Page 122 of Capturing Love

“For like a month,” Amy muttered, before the amazing view of Central Park distracted her.

As I examined the living room, my eyes were drawn to the subtle differences that could only come from a feminine touch. Fresh flowers donned the mantlepiece, fashion magazines polluted table tops, and the additional artwork softened the room.

“Is that a Louise Birmingham?” I gushed, moving closer to the painting on the wall.

“Sure is,” Melanie said. “I found it at a gallery last week and had another sent back home.”

“You must have an amazing collection.”

Melanie chuckled. “Just not enough walls.”

“Who took these?” Amy asked, edging over to a set of familiar photographs on the wall.

My stomach flip-flopped as Melanie followed her.

“I’m actually not sure, but they’re gorgeous, aren’t they? Grayson found them in a little restaurant in Greenwich.”

Why didn’t Lenny tell me?

The corners of Amy’s mouth rose as she glimpsed my way. “He’s got a good eye.”

Melanie let out a little snort. “All those years of dragging him along to galleries and art shows has finally paid off.”

The bedroom door opened and we all whirled around. “Adam’s on his way up. We better not miss the start of the game…” Grayson stopped dead in his tracks. “What are you doing here?” he blurted, staring directly at me.

My mouth fell open, but nothing came out.

Amy stepped in front of me with an overenthusiastic smile. “We’re having a girl’s night!”

His eyes tapered in on Melanie. “You didn’t tell me you were having people over.”

She scowled. “I didn’t think I had to.”

Before he could say another word to make us feel even less welcome, Adam sauntered through the front door.

“Finally,” Melanie cried, throwing her hands in the air. “You were supposed pick him up an hour ago.”

Ignoring her, Adam spotted Grayson’s paling face and followed his gaze. “This looks like fun,” he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he panned over the three of us.

Melanie groaned. “Trust you to bring the sleaze.”

A snigger erupted from my mouth and Grayson’s eyes darted to mine from under his faded Lakers cap.

“What? No pillow fights?” Adam asked with a chuckle, before turning to his brother. “Come on, Gray. The car’s waiting.”

“Hang on a sec!” Melanie hollered, before grabbing a purple Lakers cap from the hallway table and placing it on her head to conceal her dishevelled hair.

Adam hung back his head and groaned. “Come on, Mel, not again.”

“It won’t take long,” she uttered as she applied her usual shade of lipstick. Grabbing her phone, she pulled Grayson beside her and leant into him to take a selfie. “Say Go Lakers!”

“Go Lakers,” Grayson mumbled with absolutely no enthusiasm.

After Melanie reviewed the photo, she took off the cap and threw it back on the table. “Thanks, you can go now.”

Adam placed his arm around his brother and guided him out of the apartment. “Bye, ladies!”

“If you want to go to the game, we can reschedule,” I said to Melanie as she furiously wiped the red from her lips.