Truth

back to Provincetown was the break. In such a short time, I’ve forgotten how quaint and beautiful the East coast is, so different from the West.”
    “ They both have their charm,” Sophia confessed, while rotating her hand so their palms united. Instantly their fingers intertwined. “The most important thing is being together.”
    A gentleman in pressed navy slacks and a starched white shirt appeared through the door of the airplane. “I apologize for the delay, Mr. and Mrs. Burke; we will be taking off in another five minutes.”
    Derek responded, “That sounds wonderful. Do you have all of Mrs. Burke’s art stowed below?”
    “ Yes, the last crate was just secured.”
    “ Thank you.”
    Once the gentleman was in the cockpit, Sophia whispered, “This is so cool.”
    Derek’s eyebrows rose, “I think it’s pretty neat, too.”
    “ I’m glad you thought of bringing the art back with us. I feel much better having those three pieces on board then handing them over to Fed Ex.”
    “ I don’t blame you. They’re kind of valuable.”
    Sophia shook her head and closed her eyes, “I still can’t believe it. And the twenty other pieces should be in Palo Alto by next week.”
    A second gentleman entered the plane; they heard the stairs move away and the outside door close. “Mr. and Mrs. Burke, we should arrive in Palo Alto in six and a half hours. Once we reach altitude, there will be refreshments available.”
    “ Thank you.” Sophia and Derek said in unison, as the second man in uniform nodded and joined the other in the cockpit.
    Derek leaned toward his wife, “Alone again.” His eyes glistened.
    “ Why Mr. Burke, whatever do you have in mind?”
     
    As Derek and Sophia drove behind the logistics van containing her art toward Palo Alto, Derek asked, “Do you have a dress for tomorrow night?”
    Sophia’s expression fell. “Oh no, I’ve been so excited about this sale and everything we had to do, I haven’t had a chance.” She glanced toward her husband, “I don’t expect this is an occasion for a dress I already own.”
    “ Well, apparently not. The other day I learned we’re attending with my boss, Jonas Cunningham and his wife. But, the big news is the CEO of our parent company is one of the featured speakers. His name is Rawlings, Anthony Rawlings. I haven’t met him, but I’ve listened to him on web conferences. Since we are one of his companies and he’ll be there, everyone is supposed to do it up right.”
    “ All right,” she said apprehensively, “what does that mean?”
    “ It means I’m glad you didn’t get a dress yet.”
    “ You’re glad?” She asked surprised.
    “ Yes, if you’d gotten one before, it would have been on my meager salary. Now you’ll have your money from the sales and can get whatever your heart desires.”
    Sophia pressed her lips together, “Your salary is hardly meager, and I have no idea how to shop with that kind of money. My heart’s desire is cotton gauze.”
    “ Would you like some help?”
    She giggled, “Now you’re a professional shopper?”
    Laughing, “No, but I do know what I like to see you wear,” he glanced toward his beautiful wife, “and what I enjoy you not wearing.”
    “ Well, although easier to shop for, it sounds hardly appropriate for this gala. I do have a hair appointment tomorrow afternoon. Do you have your tuxedo?”
    “ I do. And I was serious about that help. I’m sure Danni...”
    “ No, thank you.” Sophia interrupted.
    “ I was going to say, I’m sure Danni knows where you could go.”
    “ And she’d be glad to tell me.”
    “ I think you read too much into things. Do you want me to ask?”
    “ Well, since I’m in a pinch, fine. But don’t call her now, it can wait until tomorrow.”
    Their car pulled into a parking space near the paneled van. Mr. George eagerly emerged from the front of his studio. Before they could enter, he spoke rapidly on the street, “Ms. Sophia, I’m so surprised you were able to get all your art work settled so quickly. Of course, it is wonderful. I heard from the buyer today. The mystery investor will be in town tomorrow night and wants the paintings delivered to his hotel.”
    Sophia nodded, “Well, can that be done?”
    “ Oh, yes!”
    Listening to Mr. George’s words, Sophia looked to Derek and her heart filled with pride as she saw his delighted expression. Finally her manners returned, “Mr. George, this is my husband, Derek Burke.”
    The next day,