Page 36

Chapter Thirty-One

“ H illary, have you sent a commission check to Allison Grant yet?”

“On it. I sent it the minute you asked me to.” Hillary clenched her teeth. How dumb did this bitch think she was? It was a goddamn check; an idiot could have sent it out. Claire gave her a big ol’ smile and thanked her.

It was still early, and the gallery hadn’t opened yet.

Hillary looked around at the various pieces of art in the gallery.

Most of it she wouldn’t give a plug nickel for.

Too modern, too cutesy—just not her taste.

Sure, there were some pieces of art she wouldn’t mind having in her apartment.

Well, right now, it was just a studio apartment.

Didn’t matter. She didn’t have space to put a calendar on the wall, let alone a piece of art she couldn’t afford or even like.

Soon, though, she would have a big house on the ocean. It would be just like Claire’s. Oh, wait, it would be Claire’s. She smiled.

Her desk was at the front of the gallery so she could greet customers as they came in. Her responsibilities also included billing and helping Claire set up exhibits .

It had been a smart move, giving up her New York apartment and job to come down here.

She hated everything about her job up there, especially being in the secretarial pool dealing with catty women and the condescending attitude of the partners.

Her apartment would have eaten up all her savings and being in New York wouldn’t have solved the Claire problem.

It was all Claire’s fault that Keith wouldn’t marry her. Now she would pay.

The man she hired to send emails and gifts to Claire, as well as give her a boost off the sidewalk, had found a better-paying job and dumped her.

Her. If Keith were still alive, he would have taken care of the dirtbag.

She’d paid the man good money to help her.

Some people you just couldn’t depend upon.

Well, it was up to her now, and she would finish the job.

If she couldn’t, she would get in touch again with that lawyer Keith had mentioned.

She shook her head— whatever his name is —and that private investigator, Troy Romano.

“Hillary?”

She startled. Was Claire still talking to her? She glanced at Claire, who appeared to be waiting on an answer.

“Sorry, I was going over what had to be done today.”

“Oh, okay.” Claire rubbed the back of her neck. “Um, I was wondering if you would like to go out for coffee or a drink after work? I know how it is when you are new to an area and don’t know people.”

Oh, hell, yes, she would. Claire was making this too easy. She had no idea that her days were numbered. Why Keith wanted this numbnuts was beyond her. Well, he was dead, and Claire would be soon.

“That’s so sweet of you. I’d love to.”

“Great, we’ll connect after work. I know just the fun place to go.”

Claire brought Hillary to Neptune’s Navel. The place was always fun and upbeat. Hillary had looked like she needed a little more downtime. They managed to grab a small table inside. She shivered. The weather had taken a turn for the worse and was cold and windy. No one was out on the patio tonight.

When the server came over, she suggested one of Jake’s famous Zombie Painkillers. Those would warm them up. She observed Hillary as she glanced around the funky tiki bar.

“Wow, this place has it all. The parrot, the waterfall, the nets, funky lights. I’m impressed,” said Hillary. “How did you find this?”

“Oh, Sam brought me here, and I love it.”

“Sam. She’s your cousin’s girlfriend, right?” said Hillary.

“Yes.” She and Sam were bonding over their love of helping at the women’s shelter.

Claire enjoyed getting to know Sam better, even though she gave off intense vibes.

Claire thought underneath that facade there was a sensitive…

She shook her head. Nah, underneath, Sam was still intense although incredibly generous in spirit.

“So, tell me how you’re doing? I know it’s hard to leave everything behind and start over. Do you miss New York?”

Hillary hesitated. “Well, I don’t miss the weather or my old job.”

“I get not missing gray, cold days.”

“That’s for sure,” said Hillary.

“Have you found another place yet?”

“No, I’m still looking. I can’t decide if I want to buy a condo or rent a bigger place for a while.”

Claire nodded. “Smart. No sense making that decision quickly.”

“Ladies, I have your drinks.” The server put the colorful drinks down in front of them .

“Oh my,” Hillary exclaimed. “I’ve never seen a drink like this before.”

Claire picked up her glass. “A toast. To new friendships and new beginnings.”

They clinked glasses.

Hillary set her drink down. “Are you a native Floridian?”

“Yes. I grew up here, but I left here to attend college in New York. Then my parents bought a house up there to be closer to my sister and me.”

“So why did you move back here?”

Claire sat back in her chair. How to answer that question? She sure wasn’t telling Hillary about Keith.

“I missed the warm weather and palm trees.”

“Did you leave a boyfriend behind?”

“Nah, no boyfriend.” How about a lying, cheating, abusive husband? “How about you?”

A look of anger passed over Hillary’s face. Then it was gone. “My boyfriend died, so nothing was tying me to New York.”

“Gosh, I’m sorry to hear that.” And she was. How sad to have a relationship and then lose the person you loved. That sure wasn’t her, but she could sympathize.

“Well, it was sad. Unfortunately, he left me with all the bills. I thought I owned my condo, but it turned out it was in his name, and I had to give it up. Not feeling too sympathetic toward him.”

Claire could understand that. Keith may have left her with money and the penthouse, but he also left her with worse—physical and mental scars.

“So, what’s going on with you and Roman?” asked Hillary.

Roman . Claire liked her boss. However, he was a terrible flirt even though he had a girlfriend.

“Nothing.” Claire shrugged. “You know how he is. He flirts with every woman he meets. ”

Hillary rolled her eyes. “Thankfully, he hasn’t acknowledged me. Yet. I don’t need the aggravation.”

“I hear you.” Claire sighed. They talked a while until Claire glanced at her watch. “Ugh, I have an early appointment and need to leave.”

Claire pulled out her purse and laid some money down for the drinks. “This was fun; let’s do it again.” She stood and gathered her things.

“You can count on it,” said Hillary.