“That would explain the glow. Ohhhh, I haven’t had that glow in ages. How did you leave things with him? Will you see him again? When is your next sex romp?”
“I left him on the beach just before dawn. Guy, I couldn’t be a homewrecker to our client, his fiancée. I hurt him once. I won’t do it again.”
“La mierda! Lizzy, baby. You have much to learn about the pursuit of happiness. Take it from me, all things are fair in love and war.”
“Not in this case. I watched them. She’s beautiful and intelligent, and he’s so in love with her. They’re like the perfect power couple. I’m just ... me.”
“Poppycock! Will you let me be of use for a change? I’m willing to help you get your man.”
She softly smiled for the dear friend had come to her rescue so many times since their initial acquaintance when she returned home from Paris. “You’re a sweetheart, but I have to cope with this one on my own. He’s someone else’s man now.” Facepalming, she shook her head. “Dear God, my life has turned into aSex in the Cityepisode.”
“I love that show! But, take my advice. Do not tittle-tattle to the queen of psychodrama. Let her think everything is honkey dory with the slimeball until you have Mr. Darcy’s heart firmly in hand, and if you win it, don’t let it go for anyone or anything.”
There was no placing Mr. Darcy’s heart in her hand. He was off limits.
The conversation was interrupted by a telephone call, and Guy watched how her frown turned upside down as the caller asked her for help.
… “Yes. That sounds wonderful Mr. Gleason! On behalf of Mr. Bernard and myself, we would be delighted to show your new collection at La Tempera. I have been a fan of your work for quite some time. It would be an honor.”
Guy’s hands flew to his cheeks when his chin dropped.
“September? That’s perfect. I look forward to meeting with you and your assistant on Friday to discuss marketing and promotion, catering, and contract details. Thank you so much for the opportunity. You won’t be disappointed.”
She hung up, shocked, unable to speak.
“Dare I say, this sounds like it may be thebestday of my life. Well, apart from that June afternoon in Athens in ’78, of course.” Guy said.
“Wyn Gleason wants our gallery to exhibit his latest egg tempera western collection.” Bouncing in her seat she said, “Someone at the wedding told him about us and that I’m from Wyoming. Oh, my goodness! Guy, we’re talking an A-list patron reception for a premier fine artist and a month-long exhibit at a thirty percent commission! I can finally pay you back!”
“Oh, honey. I couldn't care less about that. This is all about you and La Tempera!”
“Wyn Gleason ... Unfathomable.”
“See, you went to the society wedding, hobnobbed with the rich and famous, fell back in love,un asunto de amor!and realized that it was time to dump the slimeball.” He sighed, so very happy. “I’d say, my little protégé has gotten her groove back. Next, you’ll be wearing those fantastic cowgirl boots to the gallery. As you say, ‘Yeehaw!”
She laughed. Guy always had the ability to set her back on course.
“Now, let me tell you about the upcoming Sotheby’s auction in Paris on the second. There’s a Seurat, and for the gallery’s visibility on the world stage you must attend a live auction,” he said.
“As much as I would love to go back to Paris, I can’t do that.”
“You can, you must, and you will. Look, darling, this is an all-expense paid trip to get out of the city and get your head together.”
“True, but traveling with William’s fiancée? Knowing what he and I did on the beach? How can I look her in the face?”
NINETEEN
June 17, Tuesday
“Are we meeting for lunch today?” Caroline asked over the phone.
“I’m so sorry. Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment,” Darcy replied.
“With her?”
“What? Who, her?”
“With your ex-girlfriend.”
