"Sneezy, like from Snow White,” he said.“She's a retired police dog.Served seven years with the LAPD.Helluva nose on that one.Sneezed every time she made a bust, hence her name."
"Well, she's beautiful."
"Of course she's beautiful.”Calvin scratched the dog behind her ears.“All the women in my life are beautiful."
They spent another half hour inside his studio.Calvin narrated several of his latest works, making Claire laugh at his pretentious descriptions.He had real talent, and her heart swelled with pride at the number of canvases bearing her likeness.
"I call this period my ‘moment of Claire-ity.’"He pointed to a grouping, all featuring a single blonde female subject."If you look closely, the woman is very pensive, almost brooding."
"Yes, I see.Why is that?"Claire questioned.
"She can’t fathom why I didn't ask her to pose nude," he said with a knowing smirk.
Liz stuck her head into the door of the studio."Sorry to interrupt, but I think it's time we moved on to something a little more substantial than cheese and fruit.”
Calvin eyed his watch."It can't be this late.You must be starved."
"I am a little hungry,” Claire said.“I'd love to treat you two to dinner somewhere."
"Dinner?Out?"he asked, his face screwed into disapproval.
Claire exchanged a look with Liz."Is that a problem?"
"Darling, have you not heard a word I've said all afternoon?This is the new and improved Calvin Butterworth.I don't go out to eat anymore.I prepare my own meals."
"You?"Claire laughed."Cooking?As in real food?"
"Unlike you, I know the difference between a spatula and a whisk.Last night we had teriyaki salmon with mirin-cucumber salad.And the night before that we had…” He snapped his fingers, trying to remember."What did we have, Liz?"
"Shellfish paella with saffron-chorizo rice."
"And not from a can."He flashed a bright smile.
"And no one's been poisoned yet either," Liz added.
"I can’t wait for you to see the kitchen.Claire.I had work crews here around the clock and they finished it up in just five days.My own littleExtreme Home Makeover, if you will.Everything's been adjusted to wheelchair height and just between you and me, I could be the nextFood Networkstar."
Calvin continued to entertain the two women, weaving yarn after hilarious yarn while he zoomed around the kitchen.Claire and Liz set the table and opened a bottle of wine, watching Calvin lovingly prepare a delicious meal.The three of them sat at one end of the massive dining room table, talking incessantly and completely unaware of the time.Claire checked her watch, and her pulse quickened.She pictured Jay sitting alone, waiting and wondering.Time to wrap up the evening.
Claire dropped her napkin on the table beside her plate."That was fabulous."
Calvin grinned."And they say television isn't educational.PBS has turned yours truly into a real Renaissance man."
"To say the least.You cook.You paint.You’re writing a book!"Claire praised.
"Liz’s doing a bit of bragging on her old boss, is she?"He shot his assistant a look.Liz just shrugged.
"I'm sure it will be a huge success," Claire said warmly.
"Of course it will.With a title likeCalvin Butterworth Likes Big Tits, it's sure to be a bestseller,” he teased.“Now, are you up for dessert?I made a fantastic fig and almond tart yesterday."
"I'm stuffed.Honestly, I can't eat another bite.I'd love a cup of coffee though."She stood, taking his and Liz's plates with her own.
"No, Claire, I’ve got clean-up.In fact, I'll bring you some coffee when it's ready.Where would you like it?In the living room?"She looked at Calvin.
He turned toward her."Claire?"
"The patio,” Claire said.“It's so peaceful out there."
