Page 19 of For the Love of Art

“Standards where you fire someone in front of a patron?”

He groaned and ran his fingers through his hair. I noticed he had a few wisps of silver, and dammit if it didn’t add to his sex appeal.

No!I scolded myself.

“How do you know so much about art?” It wasn’t a question as much as it was a demand.

Seriously?He just fired someone in front of me, and that’s what he has to say.

“I’ve entered The Matrix, right? This can’t be happening.”

Nathan laughed. “Are you always this difficult?”

I let out a long breath, and Nathan stepped toward me. It was hard not to let myself fall victim to his good looks.

“Look, I only ask because you seem a little too well versed in art just to be another rich socialite looking for something to fill an empty wall.” Nathan’s eyes ran down my body. “Though, you dress the part well.”

I could feel the change of color in my cheeks.

“I’m not.”

“I know. In fact, I’ve known since I first laid eyes on you. Now, are you going to answer my question?”

“Once upon a time, I worked as an art dealer in a gallery. I dreamed of being Maggie, but other things got in the way.” I looked down at my hands. “Years of college wasted.”

“Your husband?”

Nathan’s question surprised me, though I didn’t know why. We’d established that I was about to get divorced, so it was a logical thought.

“In a way, I guess. I’ve always thought I’m just as guilty for letting go of my dream,” I answered.

“Honesty. Refreshing.” Nathan looked impressed. “Would you do it again?”

“Get married?”

Nathan laughed loudly.

“No, work in a gallery.”

The question took me aback. I had never considered it an option. Over a decade later, my schooling felt obsolete. On top of that, my experience was minimal. My resume basically read housewife and mediocre cheese slicer.

“I think that time in my life has passed.”

It was hard not to sound as solemn as I felt.

My heart hurt at the thought that spending my days in a place like this were far behind me.

“What do you do for work now?”

“I work at a cheese shop not far from here.”

“The one on Mott?”

I nodded.

Nathan wet his lips. “Is that what you want to do?”

I laughed.