the altar, a priest walked out and took a seat in a folding chair. Was he waiting for something? Preparing for his sermon? A single shaft of light illuminated him, streaming in though a tiny window high up on one wall, and Liv wondered if he’d planned it that way.

Gingerly, she raised her camera. She tried to be inconspicuous as she focused her lens on him. She snapped a few pictures, capturing him in deep contemplation, bathed in a bright white light while the rest of the church faded to dark inside her lens.

She glanced down at her camera to check the image, and it was perfect. Surreal. And for some crazy reason, she wanted to show it to Tito. Was that weird? She’d only met him the once, but she felt like they’d really hit it off. He made her smile. And this kind of image would fit perfectly into his shop.

Too bad his grandson was such a prick. A panty-melting prick, but still.

When Liv glanced behind her, she realized people had begun trickling into the church and taking seats in the pews. That was her cue to leave.

She made her way back down the aisle toward the double doors, and just as she stepped out into the bright sunlight her phone buzzed in her back pocket. With any luck, it wouldn’t be her mom or Grant. She didn’t want them spoiling her day. Fortunately, there was only one text on her screen.

Heading home. Time for Tequila Therapy!

Thank god it was Katie. But still. This morning had been so much fun, she didn’t want it to end. Her stomach picked that moment to growl, reminding her she hadn’t eaten a thing all day.

Apparently her photo expedition was over, for now. She texted Katie back. Lunch first?

Katie’s text popped up almost instantly. Grilled ham and cheese if you come back now. Otherwise I’m eating yours too.

Liv laughed. Deal.

She flagged a taxi, hopped into the back seat, and gave directions. This driver wasn’t chatty, so she turned her camera over and sifted through her photos.

The pictures told the story of her perfect day. Of a town on the sea that offered a unique and exciting way of life she never even knew existed. Of a culture that was in some ways so completely different from her own, and, in other ways, so similar. And of a people who took the time to celebrate the simple, daily pleasures of life.

It was electrifying. And she wanted to share it. The pictures, the experience, all of it.

She needed to start that blog.

Of course if her parents saw it, they’d be horrified. Not only was she wasting her time with art, but to them Mexico was a godforsaken place where people lived in cardboard boxes and were kidnapped by drug lords. Funny that Liv had never felt safer than she did here.

And Grant? He’d be inconsolable. Just the thought of sand on his shiny black shoes would probably land him in the ER.

It didn’t matter. The idea of either her parents or Grant searching for a blog about Mexico was beyond absurd. They didn’t even know she was here. She’d sent that one vague text letting her mom know she’d be out of town, just to make sure she didn’t freak and call the police. So all she needed now was a fun name for her website and she could keep her identity secret.

“We arrive, señorita,” the driver said.

Liv looked up to see the taxi was already stopped and idling in Katie’s driveway.

“Oh, sorry. Lo siento!” Liv pulled out the cash to pay.

When she opened the front door to the condo, the rich smell of warm bread and melted cheese greeted her.

She set down her gear and walked into the kitchen, where toasted sandwiches piled with ham and oozing cheese sat on a couple of plates.

“Just in time, girlie.” Katie walked in from the deck and grabbed the food. “The iced tea’s already on the table. Go get your camera and come on out.”

“My camera?”

“Duh. I want to see your pictures from today. And you’d better say you missed me.”

“Terribly.” Liv said with the tiniest hint of sarcasm. She went back to the entry and dug out her camera, then headed out onto the deck. “It might be hard to see these in the sun.”

Katie pushed open the umbrella that stood next to the table, covering them in shade. “Problem solved.”

Liv dug into her sandwich and hummed in appreciation. “You missed your calling. Maybe you should cater food at weddings instead of planning.”