Page 29 of Finding Out

Me: It was an online bid, so I didn’t have to see them. They actually came in at the last minute and drove the price way up.

Avery: I bet that stirred up some excitement.

Me: Yeah. It was strange. The bidder didn’t preregister for the auction, but because they’ve purchased from us in the past, Erin let them bid. It was so dramatic. You should have seen it. The bidding went back and forth until the online bidder jumped ten thousand dollars and finally ended it.

Jana: Jeez, someone wanted that one badly, huh?

Me: I don’t blame them. It’s going to be gorgeous hanging on the lucky bitch’s wall.

“Bye. I’ll see you Saturday.”I waved at Jana and Avery, who continued down the street back to the zoo. Since I hadn’t been able to see them this weekend, we’d met for lunch. I was stressed that spending time with Avery after the weekend with her dad would be awkward, but more than anything, it felt good to see my best friend.

Plus, what happened between Tom and me was over.

It had only been two days, but I hadn’t heard from him. It was for the best, really, to pretend it had never happened. Because it couldn’t be more than a fling. He might not have said those words, but he also hadn’t corrected me when I’d referred to it as such.

And I was fine.

The lingering twinge in my chest every time my phone buzzed and it wasn’t him would pass. No part of me was a relationship girl. I didn’t get attached.

Forcing all thoughts of Tom from my head, I hurried through the lobby. I passed the elevator, since in the winter, the stairs were my constant companion. Running in the park during the winter was pure torture, and gyms were boring, so my cold weather exercise consisted of utterly refusing to take an elevator. I loved heels, and I’d spent too much money on them not to keep my legs looking good. The three flights here were nothing compared to the twelve I trucked up anddown at my own place. Two minutes later, I was pushing through the door into the hallway.

Pat peeked his head out of his office as I walked past. “Erin wants you.”

With a nod, I headed past my tiny space to the huge corner office that belonged to the head of the auction house.

The door was cracked open, and Erin’s laughter filtered out. Through the small opening, I could see her sitting in one of the chairs. Rarely did she step out from behind her desk when she conducted business. She claimed the view of her with the skyline in the background intimidated people and kept them on their toes, just where she wanted them. It was weird to see her so familiar with someone.

“No. I’m not angry at all. I absolutely adore this.” Her tone was friendlier than normal too. I could almost swear it was flirty as she patted a denim-clad leg.

I tried to fight the smirk forming on my lips.Interesting. Erin never flaunted a boyfriend, so this was going to be fun.

Shoulders pulled back, I tapped lightly on the doorframe.

“Yes?” Her attention shifted my way.

I pushed the door open, and instantly, I zeroed in on the broad shoulders and familiar light brown hair.

Tom twisted, and his blue eyes met mine for one beat before he turned away. My stomach sank as the tingle of shock worked its way through my system.

Erin was flirting with Tom.

Fuck.

I blinked.

My boss and Tom? For a moment, I was worried my lunch would make a reappearance and ruin my shoes, but I couldn’t have a reaction. And honestly, she was better suited for him anyway. She was forty and although she never married her son was in his third year at Boston College. They were in the same era of life. And she was exactly the kind of woman I’d suggested Tom should find two days ago. She was busy enough that she wouldn’t cling to Tom and drive him crazy when he was working. She was smart and gorgeous and stylish, and all of a sudden, I hated her. This woman I’d idolized for years.

Swallowing all of it down, I wiped my hands on my pencil skirt and stood calmly at the door.

“Pat said you wanted to see me.” I couldn’t stand the thought of looking at Tom, so I kept my eyes on Erin.

My boss hopped out of the chair she’d been sitting in and waved me over. “Have a seat.”

I moved into the room, past the bookshelves lined with pottery, small pieces of framed art, and small knickknacks—all things she’d collected over the years. This was something else I aspired to have someday—souvenirs from all my travels. But I could hardly focus on anything at the moment. My brain was frozen on the image of Erin’s hand on Tom’s leg. Tom’s hand dropping to pat it once. The connection.

Chest burning, I took a breath through my nose and forced the emotion away.

I sat carefully, unsure what my role was.

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