Me And Mrs Jones Read Free Page B

everyone’s. She never knew that impressing the ‘right’ people was so important in the art world. Yeah, she knew drawing in a certain clientele would make or break her grand opening but getting a dedicated following along with a collector base almost left her in tears at one point.
    “Renee, what are you doing here? I thought you would be at Dana’s café since the tea you ordered has arrived. Dana called looking for you and I told her you weren’t here.”
    Spinning around, Renee stared at Cruz Martinez coming in her direction carrying a ladder with his left hand and a painting with his right. Cruz was one of the best employees she had working for her at Divine Design . He was truly the only person besides herself she would allow to deal with the more expensive paintings.
    “I was on my way there, but I decided to stop by the gallery first. I wanted to see if you had gotten the butterflies paintings hung up yet,” she said, sliding her hands into the pockets of her slacks.
    “No, they’re still in the back room. I wanted to get these new paintings by Romeo up first. You know how impatient he can get when his work isn’t on display within twenty-four hours after he gives it to us.”
    Renee nodded her head. Cruz was right. Romeo was an excellent artist with an outstanding eye for colors and details which was the only reason she put up with his craziness. Ninety-five percent of the time it was totally uncalled for. It shouldn’t matter if his paintings didn’t get out in the showroom within a time limit, but to him it did.
    “I’m sorry you have to deal with him so much lately. I know how demanding he can be,” Renee said. She knew that Cruz was patient, but Romeo’s diva attitude could push even the nicest person over the edge.
    “Oh, I don’t allow Romeo to get under my skin,” Cruz said placing the ladder against the wall. “You know how I am when it comes to a pretty face. I can overlook anything else. I think that may be one of the reason I’m constantly dating jerks.”
    Renee didn’t know why Cruz couldn’t find a good relationship because he was gorgeous with his olive complexion, dark sultry eyes and thick black hair showing off his Mexican heritage. He was almost walking perfection. It was just a shame she didn’t have what Cruz was looking for.
    “Well, at least you’ve been dating,” she sighed, taking her hands out of her pockets. “I can’t remember the last time I was out on a date. I keep pretending that I’m not looking for love or think about going out on a date with a hot guy. But it’s a lie I keep feeding myself to make it through the day so I don’t have to admit how truly lonely I am. How sad is that?”
    “Sweetie, I’m sorry to hear you’re still single and looking for love. I swear that asshole Robert should be shot for everything he put you through. At least, he’s gone out of your life for good and is getting what he deserves with that new wife of his.”
    Robert’s life and problems were no longer any of her concern. She’d learned a long time ago that her ex-husband was the type of man who always wanted the attention on him. It only took him cheating on her mixed with a heated divorce for her to figure his real personality out. God, she had been living with such blinders when it came to Robert and his dominating side.
    “Cruz, just let it go,” she sighed. “I’ve moved on. I’m stronger now than I have ever been before thanks to you and Dana. I still can’t believe I wasted all of those years listening to his bullshit!”
    Moving away from the ladder, Cruz came over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders in a comforting matter. “Renee, I think everyone once in their lives have either dated or been married to a guy like Robert. Of course, we never see what a jerk he really is until another person opens our eyes to it.”
    Renee smiled at Cruz and placed her hands on top of his. “You’re right. I guess I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I