Page 132 of For the Love of Art

Dori took a drink from the bottle and handed it back to me. I graciously accepted it and took another sip.

“I feel so stupid.” Dori shook her head. “I figured he was an older man, so he had to be less of a jerk than the ones my age.”

“Unfortunately, there are jerks in every age bracket.”

Dori chuckled. “Yeah. I suppose so.”

“I’m sorry you found out like you did,” I said.

“Yeah, that was embarrassing,” Dori agreed before taking another drink. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

I took the bottle of champagne from her. “Would you have believed me?” I took a drink.

Dori grabbed the bottle back. “Probably not.”

I shrugged. “I figured he’d show his true colors sooner rather than later. It didn’t take long for him to semi-ghost Lianne.”

“Some of his texts were kind of sexual. Or at least bordering on it.” Dori took a drink. “He said he was committed to me but only contacted me on his terms. I don’t get why he would still text your friend.”

“That’s a question only Andrew can answer,” I said. “But now you get to move forward with some new knowledge about relationships and signs that maybe he’s a jerk.”

Dori handed me the bottle, but I shook my head.

“He is a jerk. And whoever broke your heart, he’s a jerk too,” Dori stated matter-of-factly before taking another drink.

As if summoned, Nathan opened the door. He blinked a couple of times when he saw Dori and I sitting on the floor with the bottle of champagne.

“Oh. Sorry?” His brows furrowed in confusion. “There are people wanting to buy, and I seem to have no workers on the floor.” His eyes narrowed. “Are you two drinking a bottle of champagne instead of working?”

Neither of us said anything. Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Jesus fucking Christ. Never mind. I’ll handle it.” Nathan turned and stormed out.

“Now I’m getting fired,” Dori said before taking another drink.

“Nope.” I stood up. “No one is getting fired. I will deal with it.”

I smoothed my dress and summoned the little courage the champagne gave me.

“He’s the one who broke your heart, isn’t he?” Dori asked.

“Yes,” I admitted. “He is.”

Dori gave me a sympathetic look, the same one I would’ve given in my early twenties. I wouldn’t have any sage advice, just my condolences. For once, it was nice not to listen to someone’s opinion on my relationships, or lack thereof.

“I’ll be back.” I headed to the door, then stopped and looked over my shoulder. “Maybe stop drinking the champagne now.”

Dori’s shoulders slumped, but she put the bottle down and followed me out of the back room.

On the floor, Nathan was chatting with a couple, who were seemingly buying a painting, with Gloria hovering nearby. I waited until they were done, then marched over to him.

“Hey!” my voice cut through the crowd, turning some heads, Gloria’s included. Her bubblegum pink lips made an O as she watched us.

“Isla,” Nathan said in a professional tone, putting his hands in his pockets.

“You could’ve been nicer to Dori.” I crossed my arms.

“I barely said anything,” he retorted.