My vision blurs, and I blink away the tears, smiling automatically.
“The last of the series,” Jarvis announces.
I look at Blake’s portrait. He’s younger, his lines softer. At first glance, it looks like he’s a hard-core jerk—unsmiling lips, jaw tightly set. But his eyes glimmer with empathy and a firm sense of responsibility.
What would Grandpa have seen if he’d met Dominic?
I’ll never know. We had the chance, but it didn’t work out.
I run a reverent hand along the thick, ornate frame around my portrait, then place a light kiss on it and take another look at the canvas.
After a long moment, I tell Jarvis, “Pack my painting.”
I’m hiding a kernel of sadness behind that smile, but I tell myself it’s okay. I’ve given up my dream, but I’m doing worthwhile projects, helping people, making a difference. It’s enough.
I just need some time away from prying eyes to mourn and pull myself together. And I know the perfect place.
Chapter Forty
Dominic
Kristen pushes her pasta around. She hasn’t touched any of the garlic bread I made, either.
“What’s wrong?” I ask. “They’re your favorite.”
“I know.” She sighs.
“Are you dieting?”
“Me?” She puts a hand on her chest. “Are you kidding? You know I have to eat.” And unlike many, she has a fast-burning metabolism that keeps her fashionably skinny.
“So what’s the problem?”
I haven’t seen her since Thanksgiving. She braved the crowds to shop on Black Friday—shudder—and stayed with some friends a few nights.
“Nothing,” she answers quickly.
“Kristen. You’re a terrible liar.” I narrow my eyes. “Is it a guy?”
She chokes. “No! Of course not! No way. I’m too busy for guys.”
“Riiiight.”
She gulps down her wine, then suddenly asks, “Are you still mad at Liza…I mean, Elizabeth?”
I go still. “Why do you ask?”
“It’s just…” She frowns, biting her lower lip. “I heard from Brian you went to Hawaii with her. You got my shirt and note, right?”
Placing my fork on the table, I lean back. “And?”
“I figured you wouldn’t do that if you were still upset with her.”
“It isn’t that simple.” I’ve been thinking about our last meeting and what she said then.
We won’t owe each other anything.
The more I think about it, the more it sounds like “We’re through.”