Page 16 of The Artist

“How should I know what you want or why you’re here?Whatever the reason, your time here is over.”

Peter nodded his head once and turned toward the door.“You’ll regret making an enemy of me, Horace.I have a lot of power in the art world.”

“I doubt it, Mr.Kincaid.I greatly doubt it.”

Peter exited the building.He knew The Armstrong Gallery was only three doors down.They actually shared the parking lot along with the other four businesses in this strip.But he didn’t think she would be eager to see him.Should he wait until she’d cooled down or get it over with now?

Alexis stormed backto her gallery.How could Peter do that?How could he be fraternizing with the enemy?He knows how I feel about Horace.The fact that the man had let himself go didn’t make a difference.He was a cheat and a liar before he’d stopped going to the gym and gained his belly.I wonder whether Pamela is still with him.I bet she’s not.She was all about appearances, and Horace obviously isn’t.

She stomped past the minimalist paintings and back to her office.She should have just texted Peter, but she had to see for herself.Had to know if he was at Horace’s.But to what end?She’d only made herself mad.Tempted just to close the gallery, she shook out her arms and tried to relax as she sat behind her desk.Her computer was still on, and when she moved the mouse, QuickBooks popped up.“Ugg, I can’t believe I still have to finish the bills for this month.”She was glad no one was there to hear her curse as she shook her fist at the laptop screen.

She was concentrating on the accounting when she heard the front doorbell ring.“Be right there,” she called as she hurried out of her office.

She came to a screeching halt when she saw the well-dressed woman in a sleek business suit.The woman took business attire to a new level in Aspen.Most businesses were more laid back with casual Friday now casual weekday.“Pamela, To what do I owe thepleasure?”Disdain dripped from her mouth as she spoke the words.

“Oh, Alexis I’m glad you’re here.I was afraid it was Heather’s day to work.”She hurried forward, stopping in front of Alexis.

“Why would you care?Is there something else of mine you want to take?”

Pamela tilted her head, her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulder.“Oh, don’t be like that.You know that Horace didn’t love you.He only used you.This is better for everyone all around.”

Alexis crossed her arms over her chest.“You were my best friend.You were there when Jim died.You and Joey were all I had.But you know what?You’re right.It did turn out best for me.I found out about that lying, cheating asshat before something tragic happened, like I married him.So, thank you for that.”

Pamela grinned.“You’re welcome.”

She is so dense.She actually believes I’m serious.I can’t believe we were ever best friends.Alexis thought about disgusting Horace.Unbidden, Peter’s kiss came to mind.Her fingers tingled as she remembered running them through his hair.

Almost smiling, she suddenly remembered seeing him in Horace’s gallery.Why would he do that?What was he really doing?Was he checking out his gallery to find out how to improve hers?She wanted to believe that…more than anything.But she’d been lied to and cheated on before by Ed and by Horace, that it made it difficult for her to trust a man, even one like Peter Kincaid.

“Alexis.Alexis!”Pamela snapped her fingers in front of Alexis’s face.“Are you in there?”

Shaking her head to clear it, she took a deep breath.“Yes, I’m fine.Just thinking about last weekend, that’s all.”

Pamela huffed out a breath.“Well, I was talking to you about Horace.You need to stay away from him.I saw you coming out of his gallery.You have to realize he’s mine now.You threw him away and I caught him.So just stay away.”Her eyes narrowed.“You won’t like what happens if you don’t”

Alexis’s eyes widened upon hearing the ridiculous threat.“Are you insane?”She held up her right hand extended her index finger.“First, he dumped me…for you if you remember.Second,” her middle finger ticked up.“I don’t want Horace.I’m not sure I ever wanted Horace.He caught me at a vulnerable time and played me.I won’t ever let that happen again.”

“It better not.”Pamela shook her finger.“You just stay away.”

“Oh, believe me, I will.”She thought of Peter.Was he playing her?But to what end?I have nothing he needs or could possibly want.Do I?