Page 90 of For the Love of Art

“It’s a stupid bet we had.” Lianne slapped a green bill into Frankie’s hand. He held it up to the light like Lianne was some kind of criminal forging money. “Frankie’s been into Juan since he started delivering here a couple of weeks ago. I said he could never get a man like that.”

“We have a date Friday night, so ha ha!” Frankie pocketed his money. “My flirting skills are superior!” Frankie called over his shoulder as he walked toward the office.

“Or lobotomies are a quicker procedure than described!” Lianne called back.

Frankie just waved a hand over his shoulder before closing the door to the office.

“I miss this sometimes,” I admitted, drawing circles on the counter.

“We miss you. The gallery is a much better fit, though. You’re happier.”

I nodded. “I am.” I sighed. “So, why did you bet him that money?”

Lianne shrugged. “He’s still so down about Derek and that non-commital dick pic. Juan’s cute, and I thought it would be a good way for him to get his mind off his asshole ex.”

“Lianne, you softie.”

Lianne pointed her knife at me. “If you tell anyone my true intentions behind that bet, I will cut you like a cheese round with the dullest blade I can find.”

I looked down at my watch. “Well, as much as I want to hear about your premeditated crimes against me, I need to get to the gallery.”

“No leeway even though you’re fucking the boss?”

“I think that gives me less leeway.”

“You’re not fucking him hard enough then.” Lianne winked.

I scoff-laughed before waving goodbye and making the walk to the gallery. Along the way, my stomach fluttered as I thought about seeing Nathan again. I was practically skipping the blocks to the gallery.

Once inside, I walked to the offices. My heart dropped a little when I saw Nathan’s door was closed.

Probably busy. I thought to myself as I went to my office door.

I turned the knob and was met with a strong floral smell. The biggest bouquet of red roses I’d ever seen sat on my desk. My stomach flipped, and my smile was so wide it hurt. I walked over to the ornate vase and read the card.

I spent all afternoon yesterday thinking about how I needed a woman who would make me ‘stop to smell the roses.’

No one but you could’ve been that woman.

N.M.

I touched the card to my lips, still smiling down at the gorgeous flowers. I couldn’t remember the last time Don had bought me flowers just because he was thinking of me.

Don’t compare them.I scolded myself.

Regardless, my eyes still wandered down my arm to my left hand. My rings were gone– I turned my head to my desk that held the envelope– but I still wasn’t divorced.

I should’ve pulled open the drawer and pulled out the papers to sign them. My feet didn’t take me to the other side of my desk. They took me to Nathan’s office, where I knocked once before opening the door to someone I wasn’t expecting.

I gasped.

“Isla.” Nathan’s eyes were wide but not as wide as mine as they traveled over a gorgeous platinum blonde woman.

Gloria.