Page 61 of Blood Money

Alex rested her chin in her hand. “I couldn’t use my diplomas, although I considered paying for phony ones, along with the other ID I purchased in California. But phony diplomas can’t buy references, and any company I applied for a job with would undoubtedly want several. However,” she added, her tired eyes lighting with enthusiasm, “with my background, interior design turned out to be a natural inclination, and I’ve come to love the creativity. The idea of making someone’s home or office so beautiful that it makes them smile every time they look at it… I can’t tell you how good that makes me feel. And to do it on a tight budget is a worthy challenge.”

“When you decorated One PP and the commissioner’s office at Christmas, the place never looked so good. How you managed that with so little funds impressed us all.” As Gray twirled the stem of his wineglass between his fingers, he realized he truly was fascinated by her creative abilities. His own sparse apartment could use more than a little TLC.

“That was an ability born out of necessity.” When she gave him a half smile, Gray suspected there was something she wasn’t saying, but he let it go for now. “I wanted to make a nice, cheery home for my son but didn’t have money for a better zip code or pricey items to furnish our apartment with, so I started watching all the home and garden shows and read every decorator magazine in the library I could get my hands on. Then I bought a few pieces of used furniture and accessories at moving sales and garage sales. It’s a wonder how one woman’s junk is truly another woman’s treasure. The trick is to start with a good, solid framework. First I pick out a focal piece for a room, then I add to it with accessories and decorations made from old or inexpensive items I scavenge here and there.”

“I bet I can guess what your first purchase was.” He pointed to the living room. “That green velvet sofa.”

“Exactly.” She grinned back at him. “It’s still my favorite piece. Because of the odd color, the velvet was on sale at a fabric store, and I was able to refurbish the sofa for pennies.”

Gray dipped his chin toward the sofa adorned with richly colored, fringed pillows. “I’m guessing you made the pillows, too.”

She nodded. “From old fabric I found at an antique store going out of business. It’s amazing how you can stretch a dollar when you’re forced to. My theme for the living room was New York Shabby Chic, but without all the worn-out white stuff.”

Gray had no idea what Shabby Chic was but gathered it was some kind of interior design theme. “With your gift for design, seems like you could make a living at it. Some of the professionally decorated apartments I’ve seen had to have cost a fortune to design.”

“It’s not that simple.” Alex’s expression grew serious. “Obtaining a state interior design license costs money and requires a degree. Online courses cost more money.”

Gray knew she would never accept it, but he really wanted to give her the money to finish her degree and get her license. After everything she’d been through—and was still going through—she deserved a little support.

“Did you have your own engineering or architecture business in California before moving to New York?” he asked.

“I did.” She nodded. “I’d just gotten the business up and running when—”

Gray watched Alex’s eyes grow shuttered, as if she’d started to divulge something then thought better of it. “When what?” he prodded, hoping she’d keep talking.

“I was stupid.” Alex took a long sip of wine. “I lost virtually everything.”

Gray waited for her to expound on that loaded statement. When she didn’t, he asked, “What happened?”

Her gaze met his. “I relied on someone I shouldn’t have.”

“Nicky’s father?”

She hesitated, and for a moment Gray thought she might answer his question.

“It doesn’t matter.” Alex smiled, but it was a pasted-on smile, one meant to hide pain. “It’s in the past.”

Gray wanted to pry further, but he’d already invaded her privacy enough by poking around in her strong box. It occurred to him that he hadn’t seen a marriage certificate or a divorce decree in the box, and the realization gave him a sense of relief. “It took guts to do what you did. To move across the country and make a new life for you and Nicky.”

She laughed. “Or outright stupidity.”

If she’d been his, he couldn’t have been more proud of her accomplishments, both in California and here in New York. “But you’ve made it work.”

“To a point, but I’d like to be able to provide better for Nicky.”

“What’s missing in his life?” Besides a father. “So he doesn’t have as many material things as some kids. He has what’s most important. The steadfast love of his mother, and that’s more than some children have.”

“You’re probably right.” Alex nodded.

“I know I am.” Gray picked up his glass and downed the last of his wine. “I’ve seen you and Nicky together, and I’ve also seen some of the worst family situations the city can puke up. What you’ve given to your son is more than most.”

“I imagine you’ve seen some pretty bad things in your life,” Alex said, and something in the intent way she was looking at him made him wonder if she was referring to his current job or when he was in the military.

Something he didn’t want to think about. Right now, he was enjoying getting to know Alex better, and he wanted to know more. “What are your plans after you get your interior design license?”

“As long as Nicky is okay, I’d like to start my own business.” She topped off their glasses with the last of the wine. “Between Cassie’s contacts and Daisy’s florist shop connections, I might be able to acquire some well-paying clientele. Daisy’s my biggest supporter.”

Gray took another sip of wine. “You two seem pretty tight.”