Call It Business ( Book 3 of 'Call It' Series )

Chapter 18 | Family Business

The historical exhibit had seemed to become history itself after Macy returned to her usual style back by wearing her white, ripped jeans and navy crop top with short, puff sleeves and went downstairs to join the event.

Her new status as the owner of the hotel and Gerard Blanchard's wife had been spreading the salon like an unstoppable wildfire thanks to her fake husband announcing it in the lobby while carrying her to his suite in bridal style as if it was a casual Saturday night. She could tell it overshadowed the whole exhibit since the whispers and murmurs rose and were accompanied by not-so-subtle glances and points of the fingers in every direction she walked past.

She circumnavigated them, spending half an hour contemplating anthropology findings such as sculptures, prehistoric everyday objects that seemed to defy time and possess ancient power along with construction models brought together by archeologists. They were contracted to stay in Blanchard Hotel for two weeks due to their original section in the museum going through last-minute maintenance. However, standing in front of a massive pedestal and entering a staring contest against the worn-out eyes of the giant head made out of stone almost 3000 years ago, Macy couldn't help but feel like... Gods, these things might be seriously cursed, and that's what she loved about them.

She was pretty sure this very sculpture of a head knew she was in big trouble.

It was quite funny, actually. Someone got very bored in ancient times and carved this entity-like-head out of basalt boulders, according to the silver plaque under it, and now it traveled in space and time to watch her annoy the hell out of Judith Blanchard, who was missing since the incident in the lobby.

Just like her fake husband, who had tossed her onto the bed as if she weighed nothing and told her that he was going to meet her downstairs.

Yet, she couldn't manage to catch a glimpse of a familiar face in this massive salon crowded with archaeology enthusiasts and the people who acted like archaeology enthusiasts in haute couture gowns and custom suits.

This ominous stone head seemed like her only friend, who definitely saw her soul and understand it, judging from the bored gaze he was firing at her.

"He reminds me of a guy I've been seeing during the summer," A honeyed voice murmured next to her in audible boredom, causing a chuckle to bubble up in her throat, "My less favorite. Oddly, he is into history too."

Pressing her lips together and holding back a laugh, Macy flipped the coin and shot the woman a sidelong look. She must have been around Judith's age, Macy guessed as her gaze subtly scanned her new company's chiseled side profile carved from the warmest ivory, getting easily distracted by the diamond hairclips adorning her blonde hair through her elegant bun. A suit black jacket hung over her shoulders, underlining her knee-length, sleeveless crimson dress completed with a black belt.

Macy absently wondered if the reason she was talking to her was a consequence of witnessing the big scene the villain had made at the entrance, but then again, she had shown no signs except boredom.

"Maybe, it's him and he is a time traveler," Macy gave her a little shrug and played along, shifting her pensive eyes to the sculpture again.

"That would explain those long, business trips," The woman commented idly, although the tiniest note of amusement made it into her voice.

"I'm suspecting mine loves the Houdini act, judging from the number of times he disappears," Macy mumbled, toying with the coin as she felt the woman's amused gaze on herself.

"That's an interesting quality," The woman replied, her lips quirking, "Does it upset you?"

"I don't know," Macy breathed out, knowing better than opening up to a stranger but feeling desperate enough for someone to talk to as her gaze kept scanning the sculpture's judgy gaze, "Sometimes I'm thinking that it proves my theory."