Page 66 of Love Is an Art
“Or computer safety,” Iris says without missing a beat. “That’s very important.”
“Oh,” Lily says, looking like she’s trying hide her doubt that people will be interested.
“It will be perfect for the teenagers and the seniors,” Iris says. “You look totally dubious, but I can make it exciting. I can demonstrate how AI can take your voice from social media posts and use it for voice phishing.”
“Self-defense sounds good, but don’t scare everyone,” Lily says.
“I volunteer for the face-painting booth,” I say. “I should be able to do that.”
“I can also help with face painting,” Yvette says.
“Here’s the Jurgen update. He’s following the exact same playbook he followed with you, Yvette,” I say. “At our last meeting, he said Misty Morano was interested in my work. He didn’t even change the name.”
“Jurgen set up that Misty Morano ‘dealer’ website,” Iris says. “He didn’t pay for privacy protections, so it’s easy to determine that he’s the owner. He probably doesn’t want the hassle of setting up another website.”
“I knew it! We are definitely building our case,” Miranda says.
“We still need more before we go back to Officer Johnson,” I say. “Jurgen pretending it’s a third-party gallery is not enough. We want to see if he’s doing the fake-check scam.”
So many awful people out there taking advantage of someone’s passion and desire for success. It’s so cruel to promise them their dream and take advantage of all their hard work and give nothing in return.
“Did he offer painting lessons?” Yvette asks, fiddling with the packets of sugar in the white mug on the table.
“Yes, but painting lessons would definitely reveal that I’ve never taken any art classes, so I said no.”
“You’ll have to pay him some money for the check scam. I’m willing to contribute five hundred dollars,” Yvette says. “I really want to catch him in the act.”
“I’ll contribute five hundred dollars,” Miranda says.
“Thank you,” I say. “So now we wait to see whether the Morano show falls through, as it did with you, and whether he then reaches out with a Brazilian buyer.”
“I’ll do some searching on the other artists featured on his Instagram,” Iris says.
“I can direct-message them, but we also don’t want to reveal our suspicions to them if their loyalty is to Jurgen,” Miranda says.
“So Iris will research them, but let’s hold off on contacting them for now,” I say. “We’ve got our plan of action.”
“If we catch him, I can write an article and warn other artists of these types of scams,” Maddie says.
My phone rings. It’s Ken. I excuse myself to take it and step outside into the Banter & Books garden. A few couples occupy the various tables amid the leafy vegetation.
“Sorry to call you so late, but I wanted to let you know that we chose you as our Law Firm Associate of the Year in recognition of your provision of legal services to indigent clients,” Ken says. “And White & Gilman was awarded Law Firm of the Year as a result of your efforts.”
“Are you serious? Wow.” My eyes tear. “I’m so touched. Thank you.”
“Thank you,” Ken says. “I’ll let you go. The award will be given at the FLAFL dinner in July.”
I can’t believe it. I cover my mouth with my hands as I let out a little scream of joy. Shivers race down my spine.
Yvette comes outside, her jacket on, mouthsThank you so much, and then waves goodbye. Her bartending shift starts soon, so she’d said she could come for only a half hour.
The FLAFL Award.Wow. I text my family the news. I pull up Zeke’s number, and my finger hovers.No. It’s over.My eyes feel wet again. I’m so emotional lately. I slip back into Banter & Books.
“FLAFL chose as me as the Firm Associate of the Year,” I announce to my friends.
“Yes!”
“Congratulations! Can we go to the FLAFL dinner?” Iris asks.
