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

Chapter 18 | Family Business

"And what theory would that be?" Mrs. Time-Travelers-Girfriend inquired without a pause, not beating around the bush like most people would do as the firm note of her voice proved that she was curious about it.

Throwing and catching the coin in a swift motion, Macy decided to pay back for the secret the woman provided her by talking about her ex-boyfriend and replied, "It's complicated, but it feels like when you are on a rollercoaster and know the exact place and second it will go down, but you get on it anyway." Taking her eyes off the sculpture for one second, she fired a lopsided smirk at the woman's vague frown as her hectic mind continued to ramble, "It doesn't ruin the exhilaration of the ride and makes you want to do it all over again. I guess that's why I –"

A soft laugh cut off Macy's words as the woman tipped her head back, "Darling," She drawled in amusement, waving her gloved hand in a dismission, "Illusionists reappear and rollercoasters go up again. It's part of the fun." She chuckled with wide green eyes, "Savor it, add your own twists, pray that it never ceases. Would you rather be on a boring bus ride? I was on one once and let me tell you, that thing is soul-sucking."

Oh. She had never thought of it that way.

That sounded... true and oddly comforting.

"Although," The woman continued, unfazed by the funny puzzlement gracing Macy's features as she gestured her gloved hand to the sculpture, "Right now it sounds more exciting than whatever we are doing here."

Macy didn't agree with that, considering the only reason she wasn't having fun was because of her fake husband's mysterious disappearance. If she hadn't been so busy contemplating that, she could have brought an EMF meter to see which objects were hunted and which were not. Hah, there is no way the owner of that 3000-year-old stone necklace over there wasn't with them right now.

"If you don't like the exhibit, then why are you here?" Macy questioned even if she knew the answer and guessed that she was about to get a lie.

"Same with everyone else." The woman shrugged before adjusting her jacket over her shoulders absently, "Maintaining appearances, getting the latest rumors, meeting new people."

Her lips twisted, "But you are admitting it aloud. Not everyone would do that."

"What will they do? Escort me out?" She inquired, definitely enjoying the idea since a ghost of a smirk tugged the corner of her lips when her green eyes shifted to Macy, "If you ask me, it's their fault. Judy should have sent these invitations to the people, who are actually interested in the subject, not –" She paused to gesture around vaguely, "Whoever she sent to."

"You are right," Macy agreed with a nod, flipping the coin, "But the opening nights are for the publicity and getting the attention by using the participation of the big names, who already have an audience –"

Oh no.

She sounded like Jeff Wallace.

She didn't want to sound like Jeff Wallace.

Why did she sound like Jeff Wallace?

As the panic was flaring up on her body, and a new existential crisis rushed through her like a giant wave, Macy concluded that the woman read it just fine since she watched the play of emotions on her face with unconcealed amusement glowing on her warm ivory features.

"Trust me, darling," The woman chuckled, "I can post a picture of myself standing right in front of that giant jade mask over there, and I still won't draw any attention here." She raised her eyebrows knowingly, "However, invite my ex-boyfriend and get him to post a picture, his history enthusiasts friends will drop everything to rush into this salon throughout the week."