Circles of Confusion Hardcover - 1999

From the publisher

Claire Montrose doesn't know it yet, but her ho-hum world is about to go wild. Lately, Claire doesn't know which is worse-- her uninspired romance with her insurance adjuster boyfriend, or her job approving applications for vanity license plates.
BIG$?
When Claire's distant, elderly aunt dies, she leaves a fitting estate for her mousy niece-- a trailer full of junk, Claire finds a painting that haunts her with its beauty. Might this be a long-lost masterpiece? To learn the painting's secrets, Claire leaves Portland behind for a dazzling solo trip to New York City.
BEWARE!
In the Big Apple, Claire must keep up her guard against the charms of two mysterious men, each of whom is intent on figuring out what it is she's uncovered from her aunt's past. Could the canvas Claire is totting around in her backpack really be worth millions? It certainly seems to be her ticket into a whole new realm of adventure. Along the way, she just might discover her painting's true worth-- and her own.
X-CTG!
Claire took a deep breath. "I've decided to go to New York for a couple of days. I'm going to get the painting appraised."
Evan sat back in his chair and steepled his hands. "You're going to go off on some wild-goose chase, based on nothing more than the opinions of your hundred-and-three-year-old roommate and some guy who runs a junk shop? No, I don't think so."
She took a soundless step backward on the plush carpet, then another, until her hand was on the doorknob.
"Evan?"
"Hm?" he said, looking at his paperwork.

"I am going."

She closed the door on his surprised face.