Lured into Love (Blossom in Winter #2) - Melanie Martins Page 0,94
for a beat before asking, “And for how much? Any idea?”
My smile grows larger at his curiosity, and after pondering for an instant, I say, “Eh, maybe two or three million.”
I see him nod, engrossed in his thoughts. “And are you looking for private or institutional investors?”
“It will depend on the deal, to be honest.”
“Well, if you’re interested in private investors, by all means…” And he takes a business card from his wallet before handing it to me. “I’d be more than happy to contribute.”
“Oh, thanks.” I wonder what my dad’s told him about my fund, but based on Mike’s willingness, he must have made a pretty good pitch.
“Are you planning to operate from a separate entity, or is your fund under Gatt-Dieren Capital?”
“Um, the fund is independent. Gatt-Dieren Capital doesn’t own it, but Alex is one of the partners,” I disclose. Although it hurts like hell having to mention him.
Mike seems to be quite surprised. “Oh, so Van Dieren is also involved?”
Maybe Dad didn’t tell him that part. And as much as I hate to admit it, I say, “On paper, yes.”
“Hey…” Matthew steps up, holding two flutes. And thank God for him doing so! “There was only champagne, sorry.”
“Oh, thanks.” I grab my flute and introduce Matthew to Mike. “Matthew, this is Mike Steinberg, COO of Gatt-Dieren, and his girlfriend, Jenny. Mike, Matthew Bradford, a friend of mine.”
“Hey, nice to meet you.” Matthew shakes their hands, and after some small talk, we leave them behind in order to see the rest of the exhibit. We then stop walking and stand quietly, admiring another painting.
“Can I ask you something?”
His question breaks our comfortable silence, and, as I take a sip from my flute, I say, “Sure…”
“Um, sorry for my curiosity, and don’t feel obligated to reply, but why are you still wearing your engagement ring?”
“Oh…” His question is totally unexpected, but I guess quite legitimate. And as I’m thinking of an answer, I look ahead at the painting and just bluntly say, “I guess a part of me hasn’t moved on.”
Glancing quickly at his face, I see his brows rising, but he takes a blatant minute before saying anything else in return. “I’m sorry for what he did.” Matthew’s tone is so caring that it warms up my heart, and a small smile curves my lips. But I remain speechless and keep admiring the painting. There is nothing else to say if not agree with him. “Do you think he will come back?”
I can’t help but let out a deep, long sigh as I ponder his new question. This time, though, I take bit longer to answer. “Well, technically he’s got business in Manhattan, so he has to come back. The question is would he come back for me?” As I look again at the painting hanging on the wall, I add, “I don’t want to know. It’s better not to.” Jeez, it feels so odd to be here with Matthew and have Alex be the center of our conversation. I’m trying to get him out of my system, but it’s not easy when someone is reminding you constantly about the person you love.
Matthew continues observing me attentively, before crossing the line and asking, “How did you guys meet?
Tired of his little inquisition, I decide to expose the wicked truth to him once and for all. So, I look him straight in the eye and say, “He’s my godfather.”
“What?” he gasps instantly at my reply, blinking twice. And his outrage makes me crack a laugh as I revel in it.
“Yep, we met at the church for my baptism.”
“You can’t be serious…” He is now left totally speechless, and I can’t help but keep giggling at his expression. “Oh, wow… Now I understand why you are so, like, into him.”
“It’s weird, I know,” I tell him without even trying to argue my case. “It’s a nasty kind of love. The kind you can’t escape from even if you want to,” I shamelessly admit.
“Do you think he’s already moved on?”
“I hope not,” I reply bluntly. “I hope deep down he’s plotting something against my parents.” Then I chuckle at how absurd I must sound. “It’s ridiculous, I know… I just, um… I just can’t accept the idea that he won’t fight for us.” I decide to take another sip of my champagne, trying to conceal the nostalgia that is taking over me.
“Well, if what your mom has against him can land him in jail… maybe it’s not worth fighting.”