Page 87 of Love Is an Art
Zeke breaks first, busying himself with gathering up the mugs and closing down his laptop, not looking at me.
“I think we’ve done what we can for tonight. I’m going to bed,” he says. “My hotel room, I mean.” He practically runs out of the room.
I can’t help smiling as I get ready for bed.
My phone beeps.
Taylor:Mrs. Humming saw him come back tonight. We must have missed him leave on Saturday.
Me:Okay. Let’s try to follow him again this weekend.
And then another text pops up, this one from Jurgen.
Jurgen:The funding for the Misty Morano gallery show fell through. But don’t worry. I’m talking to another dealer I know. Can you meet this week?
Just like what happened with Yvette. Jurgen follows his script closely.
Me:Oh no! I’m so sad to hear that. Is there any chance still for the Misty Morano show? Thank you for talking to another dealer. Thank you! Thank you! Next week? I’m working overtime this week.
I text Miranda.
Me:Jurgen just texted that the Misty Morano show folded.
Miranda:Next up should be a Brazilian interested in your work!
Me:Let’s hope.
Miranda:What’s happening with Zeke? Is he being friendly?
Me:Yes.
Miranda:Are there sparks?
Me:Yes.
That flare of electricity in the elevator. Just now when he ran out of the room.
I might have a second chance.I’m afraid to get my hopes up.
Miranda:Are you being held hostage and can’t answer?
Me:I like him even more. Investigating together is fun.
Miranda:He should be so grateful to date someone like you. I have no patience if he holds our scammer investigation against you.
I send her a heart emoji back.
I turn off my phone and sink into the bed. The attraction is still there. And Zeke is not being cold and distant, so there’s progress.
More importantly, there’s progress on the investigation. Because if I don’t figure out if there’s fraud, that’s both of our career hopes dashed. Mine for the bonus. His for the transfer.
Chapter twenty-seven
Zeke
Wespendthemorningburied in piles of paper, reviewing the rest of the documents. I also start writing up the investment disclosure report, working with White & Gilman’s corporate team via email. All of the vendor services look legitimate, except for the interior decoration consulting and the location scouting. The scouting memo is basic and definitely not worth the price paid.
Tessa calls the couch company. She’s so cute when she speaks Spanish. The treasurer says that’s not their bank account number.
