Page 11 of Wicked Design
“Bottom left drawer.”
Jasmina handed one to Clover. “Check it out. That’s the old Van Gogh.”
His bald noggin resembled a newborn’s. His scraggly goatee wouldn’t win any awards. And his bod… He’d been as skinny as Clover, as narrow, too, making him seem like a teen rather than a man. She smiled. “Aw, he was cute.”
Jasmina laughed. “You got it worse than bad.”
“I’m being honest. He’s the same guy now as he was back then, just bulked up, along with some hair.” Not to mention hotter than sin. Her stomach twisted. “Did a woman cause him to change? He fell in love with her? She dumped him because she didn’t like how he looked?” He still wanted her and hit the gym, hoping that would do the trick?
Molly threw her pacifier out of the playpen.
Lauren’s shoulders sagged. “Sweetie, you know you’re not supposed to do that.”
She used an all-natural, nontoxic baby wipe to clean the nipple and popped it back into her daughter’s mouth. “My guess is inking in the front window encouraged Van Gogh to work out, though not because he wants to attract babes like the other artists do. Van Gogh’s too quiet for that, but he is human. We all want to look our best and be like everyone else, not the odd man out. I think his goal was to blend in so he could relax in front of an audience.”
“You mean pretending they’re not there.”
“Exactly.” Jasmina crossed her legs. “But only because he’s not confident yet. If he were, he’d be showing off. Trust me, you came at the right time. Snag him quick and mold him to your specifications before he gets a swelled head.”
And she’d lost her one chance, because she couldn’t possibly compete with real babes. Clover rubbed her temple. “I don’t want to snag, trap, or con him. I suck at stuff like that with guys. I simply want him to want me for who I am. Imperfect, I know, but still—”
“Hey, hey, hey.” Lauren smacked Clover’s knee. “You’re beautiful. Before I met Dante, I would have sold my soul to have your figure. With your looks you could be a high-fashion model.”
“Yeah, I know. They look like twelve-year-old boys. Maybe I should work out where Van Gogh does.”
“You should be looking forward to tonight. Are you cooking for him?”
Clover laughed, surprised she could, given her anxiety. “If I knew how to, I would. I thought we’d get a pizza on the way. Doesn’t he like that?”
“It’s one of his staples when he eats here, but not good enough for your first date.” Lauren grabbed her smartphone. “Dante and Tor’s uncle Rafe owns Castillo’s Cuban Cuisine. Best food in Northwood Village and Van Gogh’s absolute favorite place. Have you ever eaten there?”
“No.”
“You’re in for a treat. Rafe will deliver a meal you’ll never forget, starting with bocaditos, every variety. That includes ham, chicken, beef, and cheese. After the appetizers, you can dive into boliche. Ever try it?”
“No.”
“Trust me, you’ve never tasted anything as good. It’s beef roast stuffed with chorizo and hard-boiled eggs. Heaven on a plate with rice-and-bean sides. For dessert, he’ll throw in brazo gitano—that’s sponge cake filled with mango marmalade. I’ll ask him to add turrónes. They’re a mixture of toasted almonds and honey. For good measure, I’ll have him give you a few churros. You do know what they are, right?”
“Yeah, but I can’t afford what you’re talking about. I told Van Gogh that Alice was selling a lot of my stuff. That was when I was having diarrhea of the mouth. The truth is, I’m barely making it. A Domino’s pizza is all I can do. I have a coupon.”
“You won’t need it.” Lauren winked. “This is on me.”
“No, I couldn’t.”
“Too late. I already have Castillo’s on the line.” Lauren held up her finger. “Rafe?” She grinned. “Yeah, it’s me. Hi. I have an order for later. A delivery.” She listened then shook her head. “No, not here. The apartment above Alice’s Wonderland. Wait.” She pressed the phone against her boobs and spoke to Jasmina. “What’s the number?”
“Doesn’t have one. It’s on the second floor, left side. Only door there.”
“Is Van Gogh working clear through to closing?”
Jasmina nodded.
Lauren wiggled her eyebrows at Clover. “Better add a half hour for you guys to get home. Thankfully, Castillo’s is open until midnight.” She relayed the info to Rafe then killed the call. “You’re all set.”
Clover grasped her knees. “Van Gogh didn’t actually say yes. What if he bails?”
“He won’t.”
