AllFreeNovel
Share Us
***
Daniel tried to concentrate but kept staring at the giant clock on the wall and the front entrance. Suzy was coming this afternoon to review her show's final details. It had been five and a half days since he had seen her, five and a half long days since he held her tight and kissed her sweet lips.
He squeezed shut his eyes as his fists tightened. Why did she have to come into his life now? She complicated everything, yet he couldn’t imagine his life without her. It had been a quiet week with Vivian gone.
She texted him photos of herself in front of the Eiffel Tower kissing a French man—actually two men, but on different occasions. It looked like she was having the time of her life.
Vivian texted that she absolutely loved Paris and was utterly inspired. She would soon have a whole new show for him entitledParis, Not the Hairdresser.He smiled.Needless to say, he would have to change the name of her show.
Finally, the chime went off as the door opened. Suzy walked in; wow, she looked as messy as she had the first day he met her, maybe more. She wore blue overalls and a T-shirt. Her hair was back in a messy bun, and she had a streak of yellow paint on her cheek.
“Sorry,” she muttered, walking toward him. “I know I look awful, but I had morning classes and didn’t have time to go home in between.”
He held back a smile. She looked beautiful and vulnerable like the first day they met; the only difference was that she wasn’t trudging behind Megan defiantly, and an air of confidence surrounded her.
His first instinct was to ask if he could kiss her and if she agreed to take her in his arms, but he refrained.
“Do you want something to drink before we start?” he asked.
“How about a Diet Coke?” She looked a bit sheepish. “Do you have anything to eat?”
He laughed. “I see you had to miss lunch for me, sorry. Why don’t we order takeout for both of us?”
“That sounds nice, thanks.”
“In the meantime, I’ll get your Diet Coke.” He walked toward the little kitchen. Shivers of joy spread through him.
Suzy walked to her favorite painting. It was a massive one hanging right up front. The background was black. Beautiful, vivid red flowers curled around the canvas with ease and grace.
Daniel approached, carrying her soda.
“Thanks,” she said, taking it. “Of all the paintings in your gallery, this is my favorite.”
Pain flashed in his dark eyes. “Most people feel the same way.”
“But you don’t?”
He shrugged.
“Why?” She studied him. “And why keep it if you don’t like it?”
“It’s my mother's.”
She bit her lip. Oh no, was he about to bolt or shoe her out? Every time she mentioned his mom, he recoiled as if she was a snake ready to strike him.
She tried to change the subject, but her mind went blank. Honestly, she wanted to know about the woman who hurt him. Megan did not hold a high opinion of the woman but would not say why. The only thing she said was that it wasn’t her story to tell.
“It’s lovely.” She held her breath, her muscles tensed. He would leave or ask her to any minute.
She quickly pointed to another one; it was best to drop the subject when Daniel wanted to tell her about his mother. He would. “This one is nice, too.” She pointed to a blue vase with pink roses. “I love the colors and design.”
He sighed. “That’s hers too.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. We should get back to planning my show.” She started to walk away.
Daniel gently tugged her around. “My mother was an accomplished artist, one of the best artists. Unfortunately, she wasn’t good at managing money or running this place.”
Silence.
