Page 20 of Fanning the Flames

“Definitely not.”

“So much drama.” Sadie shook her head. “I’m glad to be the boring, settled-down couple.”

“Me, too.”

She gave Joan the smile that pinched her heart every single time. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

They leaned in and met for a soft kiss. Then grinned and kissed again.

“Yas, girls!” someone called nearby. “You get that!”

They broke apart to see a curvy Black drag queen in fuchsia sequins on the way to a gig.

“Hey, gorgeous,” Sadie said. “You want to grab something before you dazzle the crowd? Our truffle fries will change your life.”

“Will they get me a man and a million dollars?” the queen said.

“We can give you a portion big enough to share with a special someone. Who might be a millionaire.”

“Then hell yes.”

For not the first time, Joan enjoyed watching Sadie make a customer feel special. She chatted and laughed with the fabulous queen as she rang up the order.

Sadie really was the best. Nothing was going to hurt her. Not with Joan around.

CHAPTER4

The Vector City Museum of Art had always been one of Sadie’s favorite places to visit while growing up in West Vector. She’d imagine something she created in one of its collections someday.

She had not imagined spending the afternoon admiring those collections with Perry, knowing full well he’d robbed this place more than once. At least he wasn’t one to kiss and tell. Joanie and Mark were out in the suburbs on a Monday supply run to Cost Club. It was finally time to give in to Perry’s badgering and discuss plans for her café.

They studied a swirly Impressionist landscape of an autumnal field. One corner of Perry’s mouth quirked up.

“You do love a good landscape,” Sadie said. Most of the paintings in his condo were of countryside or water scenes.

“I appreciate how they capture the movement and colors of nature in a single moment.”

“This one makes me want to zip up my coat and have a warm beverage.”

“It’s a fake.”

“Really?” Sadie considered the oil on canvas. “How can you tell?”

“The strokes are too deliberate. The artist’s name is visible above the frame, which is something he would never do.” Perry paused. “I may also know the whereabouts of the original.”

“This isn’t one you…”

“I don’t have it, but I’ve seen it. It’s in good hands.” Perry glanced at her, then refocused on the painting. “If it makes it any better, this has always been the one on display. It’s good work. The artist should be celebrated.”

“I’m not sure that makes it better,” Sadie told him.

Perry simply headed out of the Impressionist gallery. Sometimes knowing about the exploits of Breeze, Spark and Ice made her feel icky. But they didn’t hide the truth from her.

They walked to the café tucked in the back corner of the museum. Perry flashed his membership card to the hostess and was granted access to the staircase leading to the members-only area. She liked that he supported the museum with his membership dues. Perry understood the value of art and preserving it.

“I’ve never been up here,” Sadie said.

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