“I sure have. I even have a name for it. ‘Indulgence.’ People need to indulge themselves from time to time. We could do packages and cross-promotions. I know it’s a big idea, especially when we haven’t known each other very long. But I think it could work. I think it could be great. Just look at it before you say no.”

“I’d like to see it,” Dana said. “I’m miserable at work. And what’s the point of being miserable?”

Malory could almost see the energy and enthusiasm for the idea pumping off Zoe in waves. There were a dozen rational comments she could make to point out why it wasn’t just a big idea but a messy one.

She didn’t have the heart to do that, but she felt obliged to ease carefully back. “I don’t want to muck things up, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to be asked to come back to The Gallery. In fact, my old boss called this afternoon and asked if I’d come in and speak with him tomorrow.”

“Oh. Well. That’s great.” Zoe stepped behind Malory’s chair, began to run her fingers through Malory’s hair to get a feel for the weight and the lines. “I know you love working there.”

“It was like home.” Malory lifted a hand, covered one of Zoe’s. “I’m sorry. It did sound like a good idea. A fun one, but—”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Hey.” Dana waved a hand. “Remember me? I’m still interested. I can take a look at the place tomorrow. Maybe we can make it work between the two of us.”

“Great. Mal, let’s wet down your hair.”

She felt too guilty to argue, and with her hair dampened, she sat stoically while Zoe snipped.

“I’d better tell you both why I went by the newspaper this morning to see Flynn, to whom I’m no longer speaking.”

Zoe continued to snip as she told them about the painting in The Gallery and her belief that it was done by the same artist.

“You’ll never guess who bought it,” she continued. “Jordan Hawke.”

“Jordan Hawke?” Dana all but squeaked. “Goddamn it, now I want chocolate. You must have some.”

“Emergency supply, deli drawer of the fridge. What’s the problem?”

“We were semi-involved a million years ago. Damn it, damn it, damn it,” Dana repeated as she yanked open the drawer and found two bars of Godiva. “Godiva’s your emergency chocolate?”

“Why not have the best when you’re feeling your worst?”

“Good point.”

“You were involved with Jordan Hawke?” Zoe wanted to know. “Romantically?”

“It was years ago, when I was still young and stupid.” Dana unwrapped the bar, took a big bite. “Bad breakup, he took off. End of story. Bastard, creep, asshole.” She took another bite. “Okay, I’m done.”

“I’m sorry, Dana. If I’d known . . . Well, I don’t know what I’d have done. I need to see the painting.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’m over him. I’m so over him.” But she picked up the chocolate bar again, had another bite.