Chapter 38: A Stolen Moment

“Oh, look, Maya. This painting intrigues me too,” Cookie said loudly as she approached George’s cityscape. “I have the perfect spot for it.”

“What a waste,” Angela complained to George with a grimace. It was getting late in the evening and they were sitting at a small circular table near the bar. “That piece deserves better than Cookie. It will probably burst into flames when she touches it."

“Sorry, Mrs. Graystone,” Peter said, swooping in to take her elbow with his most accommodating smile. “That particular piece is taken, but I have some others on this wall I think you’ll find interesting.”

“Are you sure?” Cookie asked, levelling her eyes at Angela. “I’m willing to double the price. I also have two other paintings on hold.”

“Oh, that’s very kind of you,” George said, abandoning Angela and joining Peter at Cookie’s side. “You flatter me.”