“In a word—yeah. It’s a nude, Martin. I’m naked in that painting. It makes me feel awkward. And to show up clueless on his doorstep—I wanted to throttle you.”
Although she could barely admit it to herself, Dom’s passion for the piece did excite her.
“I worry about you, Mackenzie, that’s all. Working two jobs, looking out for everyone but yourself. Have you had any man-fun since you gave Kyle the boot?”
“Martin, please.” She glanced around but knew they were not within earshot of the classroom. She hadn’t thought about her ex-fiancé in ages and preferred to keep it that way.
“Or are you still worried about what happened with your cousin last year?”
Setting her empty cup at her feet, she folded her arms across her knees and stared at the floor before answering.
“Constantly,” she admitted. “If you truly understood what my family has been through, you’d understand. Stacy is the third cousin of mine to disappear. Of course, I worry I’m next. Wouldn’t you be?”
She tugged at the hem of her skirt, thinking he couldn’t fully appreciate the cloud of dread she lived under each and every day.
“It’s not like I have a family history of heart disease,” she continued, “where healthy living can potentially reduce mychances of getting it. This is a very real possibility and if it’s going to happen to me, it’ll probably happen soon.”
“You’re so fatalistic,” he said. “I say you live your life and if you fall in love, well, so much the better.”
“Do you think it’s fair to jeopardize the future happiness of a husband and possibly children in the event something does happen to me? It’s hard to imagine the overwhelming devastation you feel when you lose a parent. It’s a living nightmare that you never wake from. I know what that feels like, Martin, and I just can’t do that to a child. It’s a choice I’ve made. And with Kyle, it was the knowledge that I could never have children that ruined things between the two of us. Made me realize what a fool I had been.”
“He knew you didn’t ever want kids, didn’t he?”
Noticing a scuff on the top of her black boot, she licked her finger and rubbed it off. A few more students filed into the classroom, and she glanced at her watch. She’d have to get going soon.
“Yeah, but I think he was hoping I’d change my mind after we were married. When I got the news from my doctor, although it was a relief to me, it was the reason he needed to call things off.”
“God, that guy was an ass. I never did like him, Kenz. I’m sorry, darling, but I just didn’t. He was never right for you.”
“I’m fine with it all, I really am. I don’t know what I was thinking when we got engaged in the first place. Long-term just isn’t something I can have. Strictly short-term only, if anything. I was fooling myself into thinking could have a normal life, I guess. It’s actually much easier living only for yourself and not worrying about what loved ones will do when you’re gone. Mom hardly remembers me any longer and Corey... Well, he’s Corey.”
“Isn’t he worried like you are?”
“No, not really. He’s in denial, whereas I... I’m a realist.” She sat up and tucked a leg under herself, the leather from her tallboot sliding easily against the fabric of the chair. “What am I doing discussing all this heavy stuff with you? You’re my boss.”
Of course, he was her boss, but he was also one her best friends. One of the few people she could really talk to. Although she knew he didn’t really understand—could anyone?—he always listened, validating her feelings whether he agreed with them or not.
“Friend first, boss last. I’d be lost without you, darling. I hate hearing you talk like this.”
“Honestly, Martin. Don’t say that. You’d be fine without me. That’s why I’m extremely organized in case something happens. You’ve seen the detailed notebooks and materials I have on each class. Someone could pick up right where I’ve left off without skipping a beat. You’d be fine.”
“I’m not talking about the stupid classes, silly,” he said pointedly. “I’m talking about you.”
She sighed. “Don’t go there. Please. That’s the one thing I can’t control.”
He reached over and patted the back of her hand. They sat there in silence as another student entered the classroom across the hall. Glancing at her watch, she made a move to stand up, but Martin held her back.
“Kenz, since you’re so worried about the future, why not focus on the present? Dom Serrano is such a hottie. If he went the other way, I swear, I’d he all over him.”
She stood, grabbed her cup, and blew Martin an air-kiss over her shoulder. “I promise not to tell Paul. Thanks again for the mocha.”
Mackenzie had just enough time to gather a few things for the still life they’d be working on. Most of the students had arrived and the low hum of conversation filled the room. She cleared her throat and moved to a spot where everyone could see her.
“Hello and welcome to City Art School. I’m Mackenzie Foster-Shaw and I see a few familiar faces.” She waggled her fingers at them as she looked around the circle of easels.
She opened her mouth to continue her standard introduction, but when she looked toward the doorway, she forgot how to speak. She had to grab the edge of the table behind her to steady herself.
With a black leather coat draped over his arm, guess who sauntered in like he owned the place?
