“Exactly what I expected along with a couple of nasty bombs I didn’t.”
“About your ring?”
“How did you know?”
“Dear girl, the fool couldn’t even afford a cup of coffee, let alone a three-carat engagement ring. It shimmered like a plastic Cracker Jack prize.”
She shrugged, having not noticed the lack of bling to her bling. “He’s a cheater, too.”
“Well, knock my argyle socks off—the girl finally woke up!”
“Ha ha. It’s over now, and I’m resigned to my fate of singlehood. There. I said it.”
The front doorbell rang, and their eyes locked because the gallery hadn’t opened yet. “Are you expecting a client or art delivery?” he asked.
“No,” she said, rising.
As she approached the buzzer, she noticed Carrie Bingley on the other side of the door, and her heart plummeted to her stomach. Ugh. This wasn’t good. She sensed a smackdown on the horizon, but maybe that was just her guilt talking.
“It’s the acquisition client,” she moaned.
Lowering his eyeglasses to the tip of his nose, he gazed across the studio. “Ooooh, the ex’s Barbie doll fiancée with the double D’s. This day is off to afantásticostart!”
That stung a little. Of course, Guy didn’t know William was a breast man.
Carrie looked beautiful, wearing an expensive light blue boucle suit and a beaming smile. Cheerfully waving to her, she appeared unfazed that she was William’s ex-girlfriend.
“Hi Carrie,” she tried to greet cheerfully, visions of William’s naked body flashing before her eyes.
“Good morning, Elizabeth! It’s such a beautiful day today.”
“It sure is.” Walking to her, she held out a trembling hand for a shake. “It’s lovely to see you again.”
“I was in the neighborhood picking out some artwork for a client in a Park Slope classic seven, and I thought I’d give you the good news in person.”
“I sure could use good news today.”
“Good! Iwillbe joining you in Paris for the auction.”
“Thatiswonderful. The auction experience is something you definitely don’t want to miss. I think you’ll really enjoy the thrill of the hunt.”
“I’m sure I will. I’ve yet to travel to Paris, and you’re making it possible.” She beamed again. “Oh! And I’ve taken care of all the travel arrangements—you’ll be staying at the Ritz Paris.”
“That’s not necessary. The Holiday Inn near Sotherby’s is fine.”
“Nonsense. You should expect nothing less than five-star, first-class when traveling with a Darcy.”
“Right ... a Darcy.” She swallowed hard, but Carrie continued to smile.
“It’s all good, Elizabeth. It just proves what a small world it is, that’s all.”
“True. I’m very sorry if my presence at the wedding caught you unawares and made you uncomfortable.”
“It’s not anything to be sorry about. Really, it’s all good,” Carrie reassured.
“Thank you. So, are you excited about the Seurat?”
“Absolutely! It’s an investment bound to pay off and will look fabulous no matter where I hang it!” She glanced at her watch, then said. “I have to go, but I’ll email you the deets. Unfortunately, I can’t fly with you because I’ll be arriving a few days ahead of you for a little Parisian bachelorette fun, but let’s plan on meeting for dinner the night before the auction.”
