Page 26 of For the Love of Art

“Hi,” I squeaked. I realized I was holding a knife and cleared my throat, putting it on the counter. “Can I– h-help you with…” I made a grand gesture with both my hands. “...Cheese?”

The corner of Nathan’s mouth twitched, like he suppressing a smile. “I’m good on the cheese front.”

“Uh, Frankie,” Lianne piped up. Nathan suddenly seemed aware that we weren’t alone in the shop. “We have that thing in the back, don’t we?”

Lianne started to push Frankie, who was a little reluctant to leave.

“Yeah. Sure. The thing,” he said, unconvincingly.

Nathan and I watched as they exited the storefront and then turned back to each other.

My body shook, and my stomach squeezed painfully. Was this a normal reaction to another person? Was this my body telling me I should be nervous or afraid?

Note to self. Become more in tune with my body. Also, ask Lianne for true crime podcast recommendations.

Nathan didn’t speak. Neither did I. The silence was so tense I could’ve cut it with a cheese slicer.

“Would you like a sample?” I opened the cheese cooler. “We have a great Himalayan goat cheese that people go crazy for.”

“I want you.”

My cheeks were instantly hot.

“Me? I-I’m not for sale here.”

Embarrassment rushed through me as Nathan chuckled lightly.

“I want your expertise at my gallery.”

Right. That made more sense.

I smoothed my apron and wet my lips. I didn’t know what to say, just that I wanted this conversation to end.

“Isla.” I hated how much I liked the sound of my name when he said it. “You have talent like I’ve never seen,” he said as he laced his fingers and pressed his forearms into the counter. “I don’t want someone else to snatch you up.”

“I’m not exactly in the market to be snatched.”

“Please. Can I tell you my offer?”

My heart beat rapidly against my chest.

“I’m sure whatever you have to present is generous, but–”

“What’s the offer?” Lianne called out.

Nathan and I looked to the back of the shop, where Lianne flipped her long braids over her shoulder. She stopped short of Nathan, her hands on her hips, looking him up and down.

“Well?”

“Uh….” Nathan looked between Lianne and me. I shrugged my shoulders. This was Lianne’s thing. “Who are you?” he asked her.

“Her agent.”

Nathan looked amused.

“Alright,” Nathan said, seeming up for the challenge of facing my best friend. “My offer is a position at my gallery here in Lower Manhattan.”

Lianne stood taller. “And when does this offer expire.”