Waiting for Mr. Darcy by Chamein Canton Read Free Book Online

mornings.
    â€œGabby?”
    Surprised to hear her name, Gabby turned around.
    It was Nigel Clark and he wasn’t wearing an Italian suit. He looked quite yummy in jeans and a fitted Polo shirt that drew attention to his toned arms and chest.
    â€œNigel. How nice to see you again.” They shook hands.
    â€œFancy meeting you here, Gabby. Are you out looking for undiscovered talent?”
    â€œSort of,” she said as she brushed her bangs from her eyes. “I like to get out of the gallery to see how new artists are pushing the boundaries.”
    He seemed impressed. “That’s nice to hear.”
    â€œNot all of us live in an ivory gallery,” she said jokingly.
    He laughed. “Do you mind if I join you?”
    â€œNot at all.”
    They started walking together.
    â€œSo you’re in my exhibition but I don’t know much about you. Tell me a little about yourself.”
    He paused for a moment. “I’m not sure there’s that much to tell.”
    â€œHumor me.” She smiled like a schoolgirl.
    â€œWell, for starters I’m an investment banker at Longford and Lowe.”
    â€œWow.” Color me surprised.
    â€œDoes that make me a bit strange?”
    â€œActually, it makes you an anomaly. Most of my artists take the starving part quite literally.”
    â€œIf it hadn’t have been for my parents, I might be one of them, too.”
    â€œHow did they feel about art?”
    â€œThey didn’t have any problems with me picking up a brush, but they told me I’d better have a day job to buy my supplies.”
    â€œSmart people, your parents.”
    â€œI know. What about you? What’s your medium?”
    â€œI wish I had the kind of talent it takes to create art.” She paused. “You know the saying those who can, do, those who can’t, teach?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIn my case it’s those who can’t do either help those who can.”
    â€œYour eye for talented artists is reflected in the gallery.”
    â€œI chose you, didn’t I?” She grinned.
    â€œWhile I believe that attests to your good taste,” he joked, “the fact is I’ve been to several exhibitions and I’ve always felt that way about your gallery.”
    How in the hell did I miss him? “Thank you, Nigel.”
    They were coming upon another row of artists. “It looks like we’ve hit the mother lode. Do you mind if I continue with you?”
    â€œNot at all.”
    The two went off at a leisurely pace until they were engulfed by a sea of people, only they didn’t seem to notice. It was as if they were the only two people in the world, which was pretty amazing, considering they were in the middle of Central Park on a beautiful Saturday.

Chapter 4
    Harrison finished setting the table for lunch while Alicia finished making one of Kurt’s favorite dishes, seafood jambalaya.
    Harrison took a whiff. “Mmm, it smells good in here.”
    â€œThanks.” She looked at the clock. “Kurt should be here any time now.”
    Before he could open his mouth, the doorbell rang. Besides his father’s good looks, Kurt had also inherited his knack for losing keys. Alicia had given him several keys over the years and he’d managed to lose every set. So he rang the bell like any other guest.
    â€œI rest my case.” She smiled as she removed her apron. “Just a minute!” She rushed to the door. There stood Kurt Jr., a carbon copy of his father with his light skin, soft curly hair and bright green eyes. At six feet, five inches, he towered over Alicia.
    â€œHey there, gorgeous.” She lit up.
    â€œHey, Mom.” He hugged her.
    â€œI’m so glad you’re here.” Alicia had her eyes closed and imagined him as a baby for a moment.
    â€œIs that jambalaya I smell?”
    Alicia grinned. As tall as he is, he’s still my baby. “Yes, it is.”
    â€œYou didn’t