Page 92 of Love Unscripted
“Really? Which one?”
Camille glanced over at Aaron, who was animatedly commenting on the football. “The one of him.”
“Oh. That was returned.”
“What? Why?”
“The person who ordered it apparently didn’t have the money. She made a down payment, but when the deadline passed she couldn’t pay the remainder, so it was returned.”
“They didn’t tell me. I asked the attendant at the gallery to inform me if anything changed. She didn’t contact me.”
Alexandra shook her head. “This only unfolded late last week, so perhaps they are planning to contact you this week. Just give me your address and contact information and I’ll make sure they reach out to finalize the purchase.”
“Oh, thank you so much. I really appreciate that. I love that painting. You did such an amazing job reflecting Aaron’s personality. Can you keep the purchase a secret? I want to surprise him.”
Alexandra nodded. “Sure and thanks for the compliment. He’s fun to paint. He may be better at taking direction than giving it.”
Camille shook her head. “Listen, I was only kidding back there. Aaron is a terrific director. I was the one who was a pain to direct—but we worked it out in the end.”
Dana laughed. “We know. Robert gave us the rundown.” Then she grew serious. “Thank you for what you’ve done for him.”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s been a light missing from his eyes for a while. It has reappeared since you. I am so grateful he has found love again.”
The evening unfolded beautifully—more games as a family, then one of Robert’s classic movies. He sat cuddled up with Dana, while Camille and Aaron sat close together, sharing popcorn, nachos with cheese, and coffee.
At the end of it all, Aaron walked her to the door.
“I feel as though I should drive you home,” he lamented.
“And do what with my car?”
“I’ll let one of my brothers drive it behind me. That’s what.”
She laughed, leaning into him as his arms enveloped her. “No, that’s not necessary, Aaron. I’ll be fine.”
“I really missed you at church today,” he said into her hair. “I almost left to go pick you up. I didn’t even care if some paparazzo saw us anymore. Hang them.”
Her heart began to thud in her chest. What would have happened if Aaron had turned up at her house and she wasn’t there?
Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
The saying echoed in her mind.
Perhaps he felt the tension in her body, because he leaned back and searched her face.
“Are you okay?”
She swallowed and nodded. “Yeah. I’m fine. I’m probably just tired.”
“That’s it. I’m calling Damian. I am not letting you drive home tired.”
She chuckled, shaking her head. “I’m not too tired to drive home, Aaron. I promise. Plus, it’s only twenty minutes. I’ll be there in no time.”
With a reluctant sigh, he let her get into the car. “Call me as soon as you get home, alright?”
“Yes. I will,” she said, meeting his lips as he leaned down and gave her a searing kiss.
