Page 130 of Fresh Canvas
Slight amusement played on his lips. “Amantha, this wasyouridea.”
“I know, I’m just panicking. What are you going to tell her? About why you’re here?”
Val shrugged. “I’ll tell her we’re friends. Friends hang out. Maybe I wanted to tag along to see Barbara again, you know, for old time’s sake.”
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
I exhaled a shaky breath and nodded to Val, who knocked.
A few seconds later, Barbara swept open the door with a wide, red-lipsticked smile.
“Amantha! It’s so good to see you again!”
I was again struck at how beautiful she was. Her coiled black hair had been swept low into a bun. Pearl earrings dripped from her earlobes, framing her ebony face, which had barely aged. The ivory cashmere set she wore enveloped me in a hug.
Criminal or not, I couldn’t prevent the wave of affection washing over me. I owed so much to Barbara. Even if she was guilty, could I really send her to prison?
“It’s wonderful to see you, too.” I returned the hug with a soft smile.
“And... My word! Val Russo?”
“Hello again, Barbara. It’s been too long.” Val’s charisma turned on automatically, a charming grin rounding the corner of his mouth.
Barbara laughed and clapped her hands. “What a blast from the past! Come in, come in!” She invited us into an opulent sitting room.
I took in the space. It looked warm and inviting but felt strangely impersonal for some reason.
Settling onto a plush loveseat, I realized it was because there weren’t any mementos scattered about. No family pictures, trinkets, or heirlooms. Barbara had always been private about her personal life, and I had always wondered why. Had she really been alone all these years?
“So what brought you two together?” Her amber eyes shone with curiosity.
Val joined me on the loveseat. “We were coworkers for a while at the museum, but Amantha’s too talented to stay on. So, we’re just friends now.” He rested his elbows on his knees, catching up with Barbara like long lost friends.
How is he so good at this?
I watched Val in my periphery.
Gratitude for his offer to come filled my lungs with relief. His ability to navigate complicated situations was invaluable.
Maybe we could be friends after all? I mean, I could have a sexy man friend that dripped with magnetism and kissed like the world was on fire, couldn’t I?
A small smile lifted my mouth.
“Friends, are you?” Barbara winked at me like she had read my thoughts. She chuckled, “Oh, don’t seem so surprised, Amantha! I’ve seen that look before, remember? Though I’m guessing things didn’t work out with your husband?”
I blushed furiously, both from Barbara’s brash comment and anger with myself for my stupidly expressive face. Ignoring Val’s curious eyes on me, I schooled my expression into a calm smile.
“Um, no, not exactly,” I said.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Boy, was he gorgeous. Of course, no offense to you, Val.” She tipped a wrist toward him with a cheeky grin.
“None taken.” He leaned back against the loveseat’s cushion with an easy smile. Val could have charmed the snake, the basket,andthe man with a flute and they’d all still ask for more.
“Well, congratulations! I must say you make an adorablecouple.” Her gaze flicked between us, seeming genuinely happy about our “relationship.”
My breath hitched as Val draped a casual arm around my shoulders. We were dating, in this fake scenario, at least. A real couple wouldn’t shy away from some PDA.
I reluctantly leaned my body into his, keeping a soft smile glued to my face.
