Fifty-five
Jacket slouched against a wall in the crowded entry gallery of the Carnegie. He decided that gazing dejectedly into his Yuengling and looking like he was passing a kidney stone was more effective than he’d expected at keeping people at bay.
“Jesus, you look like shit.”
Well, most people. He turned. It was Anastasia, looking like a cross between a real bad Idol contestant and a Knight of the Round Table. Christ Almighty, where did she get this stuff?
“Gee, thanks,” he said.
“And don’t bother adding I do too. I already know it.”
“What? No,” he said. “You look great. Ready for battle.”
She blew her nose, hard, into a napkin. Her eyes were red.
“Damned allergies,” she said. “Have you seen Cam? When is she coming down?”
“Yes, and I don’t know. Why?”
“I think you’re going to want to stick close to her this weekend. She’s going to need a lot of support.”
“Really? Why’s that?”
“I’m going to be named executive director.”
“That’s been announced?” Jesus, what an ego. Missed her calling. Should have been an artist.
“No. But it will.”
He gave her a look. “I wouldn’t count my chickens.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I dunno. Surprising things happen sometimes. For example, tonight. Cam dumped me.” He took a long pull of beer.
“What?”
“For that bloke.” He gestured to Peter Lely, who was prowling the opposite corner of the room.
“Shit.”
He frowned. “What’s it to you?”
“Loyalty, my friend. You know I’ve always been your number one fan.”
He wondered if he’d had too much to drink. He swore he saw fangs when Anastasia smiled. “I’m sure she’s better off.”
Anastasia snorted. “Is he still passing himself off as Peter Lely?”
“Funny thing about that. It turns out he’s a hell of a painter. Could probably pass himself off as anyone if he put his mind to it—Jesus.”
“What?”
“Look at her.”
Cam was floating down the stairs like a blossom down a lazy stream. His gaze cut to Lely, who was watching her too. “Belle of the ball.”
Anastasia sniffed. “Prosaic.”
“Call me crazy. I like that kind of prose.”
Jacket turned to see if his rival was equally impressed, but Lely had disappeared.