Page 5 of For the Love of Art

“He’s left a string of broken hearts scattered down Fifth Avenue. I don’t want him.” I tucked the magazine under my arm.

“Okay, long term, he’s not a viable option, but for one night, he could be a lot of fun.”

I shook my head. “Money and good looks don't often translate to good in bed.”

“No, but think how comfy his bed is,” Lianne swooned. “Money can buy a nice fucking bed. Also, likely a jacuzzi.”

“I’m not going all the way to the west side to see if Nathan Manning will fuck me.”

“You don’t have to,” Lianne countered. “While I was checking out Nathan, I noticed he just opened a new gallery a few blocks from the cheese shop.”

“Good for him. I’m still better off alone right now.”

We stopped at a crosswalk.

“Sweetie, it’s been six months.”

Lianne’s face was creased with concern.

I looked down at the sidewalk. “Lianne, I was married. This wasn’t just some guy I was seeing casually, and then he changed his mind.” My eyes met hers. “We made vows.”

Lianne’s face fell.

“I know, I’m pathetic.”

The sign changed, allowing us to walk.

“No!” Lianne shook her head. “That’s not what I think at all. Honestly, what do I know? I’ve never been married.”

We stopped on the other side of the crosswalk, and I offered her a small smile.

“I feel pathetic.”

“Don’t. It’s more likely I’m insensitive. I love you, and I just want you to be happy.”

“I know.”

“You’re off tomorrow, right?”

“Yes.”

“Damn. I hate being in the shop alone with Frankie.” Lianne put her hands on her hips.

I tilted my head. “You used to do it all the time.”

“Yeah, but I’ve gotten used to not doing it.”

I laughed.

“I’ll stop by for a glass of wine when you’re off work.”

“If that’s the best you can do,” Lianne replied wearily. “I’ll see you later, chickie.”

She blew me a kiss, and I waved as we went our separate ways.

New York was busy, and my walks home weren’t as peaceful as, say, someone upstate, but I still enjoyed it. Lianne found it crowded, but I found it beautiful, like a painting. Everything my eyes saw mattered; even one missing element could ruin its beauty.

When I arrived at my building, I smiled at the old woman who sat outside sipping tea. Behind her, a large picture window showed two people laughing as they pulled chow mein noodles up to their mouths.