Part 169 (1/2)

then poured a gla.s.s of Perrier for herself.

His smile seemed easier when she sat on the ottoman across from him.

”I've always liked this place.” He pointed to the mural Marianne had

painted on the plaster. ”Where is she?”

”In Paris.” She glanced at her watch. ”Or nearly. She's going to spend

a year studying there.”

He s.h.i.+fted his gaze to the photographs that lined a nearby wall. ”I saw

your photo study of Baryshnikoy.”

”The greatest thrill of my life. I was stunned when Runyun let me have

the a.s.signment.”

”And the alb.u.m cover.” He drank, and felt every drop of the brandy slide

down his throat.

”Wait until you see the new one.” She kept her voice light and easy, but

there was concern in her eyes as they skimmed over Luke. ”It should hit

the stands by the end of the week. Of course, the music's not bad,

either.”

Emma saw his fingers whiten on the stern of the gla.s.s. ”How is Johnno?”

”He's fine. I think they've talked him into doing a cameo on Miami Vice

... I'm sure he'll get in touch if he comes down your way.”

”Yeah.” He drank again. ”He's not in town.”

”No, he's in London.” The opera singer began soaring over scales.

”They're prepping for the tour. I'm going along. In fact, I'm flying

out day after tomorrow.”

”You're going to see him?”

”Yes, in a couple of days. There's an enormous amount of work to be

done before we start. Luke, what is it?”