Page 2 of Her Greek Inheritance

Gemma frowned. They’d been over this before. “If Mom and Dad had lived, they’d have made sure he got through school without incurring a huge student loan debt. Just like they did for me.” Gemma was twenty-three when both of her parents were killed, and Tyler barely sixteen. “I’m just doing what I know they would have done.”

“You’re killing yourself trying to handle everything on your own,” Aimee argued.

Gemma winced. “Tyler did say he was going to try to find a better job. That’s something, right?”

“Tyler needs to grow up!” Aimee told her.

Gemma sighed. “Well, unfortunately, I don’t see that happening in the next three months. But enough about my troubles. How is life in the capitol?”

“Same as always. Busy. Congested. Full of politically correct men who always think they know best. Oh, and let’s not forget the swarms of school-age kids that have descended upon the city for their school field trips.”

Gemma smiled. “Sounds about the same.”

“You know it. So, how bad were the paintings?” Aimee asked.

Gemma groaned. “Some of them could be repaired, with lots of work, but there is one…I think it might be beyond repair. It should be a crime. I can’t imagine what someone was thinking, leaving those paintings to rot away.”

“Maybe they didn’t realize what they had?”

“Unlikely. I’m just glad I’m finished writing my appraisals. The curator believes they’ll get a higher price if the bidders know the chances of restoring them.”

“I hope you’re going to get something for yourself out of this.”

“I’ll get a commission for any of the paintings I restore, as will the Smithsonian.”

“You’d better,” Aimee stated firmly. “You’ve done nothing but work your butt off for the last five years, taking care of everyone and everything.”

Gemma shook her head. Aimee was an ever loyal friend. “It hasn’t been all bad.”

“When was the last time you did something just for the fun of it?”

“Um—” Gemma’s brain stalled.

Aimee snorted. “See? That’s what I’m talking about.”

“I have fun.” Gemma’s mind went to the various things in Paris she’d been hoping to see, but hadn’t had time for. And now it was too late.Well, I saw them from a distance.

“This is your last night in Paris. You need to have some fun. Any cute guys hanging out at this event?”

Gemma glanced around the small hallway. “I don’t know. I’m standing in the hallway talking to you.”

“Then I’m hanging up right now! God, find a cute French guy and flirt. This is your last night abroad and you need to make the most of it. Have a little fun. A little romance.”

“I don’t know…”

“Girl, I expect to hear all about the wonderful memories you made tonight.”

“Living vicariously through me?” Gemma laughed. Her spirits lightened. Aimee’s suggestion was starting to sound like sense...

“You know it!” Aimee’s glee was infectious. “Now, hang up the phone, put on your sexiest smile, drink some champagne and have some fun!”

Gemma smiled as she pocketed her phone.Maybe Aimee’s right. Maybe I should forget about the rules for tonight?

She looked around, spotting a waiter rounding the corner at the end of the hallway.Perfect! Best way to liven the evening up is with a glass of champagne.

She snagged a second glass, flashing the waiter a small smile and headed for the next painting on display. This time the painting was in its original glory. No damage, other than time, had been done to the piece.

Gemma sighed happily. As an art restoration expert, she often missed the beauty of a painting because her critical eye was constantly looking for damage. That was what had brought her to Paris, after all.