“Let me translate what the note meant: we had an itch, and we scratched it. We were tiptoeing around each other with all the unresolved tension, and we solved it. Now we can go back to the way we were and just get this over with so we can return home and our routine, and there’s no need for a conversation over it.”
“That’s not—”
“I get it and I think this is the easiest way. So, why are we meeting up with the Rossi’s?”
The immediate change of topic gave him whiplash, but he recovered when she looked at him expectantly. He gawked back, unsure how the tide turned so fast and feeling like he had been hit with…something. But there was no time to recover as more footsteps perked his ears before the couple in question came traipsing in, looking like they already had a long day.
“We apologize for the delay,” Mr. Rossi greeted, features broody despite him trying to smile. “We got the news that our manager and another guard—”
“Eloped?” Edmund guessed.
“Why, yes. Initially, we assumed they took something with them, but everything here has been accounted for. So, eloping was the next guess.” The man sighed. “I should have known they were eyeing each other like that after I assigned him to her.”
“Assigned?” Alexa echoed.
“Yes. You see, our manager Rosette got a death threat after an argument with a client who wouldn’t take no for an answer when it comes to purchasing from us—even when the pieces he wanted were already sold or were reserved. Naturally, we want to protect our employees, so we assigned Basco to her in the meantime. It is complicated with her getting married and him poorer than dirt.”
“Julio, dear, don’t burden them with this trouble,” Mrs. Rossi chimed in, patting the older man’s back and beaming at the two. “Ed, what brings you here? You should be out to celebrate after such a positive reception to your pieces.”
“I want to buy the ocean painting back. If you will let me.”
Maybe approaching it point-blank was not the best approach, but he didn’t see any point in delaying it. He heard Alexa’s quiet gasp. He noted the gaping couple, who were quicker to recover as they studied him thoughtfully.
“If you were buying anything back, I was expecting it to be your latest work,” Mr. Rossi mused. “Why the ocean painting?”
“It wasn’t that important to me when I gave it out. But someone reminded me of how much it meant, and I realized that I wanted it to be part of my collection—to be reminded that I’m not the only one who sees myself.”
Mrs. Rossi smiled as if touched. Mr. Rossi titled his head. “There will be a process. Papers to sign, ownership transfer, and you might end up with a loss financially….”
“It doesn’t matter to me. What matters is having it.”
It didn’t take long to convince the two of his determination before the papers were signed and the painting was scheduled to be shipped to his office. When they left the museum, Alexa’s silence ended with an incredulous look.
“What was up with that?”
“I wanted the painting back.”
“Just like that?”
“Yes.”
Her brows furrowed. Her body vibrated with agitation. “Is that how it always is with you? You change your mind in the blink of an eye, and we are all just supposed to fall in line?”
“Alexa—”
“You know what, never mind.” She gulped in air, then exhaled it carefully. The tension left her shoulders. “Let’s just get on with our itinerary for the day. What’s next?”
“Meeting with Alishondra.”
The tension returned in a snap. “Seriously?”
“As it turns out, her father’s a collector and wants to see me. I would very much appreciate it if you came with me. He bought one of my old pieces a year ago and displayed it in their living room until his wife died. He requested to see the artist who made his wife happy when she was alive, so….”
She sighed, the argument leaving her stature. “Fine. Let’s go.”
Half an hour later, they were in a fancy living room bursting at the seams with art, from the paintings on the walls to the vases lined up on tables and the floor. Alishondra swept in wearing cream slacks and a blouse that swayed with her movement, just light enough to make him guess that she wasn’t wearing anything underneath. She greeted him with a kiss on the cheek and Alexa more coolly, then sat with him.
“I didn’t connect the dots until my father mentioned the painting in his living room, and I’mecstaticto discover it’s yours. I’m so glad you said yes to his request.”