Every Way (Brush of Love 4)

“Please tell me you’re calling to schedule another tour,” Ramon said.

“Not even a hello? My, my, we’ve gotten greedy,” I said.

“It is wonderful to hear from you, Mrs. Hailey. How is that baby doing?” he asked.

“Scarring my body for life.”

“How much longer until the arrival of the little bundle?” he asked.

“Less than five weeks.”

“Are you excited?”

“I’m nervous and ready to have my body back.”

“What your body is going through is a beautiful transformation. In the ancient worlds, you would have been worshipped for how your body has changed.”

“Uh-huh. Well, listen. There’s something I need to talk with you about,” I said.

“You don’t want to sell John’s paintings.”

“Wait, how did you know?” I asked.

“I know what those two paintings mean to you. When you called me wanting to sell them, I was very shocked. Very, very shocked.”

“You didn’t seem shocked,” I said.

“It’s why I lowballed the offer. And when you didn’t even bat an eye, I figured something was wrong. I take it you’ve gotten everything sorted out now?” he asked.

“We’re getting there,” I said. “Wait, you intentionally lowballed the paintings?”

“My dear, you need to have someone come in and price out your paintings. Then, you need to document it. John’s duo paintings? With the exposure and the beauty and the pain they bring to this world? You could easily get half a million for them. I only offered three hundred thousand to get you to back down from whatever ledge you were teetering on,” he said.

“I can’t believe you,” I said, giggling.

“Don’t worry. I’m very disappointed. I was about to get a fabulous deal on a wonderful piece of artistry that will never be duplicated. And if you ever are serious in selling them, I want to be the first person you call.”

“It’s why I called you in the first place,” I said.

“I will be willing to buy one or both of them. On the spot, if you’re ever ready.”

“I hear you, Ramon. I hear you. And thank you. You know, for being understanding.”

“Might I ask what happened?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“What prompted you to sell the paintings in the first place?” he asked. “Your quick acceptance of my offer was enough to tell me you weren’t in the right frame of mind. Has something happened with Bryan?”

“No, no. Nothing like that,” I said. “Just some things with the artist’s past popped up. That’s really all I’m comfortable saying.”

“And that’s fine. So long as Bryan is treating you well. I won’t have anyone mistreating my hottest artist.”

“And by hottest, you mean most popular. Right?” I asked.

“If you say so.”

“You’re bad, Ramon. You know that? It’s why Bryan didn’t like you in the beginning. It’s why he originally came on the tour.”