The Gallery (Contemporary Reverse Harem 4)

“I’ve always wanted to try this place.”

“So tell me about the gallery,” I said.

She nodded as the waiter opened our bottle and poured. “I used to be an art teacher. Before I got married.”

Her happy face faltered for a moment, but she rallied. With a deep inhale, she pulled her shoulders back and plunged into her story.

“After I married, I began volunteering at the children’s art center. I met several gallery owners and worked for one part-time for a year. That owner retired, and my husband suggested we buy the business.” She took a bite of her pork chop. “Oh, my god. This is like heaven. Anyway, it’s been a kind of hobby job until now. It’s yet to be profitable. We do okay, but with the cost of rent and other expenses here in Manhatt

an, my husband always supplemented things. He never minded. But that’s changed now.” She shook her head.

“Shit. That’s a lot of pressure.”

And she was right. Our lunch was incredible. I’d have to compliment the owner next time I saw him at one of our parties. It was funny to see someone working a dining room whom you’d watched doing sixty-nine with a woman just the night before.

She continued, “So, things might be looking up for the gallery if hosting your parties works out…”

“Avril, this could be very lucrative for you.”

“It sounds like it. I’m giving it a shot. We’ll see how it all goes.”

“That’s great news. We’ll iron out all the details in the next few days, but you won’t be sorry. In fact, this could be good for you in many ways.”

“Like I might get more clients for the gallery,” she said with a hopeful smile.

“I think there’s a strong chance of that.”

We ate in silence for a few more minutes, and I refilled both our wine glasses.

“So, I understand you have a baby,” she said. “Blu told me.”

“I do. The light of my life.” Sounded sappy, but I couldn’t help it. Nor did I care. “Her name’s Ruby.”

“I’ll bet she’s gorgeous.”

“I think so.”

“Where’s her mom?”

“Dunno. She took off. Left me with our little angel. And good riddance to her,” I said, raising my glass.

Avril toasted me back. “Ruby is lucky to have you.”

“Ah. I’m lucky to have her.”

I grabbed the check and found our wine had been comped. One of the fringe benefits of my life…

“Shall we head out?” I asked.

We walked back to the gallery, and when we were inside, I locked the door behind us.

“Do you have any more appointments today, Avril?” I asked, leaning my back against the heavy door.

She gave me a shy smile. “No. I was just going to do some paperwork this afternoon.”

Yes.

I walked toward her, slowly and deliberately. “You know, when I saw you at that Hamptons party, I really wanted to talk to you.”