Treasured by Sherryl Woods Read Free Book Online Page B

saw for yourself how difficult Ben can be. I doubt you’ll be able to talk him into a show quickly enough,” Destiny said.
    It was obvious to Kathleen that Destiny was deliberately misunderstanding her question. “I agree, but there is another Carlton artist who’s quite good.” She met Destiny’s gaze evenly. “And I think she owes me one, don’t you?”
    Destiny returned her gaze without so much as a flicker of an eyelash. “Why on earth would I owe you anything, my dear?”
    “You got me out to your nephew’s house under false pretenses, didn’t you?”
    “False pretenses?” Destiny echoed blankly. “I don’t understand.”
    The woman was good, no doubt about it. She almost sounded convincing, and she’d managed to look downright wounded.
    “It was never about Ben’s art, was it?” Kathleen pressed. “You simply wanted me to meet him.”
    “And now you have,” Destiny said brightly, as if attaching no significance to that meeting besides the obvious contact with an artist. “I’m sure in time you can persuade him to let you sell his paintings.”
    “How do I know there are more paintings?” Kathleen asked. “I never got to see them.”
    Destiny didn’t look a bit uncomfortable at that reminder. “Yes, well, the timing seemed to be a bit off, after all. Perhaps in a few days or a few weeks things will settle down a bit and you can go back out there. I’d recommend waiting until after the first of the year.”
    “Nearly six weeks? My, my. Ben must be mad as hell at your scheming,” Kathleen guessed.
    Destiny waved off the suggestion. “He’ll get over it. Just give him a little time.”
    “Which I don’t have. I need something new and exciting to promote before Christmas.” She gave Destiny another piercing look. “A few pieces by Destiny Carlton would be a huge draw before the holidays. We could do a lovely reception.”
    “Absolutely not,” Destiny said flatly. “I no longer show my work.”
    “Just like someone else in the family,” Kathleen scoffed. “Why not? I know you’re good, Destiny. You’ve let me see your paintings.”
    “Painting was something I did professionally years ago. Now I merely dabble.”
    “The way Ben claims to dabble?”
    “Ben’s a genius!” Destiny said fiercely. “Concentrate on winning him over, my dear, and forget about me.”
    “Hard to do, when you’re here and he’s not.”
    “He’ll come around in time. In the meantime, I’m sure you’ll find something wonderful for the gallery for the holiday season,” Destiny said. “Even at the last second, there are dozens of local artists who’d be thrilled by an invitation to show their works here. Ask one of them. They’ll accept. You’re very persuasive, after all.”
    Kathleen gave her a wry look. “I don’t seem to be doing so well with you. Maybe all Carltons are immune to my charms.”
    “Maybe you simply need to formulate a new strategy and try a little harder,” Destiny advised. Her expression turned thoughtful. “My nephew has a sweet tooth. Since you bake all those delicious little pastries you serve at your events here, I’m sure you could use that skill to your advantage.”
    Apparently satisfied that she’d planted her seed for the day, Destiny glanced at her watch and feigned shock. “Oh, dear, look at the time. I’m late. I just wanted to stop by and tell you how delighted I was to see that review and to tell you again that I’m so glad you were able to join us yesterday.”
    “Thanks for including me,” Kathleen said, giving up the battle of wits with Destiny for now. A retreat seemed in order, since it seemed unlikely she’d be able to change Destiny’s mind.
    “I really enjoyed meeting the rest of your family,” she added with total sincerity, “Beth and Melanie especially. Chatting with them was very enlightening.”
    Destiny gave her a sharp look. “Don’t believe everything you’re told, Kathleen.”
    Kathleen chuckled at her worried expression.