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“It’s possible, and if one does, then Ana could have back a piece of what she lost. Might not be much, but...”
It was a wonderful, beautiful gesture that deepened the feelings that were rapidly taking control of Patience’s heart. “But Nigel died years ago,’ she reminded him. “How would we ever find out about his paintings?”
“We can at least try. I did a little searching on the internet this afternoon. Apparently Nigel had a sister.”
“Really? Is she still alive?”
“Alive and living in Paris. If anyone knows what happened to his artwork, it would be her. All we need is for someone to go talk to her. You wouldn’t happen to have any ideas who we could call, do you?” he asked, brushing the bangs from her face.
“Funny you should ask—I do.” She matched his grin. “I’m sure Piper would be glad to help. She knows how important Ana is to me. I’ll call her tomorrow. With luck, she can arrange to talk to Nigel’s sister this week.”
“That would be great. Thank you.”
He didn’t have to thank her. “After everything Ana has done for me, this is nothing. I’d love to find this painting as much as you.” And give back to the woman who saved her a piece of her soul mate that was bigger than a box of memories and a string of cats bearing his name.
Thinking of the cats made her giggle. “What’s so funny?” Stuart asked.
“Nothing. I was thinking, if the cats all had Nigel’s personality, does that mean he never stopped eating?”
“Interesting question. We’ll have to ask Ana someday.
“In the meantime,” he said, rising above her. “It’s still the middle of the night in Paris. We’ve got a few hours to kill before we can think about calling your sister.”
“Is that so?”
“Uh-huh.” He gripped her waist and quickly flipped her beneath him, causing Patience to let out a high-pitched squeal. “Looks like we’ll have to find something to pass the time,” he said, dipping his head.
Patience met him halfway.
* * *
Despite claiming her older sister “owed her,” Piper was more than happy to visit Nigel’s sister, just as Patience knew she would be. “Stuart and I really appreciate this,” she said to the younger woman.
“Stuart, huh?” Piper’s face loomed large as she leaned toward the screen. “How are things going with the two of you? Is he still cool with, you know, the club?”
Patience’s mind flashed to a few hours before, in Stuart’s bed. “Seems to be,” she replied.
“See? I told you he’d understand. It’s not like you went to work in that place because you liked dancing naked on tables.”
“Of course, I didn’t,” Patience replied with a wince. She wondered if the memory would ever stop making her stomach churn. “And you’re right. Stuart says he understands.”
“Wait—what do you mean ‘says he understands’? Don’t you believe him?”
“No, I believe him. Stuart’s been great.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Patience shook her head. How could she explain that Stuart being great was the problem. He was too great while she was...well, she sure as heck didn’t feel worthy. Sooner or later, this dream had to end. A soft sigh escaped her lips. Too late, she remembered Piper was on the other end of the line.
“Patience?”
Blinking, she came face-to-face with Piper’s scowl.
“What aren’t you telling me?” her sister asked.
“Um...” She bit her lip and prayed her sister’s old cell phone camera wouldn’t pick up her blush.
It was a fruitless wish. “Oh, my God! Is something going on between you and your boss?”
“He’s not my boss,” Patience said quickly. “He’s my boss’s great-nephew.”
They were splitting hairs and they both knew it, which was why Piper asked, “What exactly is the difference?”
“The difference...” There was no difference, but she didn’t want to admit it. Calling Stuart her boss only reminded her they weren’t from the same world, a reality she was trying to ignore for as long as possible. Acknowledging that reality would only lead to others, like Patience not being good enough for him. “The difference would be the same as you dating either your boss or his next-door neighbor.” she finally said.
Just as she knew she would, Piper rolled her eyes at the lame example. “Please. The only neighbor I’ve met is an eleven-year-old boy, and my boss doesn’t even...”
“Doesn’t even what?” For some reason, her sister had stopped midsentence, and her gaze was focused on a point off camera. “Piper?”
