Page 42 of For the Love of Art

“This would be unpaid.”

“Oh? You’ve piqued my interest.”

“Good. I’ll meet you right here at the end of the day.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

Nathan smiled and then walked over to a man wandering the gallery. Just like in every situation I’d seen him in, Nathan commanded the conversation, easily directing him to a painting after exchanging only a few words.

I slipped back into my office and closed the door, pulling the papers out of the envelope.

How does it go from happily in love to the dissolution of marriage?

Pain seared my chest as I flipped through the pages like I didn’t already know what they said. We both wanted a quick and painless divorce, so we pretty much had the arrangement decided before we approached any lawyers.

I placed the papers on my desk, smoothing them before grabbing a pen. My hand shook as I held it just above the line with my name. A hot tear rolled down my cheek, and my shoulders shuddered. I dropped the pen and then flung myself back on the ugly couch.

“Ouch!”

Not only was the couch the most hideous piece of furniture in existence, it was uncomfortable.

“Isla?”

I turned my head to see Dori standing in the doorframe.

“Hi? Yes?”

“I was thinking we should finish hanging the paintings.”

“Right. Coming.”

Dori left, and I stood to follow.

Another day. I thought to myself. I’ll take care of them another day.

“You ready?” Nathan asked as I closed the laptop at the front.

“For?”

“Your art eye. The painting,” Nathan reminded me.

“Oh! Yeah! Of course.”

“You forgot.”

“No!” I lied.

Nathan raised a brow.

“It was a busy day.”

I had forgotten.

The envelope in my office consumed my mind, and not only did it make me forget that I had plans with him, but I also didn’t want to go.

“If you’re too tired….”

Guilt washed over me.