Hidden Memories Read Online Free PDF Page A

loving, so real. Those were the qualities he cherished in her.
    Sage answered the phone as she rounded the corner to Tawny’s office, the last picture on the wall catching her eye. As her assistant, Marika, told her about a car dealer reneging on his promise to provide vans for the “Ride to the Polls” program, Sage studied the painting.
    Ten minutes later, Sage’s gaze swept the gallery, searching for Ramion. She spotted him talking with mutual acquaintances. Starting in Ramion’s direction, Sage bumped into Tawny.
    “Sorry I was lost in thought. I just had a phone call from Marika. One of the car dealers backed out of providing us with vans for tomorrow.”
    “I saw that on the news,” Tawny said. “I was impressed that you were able to get car dealers to loan out their vans.”
    “Yes, well, that wasn’t supposed to be made public,” Sage said. “I don’t know how the media found out about it. Sometimes I wonder if we don’t have a spy in the office or a bug in our phones. Anyway, that dealer was only supplying five vans. We’ve got at least thirty vans and more drivers than we need.”
    “You’re working it, girl. I like the way you stay on top of things.”
    “We’ve got to get going. Tomorrow is going to be crazy,” Sage said. “But I meant to tell you, I love your haircut. It’s very flattering.”
    “I love to be flattered,” Tawny said in an exaggerated tone, batting her eyes for dramatic effect. She patted her high-fashion skullcap cut. “Very low maintenance. Just brush and go. You’d look good with your hair short.”
    “That’s not my style,” Sage said. “By the way, you know that painting by your office?”
    “The three women.”
    “That’s the one. I like it.” Sage and Tawny walked over to the painting. “It’s a quirky blend of William Tolliver and Romare Bearden, with an impressionist flavor.”
    “I knew you’d like that one,” Tawny said. “There were originally two of them. I only got one. When Connie’s gallery went out of business, I bought her inventory.”
    “Who’s the artist?”
    “I don’t know a lot about him. He’s from California, and he’s…”
    “How much is it?”
    “You thinking about buying it?”
    “I might,” Sage said. “It kind of reminds me of my father’s work.”
    “Oh, Sage, I’m sorry, it’s not for sale. Connie asked me to return it. It wasn’t supposed to be included with the inventory.”
    “Now I really want it,” Sage teased.
    “Want what?” Ramion asked when he joined them.
    “That painting,” Sage said nodding her head at the painting.
    “Very nice,” he said.
    “I hope you don’t see anything radical or political going on,” Tawny laughed.
    “Very funny,” Ramion said. He placed his arm around Sage’s waist and said, “Let’s go, baby.”
    “Good night, Tawny,” Sage said.
    Tawny gave Sage a hug. “I’ll see you at the victory party toasting the first black governor of Georgia.”
    * * * * *
    Sage and Ramion stepped outside the gallery onto the wraparound Victorian-styled porch. Sage buttoned her leather coat against the cool October air. Silently they stood side by side, neither wanting to leave with misunderstanding between them.
    “Baby, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the job offer,” Ramion said.
    Sage lifted her eyebrows expectantly, clearly expressing her need to hear more.
    “And I should have told you that I resigned. I’m used to dealing with things on my own. I’m not very good at discussing my plans.” He put his arms around Sage’s shoulders and drew her close. “I’m going to have to work on it.”
    Sage said softly, “Okay,” and rested her head against Ramion’s chest.
    Ramion tilted her head upward and kissed her lips, gently, then harder as lust surged from his lips to his loins. “I’ll follow you home.”
    “Are you free on Friday night?”
    “I’m always free for you.”
    “I’m meeting my mother for dinner. Maybe you can join us.”
    Surprised,