Page 99 of Love Is an Art
“Is there a good way or a bad way?”
“You’re the one who wanted to date a ‘creative artist,’ my dear.” She makes air quotes with my hands. “You don’t think artists are a little crazy? Lawyers also have license to be crazy, although I prefer to call it creative.”
I shake my head. “Touché.”
She pulls a book out of her bag.
“You’re reading my dad’s book?” I ask.
“I thought I should.”
“I’m touched.”
“It’s gripping. I might finish it today. Except I’m afraid that I’ll get so involved, I’ll forget to look up and check if Howard has emerged. But your dad must also have a lot of creativity because these plot twists are clever.”
I smile. “You’re right. He’s a good crazy too.” I pull out my book, and we lean there, reading, looking up periodically to check the building entrance. It’s a comfortable feeling—to read side by side.
An hour passes. No Mr. Howard.
She bites her nail. “If you send me the photos, I’ll get them developed and mail them to Ms. Peres.”
“No, I’ll do it. It’s my reputation on the line. You’re lucky my sister made me take a photography class.”
“I’ll pay you back.”
“It was fun.” Our glances meet, and we both can't help grinning at each other. I look away first.
“Would you like some peanut M&Ms? I brought you your own pack.” She opens up her backpack.
“I was expecting a bit more exciting grub in your backpack than peanut M&Ms.”
"Peanut M&Ms are actually filling. I often rely on them when I have to work through a meal." She steps away from the wall and stretches. "I'm thinking that even if we snapped a picture of them together, it might not be so useful compared to the other stuff we have. And as you said, he could have just restarted this relationship. Should we get lunch? My treat. There's a deli on the corner. I can pick up sandwiches while you watch the building entrance."
"Sure." I give her my order. She waves goodbye and walks down the street toward the deli. Once she’s out of sight, I return to watching the building.
There’s Mr. Howard, leaving. I text Tessa.
Me:He left the building. Alone. I’m following.
Chapter thirty-two
Zeke
Mr.Howardentersthedeli—the same one Tessa disappeared into. The front window is plastered with sale signs, so I can’t see in. Ice cream is two-for-one. Huge posters announce reduced prices on rice, pasta, and beer. Another handwritten banner says: “Grab Your Goya Beans! On Sale Now.”
Do I follow?Tessa is already in there. We don’t need both of us. If I go in and he leaves immediately, it will look obvious if I follow him out. I bite my lip.
I should stay outside. Tessa can handle it. I retreat to wait for him or Tessa to emerge.
Me:He entered deli.
As if she doesn’t know.
Me:Are you ok?
No answer.
Maybe she can’t respond if she’s ordering or paying.
