"And then I decided to tack on a buying trip to Resonance and Cadence," Nancy continued, evidently feeling pressured to carry the conversation. "That took another week. By the time I got back. . uh. ." She broke off, reddening, and she darted an uneasy glance at Lyra.

"By the time you got back it was all over," Lyra said, amazed by her own calm. She flashed another polite smile for Cruz and swept out a hand to indicate the artifacts on display. "Which of these lovely things brings you here tonight, Mr. Sweetwater?"

"You," he said.

She felt as though the floor of the gallery had fallen away beneath her feet. He really had come back to apologize and make amends. The weeks of amethyst orchids had been an effort to pave the way, just as she had hoped.

But she had to be strong, she told herself sternly. There was a lot of groveling left to be done. If she let him back into her life too quickly, it would set a very bad precedent. She had the edge in this relationship now. She had to maintain it. Cruz Sweetwater had a bad habit of getting whatever he wanted. That had to stop. Boundaries had to be established.

"I'm confused," she said with just the right amount of bewilderment. "Did you want to hire me to tune some amber or consult on an amethyst artifact?"

"No," he said. "I'd like to talk to you."

"Certainly." She assumed an expectant look.

"In private," Cruz added.

"Oh, look," Nancy said before Lyra could respond. "There's Mr. Fitzburn." She smiled at Cruz. "You'll have to excuse me. I need to have a chat with him. Fitzburn is a potential client. He missed out on the first three Chimera paintings that I had in my gallery, and he's afraid I won't give him a chance at the next one."