The Masterpiece

The time has come for Grace to move into Roman’s guest cottage, and she has to break the news to Ruben and Selah Garcia that she eventually hopes to have Samuel there with her full-time. The narrative shifts back briefly to an account of Grace’s pregnancy, in the aftermath of her divorce from Patrick, and of her friends’ counsel and support. Shanice encourages her to have the baby and put him up for adoption, so they eventually connect with the Garcias, who are keen to adopt. After Samuel’s birth, however, Grace begins to change her mind and struggles with how to communicate that to the Garcias, who provide much of Samuel’s care. Ruben is willing to support Grace in keeping Samuel, but Selah is much more hesitant. At the Topanga Canyon mansion, Roman watches the movers bringing in Grace’s furniture, and his thoughts bring him back to the perpetual dissatisfaction he feels with his life.

The story flashes back once again to Bobby Ray at age 15, just before he is brought to Masterson Ranch. He spends time at the library, using history books as an inspiration for his sketches; he then makes his way toward a party at his gang friend Reaper’s apartment, though he arrives late. As he approaches the site of the party, however, he sees ambulances and police cars out front and realizes something terrible has happened. He discovers that a fight broke out, and both Reaper and his friend Lardo have been shot. Bobby Ray addresses his grief by going out to spray-paint around the city, but he is apprehended by police and brought in for an interrogation. His case worker informs him that the court will probably use this infraction to find a placement for him outside San Francisco.

Shanice calls Grace to let her know that Grace’s friends have set her up on a blind date with Brian Henley, a young widower and local youth pastor. Grace is initially resistant to the idea but ends up going. She and Brian have a meaningful conversation over dinner, addressing in broad terms the outline of their life and experiences.

Meanwhile, Roman continues to take an interest in Grace’s ongoing process of getting settled, and while checking in at the guest home, he notices the faith-oriented theme of her home decorations. He again expresses his wry skepticism about matters of religion, but he decides to have Grace act as a decorator for his own place, charging her with buying new furniture for the unused rooms of the mansion.

With Roman down in San Diego working on his mural, Grace takes care of some work back at the mansion. Roman calls and suggests that she deliver one of his paintings in person to Talia Reisner, his art agent at a gallery in Laguna Beach, rather than simply having a courier deliver it. Grace agrees, having seen little of California beyond her own local area, and she is impressed with Talia’s business sense and her friendly affection for Roman, whom she calls “the boy.”

While Grace is at the gallery, Roman calls again, inviting Grace to come further down the coast and see the mural in San Diego. The invitation feels uncomfortably close to sounding like a romantic proposition, so Grace declines. Roman and Hector continue their work on the mural, and after its completion, he calls Grace again—this time late at night. It has become clear to Roman that he wants to be closer to Grace, but his behavior keeps raising red flags for her. On the phone call, she notes that his discontentment—even after the successful completion of a major project—is a sign that he needs Jesus in his life.

The narrative jumps back to Grace at 15. She lives with her Aunt Elizabeth and works at McDonald’s to earn a little money. Patrick Moore shows up—a handsome young man who recently started coming to her school after moving from Colorado. He is a popular athlete, and Grace is immediately struck by the favorable attention he gives her, even offering her a ride home. Her Aunt Elizabeth, however, is less than impressed with Patrick. Nevertheless, Patrick continues seeking Grace out and flirting with her. He asks her to be his tutor for algebra since her help raises his grades considerably.

As high school goes on, Patrick and Grace grow closer as boyfriend and girlfriend. However, troubling new signs appear in his behavior; he leans on her work to take care of his responsibilities, and he shows no interest in her repeated invitations to attend church. They both go to the same college, UCLA, and the patterns repeat, with Grace working hard and Patrick seeking her out for help with grades. Eventually, he pressures her into having sex with him, despite God’s gentle voice nudging her to leave the situation. They plan to get married; Aunt Elizabeth is resigned but unenthused about this news.

Grace accompanies Brian Henley as a chaperone on a church youth group trip. She continues to be impressed by his character, his faith, and his love for ministry. He speaks directly but lovingly as he imparts wise advice to the youth about faith in God, relationships, and sex. He tells them that “sex is powerful. In the right context, it’s a beautiful gift from God. Used in the wrong way, it can wound and break hearts. It can ruin lives” (161). While Grace likes Brian, she is unsure whether a romantic spark exists between them. Roman, back at the mansion, is still wallowing in discontentment. He goes over to the guest cottage to find that Grace has returned. She has Samuel with her, and Roman spends a few minutes interacting with the baby.

Roman and Grace are preparing for Talia’s art show at the gallery, with Roman feeling torn on whether he should have agreed to it at all. Jasper shows up at the mansion, which provides Grace with her first opportunity to meet Roman’s mentor, and she is struck again by how those who know Roman best regard him with affection. Jasper and Grace talk about Roman’s work, with Jasper mentioning his graffiti and then both remarking on the question of why Roman, who is surrounded by the beauty of Topanga Canyon, never tries to paint a landscape.

Roman learns shortly before the art show that Grace is bringing a date—his first introduction to Brian Henley—and Roman resents the presence of the youth pastor, whom he inwardly calls “Prince Charming.” When the art gallery show begins, Roman finds himself hating the public attention of the crowds and feeling jealous of Brian. Suddenly faint and feeling out of control, he steps out, and a wave of weakness passes over him. Grace comes to check on him, but he insists that he’s fine. Jasper suspects that Roman has romantic feelings for Grace and encourages him to consider them further, telling him, “You have a real opportunity here, son. A chance for friendship, affection, maybe love” (180). Back at the guest cottage, Brian says goodnight to Grace and they share a first kiss; however, it does not spark immediate chemistry between them. Grace is grateful for the lack of passion since her previous sexual encounters—with Patrick as well as an ill-advised one-night stand—remain traumatic memories for her.