Delphine looked at me steadily. “Eleanor had dementia toward the end. Her children were exhausted and overwhelmed and just wanted the estate sold and taken care of so they could move on with their lives. Apparently, Camille had been aware of the property for some time before Eleanor died.” She spoke slowly, as if choosing each word like she was searching for the best piece in a chocolate-covered candy box. “She moved very quickly once the family was ready. The house sold below market value. And several pieces of art that Eleanor had collected over the years—significant pieces I’d brokered for her—went with the sale or were purchased separately for a fraction of what they were worth. I’m not sure exactly how Camille did it. Either way, in my opinion, she tricked Eleanor’s kids. They let go of extremely valuable art that would only have increased in value. Which is why I went on and on about it. Which sometimes I do.”
“Any injustice really gets to her.” Annie reached for another piece of pizza.
“Eleanor had a real eye, before the dementia,” Delphine said.
“Did the family know what they had?” I asked.
“They didn’t know what they didn’t know,” Delphine said simply. “Camille did. If I’d known, I would have stepped in, but it was too late. Now that woman has two exquisite paintings hanging in her house. Or maybe she didn’t even hang them. They’re just sitting somewhere, collecting worth. Which might be the worse of the two scenarios. At least someone should be enjoying them.”
“Mom’s passionate about art.” Annie sipped from her soda.
“Well, I can understand why that would make you mad,” I said.
“You cannot go out with her,” Annie said. “As your dating consultant, I have to forbid it.”
“I shouldn’t have said anything,” Delphine said, completely unconvincingly.
“I’m glad you did,” I said. “I can’t be dating an art thief.”
“There will be others,” Annie said. “Who don’t steal art. You can’t give up.”
“What made you decide to go on there in the first place?” Delphine asked, turning her glass in circles on the table, not looking at me.
I shrugged. “Optimism.”
That made Delphine laugh.
“Why aren’t you on there?” I asked, keeping my tone light.
“Pessimism.”
We all laughed.
“Opposites attract. Seraphina says it’s a popular romance trope,” Annie said.
Delphine and I exchanged an awkward glance.
Before either of us could think of anything to say, Annie leapt to her feet. “I see Tyler and Robbie outside. I’m going to say hi.”
“We’ll meet you in the parking lot,” Delphine said. “It’s getting late.”
I didn’t want the evening to end. Annie sprinted out of the restaurant and out into the parking lot, where the last bit of sunshine cast the world in an orange sheen. Beyond, the ocean looked almost sapphire.
I waved for the check, which Mario brought right over. “Let me get this,” I said when Delphine reached for her bag. “My treat.”
She seemed to weigh arguing with me, but, in the end, thanked me. “I’ll get next time.”
Next time?
Delphine tossed her hair behind her shoulders, sending a waft of sweet scent my way. “I didn’t mean to imply there would be a next time.”
“Obviously,” I said.
“Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” Delphine asked.
“It’s warm, yes.”
It wasn’t.
