“It will have to be early,” I said. “I have an appointment with the insurance valuers for the Pollocks. After that, I’ll get them appointed to Sotheby’s. Or…”
“Or what?”
“I could arrange an auction at the warehouse. For a tiny commission. Just enough to pay rent and cover costs.”
“You’ll get the market rate. You’ve got to survive, and it will put you on the map, won’t it?”
The sparkling blue sea came to view as we drove onto the coastal highway.
“It would help,” I said.
“Any news from your boss?”
“Florian’s nowhere to be found. The landlord arrived yesterday. Luckily, we’ve managed to set up a group show to cover the rent for the month.”
The group show, which was a great way to bring people into the space, felt more like a party. In many ways, it was to be a celebration of the new space. We’d decided to charge the artists rent rather than commission, and within a week, we’d signed up ample quality artists. It had almost been too easy.
“I’ll cover the costs of running the business until you’re able to make ends meet.”
“You would do that?”
“You betcha.” He smiled, bringing sunshine with him.
We arrived at the large estate and drove up the winding road past a line of poplars. The opulent honey-bricked mansion seemed to glow in the late-afternoon sun.
When Lachlan parked the car in the garage, the kids jumped out. Ava had a look of wonderment as if she’d stepped into one of her fairy tales. Manuel grabbed her hand as they ran to the pillared entrance of the enchanting two-story house.
Lachlan and I followed along the cobbled path. He smiled at me and took my hand.
Redolent of earth, salt, and flowers, the air kissed my cheeks.
Entering the house, I stepped onto a Persian rug in the hallway, clutching my arms.
“What’s the matter?” Lachlan asked.
“I’m expecting Britney to charge at me, making demands.”
Lachlan took me into his arms. “Don’t worry, sweetheart.” His lips brushed my cheek. “She’s not here. We’re alone. And you were here the other day.”
“I know. But we hung out in the back. The last time I entered through the front was when I worked here.”
“That’s the only good thing Britney has done: find you.”
“I don’t think she’d agree with that. She hates me,” I said.
“Don’t let her get to you,” he said.
The children came rushing in, and Manuel asked, “Can we watch television and have some ice cream?”
Lachlan smiled. He had a sweet way around the children. “Come with me.”
I was about to protest that they hadn’t eaten dinner yet but held back. Everything about that day was different.
The kitchen, with its marble benchtops and dark wooden cupboards, was as large as the home I shared with Harriet.
Lachlan brought out two ice cream cones from a box in the stainless-steel double-doored fridge and passed them to the children.
“They’ll be needing dinner,” I said.