His breath caught. “After giving her back a sense of her brother with that magnificent pictur
e she’ll treasure all her life, do you honestly think she won’t do whatever she can to thank you?”
“I’m glad if she liked it, but—”
“But what?” he demanded.
“I won’t be here next week.”
Good Lord. He knew what was coming before she said it.
“I—I’m flying home to Grand Junction tomorrow.”
Payne felt as if a stalker’s bullet had just pierced his heart. “You were going to leave without saying goodbye?”
“We said it last night.”
“I distinctly heard you tell me goodnight,” he reminded her.
She averted her eyes. “I know you think I’m running away to lick my wounds because of what happened at the hearing, but you’d be wrong,” her voice trembled. “The hearing actually did me a favor because it brought my brother to New York.”
The faster she talked, the more she revealed her nervousness.
“We haven’t spent time together like we used to. While he was here, we talked all night. After next week Craig won’t be running any more float trips. He’s getting ready to open his own sporting goods company. It’s been his lifelong dream.
“The bank gave him the loan and he’s found space in a good location. Though he’s got help, he could use a lot more.”
Payne’s hands formed into fists. “So you’ve suddenly decided to do the honors.”
“I have some savings,” she went on explaining, “and don’t need to accept any more work for a while. I want to help him get set up.”
“You’re an artist! A fabulous artist. You moved to New York to follow your own dream.”
“I never planned to live here forever. This was an experiment. An adventure. Nothing more.”
“Does your brother know what you’re about to sacrifice for him?”
“N-not yet. I’m planning to surprise him.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“What do you mean?” She sounded angry, but anger masked fear.
“You’re not running to him as much as running from something. Admit it!”
By now she was standing at the window looking out, ostensibly so she wouldn’t have to face him.
“Please go, Mr. Sterling. When you see your niece, tell her goodbye for me, and let her know I’m happy she liked the picture.”
“She loves both of them. The whole family will be delighted when they lay eyes on ‘The Beggar.’ Creating those masterpieces must have kept you up all night.”
Payne hadn’t been able to sleep either.
Still she said nothing.
He shifted his weight. “I’m not leaving this apartment until I learn why you planned to disappear without a trace.”
Time lapsed before she said in a low voice, “You’re going to make me say it aren’t you.”