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well. “Doesn’t sound like a bad deal.”
    “It’s an excellent deal. And the extra cash will come in handy as we’re expanding Coco Barknell.”
    “Then why do I think you have a problem with it?”
    Huh. Her friend knew her too well. “Eh. Not really a problem. I guess it feels a little smarmy. Like I’m using my clients.”
    On her way to the kitchen to dump the plates, Ro made snoring noises again and Lucie threw her napkin at her. A napkin. As if that would do any damage. “I can’t help analyzing this Gomez thing. It’s what I do. But heck, when I was in banking, a lot of stuff felt smarmy. What’s the difference?”
    Ro came back into the room and stood beside Lucie. “Think of yourself as a recruiter. They get paid for matching employees with companies all the time. You’re doing the same thing, only with a product.”
    In a twisted way, it made sense. “Exactly!”
    “Glad we once again agree. Now let’s ditch this subject and run down to the hardware store and see about paint samples. You can show me what colors you like. That college kid who wants to do me usually works evenings. If I give him a little cleavage, he ponies up a discount.” She ran a hand down the side of her halter-top. “I’m dressed appropriately for this mission.”
    Lucie shoved out of her chair. “By all means, if your boobs will save us money, let’s use them.”
    She glanced down at her Notre Dame T-shirt and cut-off shorts, and contemplated a wardrobe change. Eh. Why bother? Lucie didn’t have the wow factor Ro had. Not that this was a pity party. She knew she was attractive. If she tried hard enough, like she’d done for Frankie a few months back, she was downright pretty. Alluring. But she didn’t have that sexy, I-will-destroy-you-in-bed look that Ro possessed.
    Ro bent over, gave her boobs a shimmy to get them boosted in her top and flipped back up, adjusting where necessary. “All in a day’s work, girlfriend. You can thank me later. Let’s move.”
    *
    “Brace yourself, Lauren.”
    Lauren stood frozen, a feat considering the blazing late-afternoon sun in front of the Owens Gallery. “I’m so excited. I’ve never been to this gallery. And to actually meet the owner? You have no idea.”
    “Well, we don’t actually go into the gallery. The dog stays in the office at the back of the building.”
    She swiped her hands over her jeans and bobbed her head, sending her ponytail flying. “Still, it’s exciting.”
    Lucie laughed. This girl was a nut, but her enthusiasm was nothing short of enviable. “Bart might be in the office though. If so, I’ll introduce you.”
    Couldn’t hurt to give her employee a potential networking contact in her field of choice. Lucie had learned that from Mr. Lutz. Despite being forced to downsize her, he remained one of her biggest supporters. For that, she’d always be grateful. And would also pay it forward.
    Lauren followed her through the alley between the gallery and the boutique next door while Lucie dug in her messenger bag for the key. “The office door stays locked, so you have to remember the key. I’ll keep it in the office. Whoever has Oscar on their schedule that day can pick it up. Bart isn’t always here, and if you don’t have the key, you can’t get in to walk the dog. Got it?”
    “Got it. Does he leave the dog where the art is stored?”
    “Absolutely not. Bart is obsessive about that. All the art is kept in a climate-controlled area. Oscar isn’t allowed anywhere near it. He can walk through the gallery only because he can’t reach the paintings. That’s it. He’s a good boy, but he’s still an animal.”
    “He’s the Maltese-poodle mix, right?”
    “Yes. Two years old and cute as can be. Just pray he likes you because he can be a real hater.”
    Lucie had an arsenal of small, but mighty dogs on her route. Josie and Fannie, a couple of shih tzus a neighbor had nicknamed the Ninja Bitches, could chew off a man’s leg in one bite. Well,