Page 28 of Broken Pieces
He frowns, confusion plastering all over his face. “And? Why do you care what happens to that gallery?”
“I work for The Romano gallery now.” I bite my lip.
“What!?” he whisper-shouts.
“The offer was great, and honestly—”
He smacks the table, startling me. “Of course it was fucking great. Damian will trick anyone into anything. I can’t believe you let him buy you like that!”
I tilt my head, gaping at him.
Buy me?Who the hell does he think he is?
I grit my teeth. “First of all, I didnotlet him buy me. Or have you forgotten the name I’ve made for myself?”
He huffs. “Yeah, thanks to me!” he shouts, his face draining of color as he comes to the realization of the stupidity that came out of his mouth.
I shake my head in disbelief as I get up and grab my purse. “Wow, Alex. That was low, even for you.”
As I’m walking away, he gets up and grabs me by the forearm, dropping my purse in the process, all my stuff scattering all over the place.
I groan in frustration as I scrunch down, picking up my things. He leans down and helps me, putting my things back in my purse as he hands it back.
“Ari, I’m sorry. I wasn't thinking. You just really caught me off guard.”
As we’re getting up, I push his chest with one finger. “No, go ahead. Tell me how you really feel. Seriously, Alex, I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me, but all you did was teach me the ropes.Idid the rest.”
“I know. I’m sorry,” he pleads. “Please, let me make it up to you. You know I would do anything for you.”
I know he would, which is why what he said hurts even more. I’m not stupid. I know Alex has had a crush on me for years, which is ridiculous considering he literally slept with my best friend, but who am I to judge? It doesn’t change anything, because I’ve never seen him as more than a friend. A really good friend. The comment stings, because what if he’s right? What if the only reason I became such a famous curator is all because of him?
The logical part of me tells me that idea is simply ridiculous. Yes, he taught me everything he knew, but I found my own internships and connected with the right people. Notonly that, Damian fucking Romano hiredme. The pickiest man alive was so impressed with my work he decided to take a chance on me. But then, there’s that insecure little 12-year-old girl that has doubted every step I’ve taken, every choice I’ve made tells me that; yeah, he’s probably right. And it fucking hurts. My heart squeezes knowing that for better or for worse, my mother will always be right. The insecurities will cripple me when I least expect them and burst wide open.
I let out a defeating sigh. “Forget it, Alex.” Storming out of the restaurant, I’m fuming. My stomach is churning from hunger pains, and my mind's going a millions miles per hour. How fucking dare he? I’m insecure as it is when it comes to accepting any type of help and the one time I do, it bites me in the ass years later. I fucking swear, my luck is just like that.
Arriving at the gallery, it seems that everyone has left due to how quiet it is. Making my way upstairs, I enter Damian’s office without knocking. He’s sitting at his desk, with his arms crossed on top of it as he rests his head. I told him to go home, but leave it up to him to never listen to me. It’s like talking to a wall sometimes.
I let out a small fake cough and he startles, then looks up and rasps, “Hey.”
“Hey,” I say softly. “I thought I told you to go home.”
He laughs as he scrubs his eyes. “Well, good thing I’m the boss and I don’t have to listen to you.”
I roll my eyes. “I came in to tell you that I—” My phone pings.
I look at it; it's an email from Alex.
Fucking great. Wonder what the hell he wants now.
From: Alex Brown
To: Aria Petrov
Subject: Rome Meeting Details
Hey Dorky,
I was able to get in contact with one of my contacts from Rome, and they agreed to meet with you. Only catch is, both you and Damian Romano have to be at the meeting. Two days from today. I know it’s last minute, but take this opportunity. I know they only said yes because it’s Damian.
