Page 22 of Be More Octopus

'Finally! Time for the big reveal.' Em stood up and peeled off her t-shirt, revealing her scrappy top underneath.

Jack lifted his eyebrows.

'The portrait.' Em slurred. 'I'm going to put a fresh top on.'

'Ah,' he said. 'I'd forgotten about that.'

Em headed for the bedroom, bumped into the sofa, lurched into the wall and stubbed her toe on the door. 'Shit! I'm not sure I'll make it to Nancy's.'

'We only have to walk across the courtyard. We're not fleeing from Dunkirk.'

'I know, but I shouldn't have had that last glass of wine.'

'You don't think the other glasses of wine and Pimms might have something to do with your current state as well?' Jack grinned. His words were slurred but not as bad as Em's.

'Smart arse. You're the one who came round here, plying me with alcohol.'

'I'm sorry. Let me carry everything across to the house for you. I'm not entirely sober but I'm more steady than you.'

Em checked her phone - a text from Nancy.

'Nancy says she's gone into the kitchen, so we can come over now.'

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Ten minutes later, Jack had carried the canvas safely into the main house, with Em following, using the easel to support her. She set up the easel in front of Nancy's favourite chair, and Jack propped the canvas onto it, covering it with a sheet.

'Can I come in yet?' Nancy called from the hall.

'Yes.' Em replied, turning to Jack, who was standing on the other side of the easel. She held up both her hands with her fingers crossed.

Nancy walked in and sat down. 'Ready when you are.'

'Ta-dah!' Em flamboyantly pulled the sheet off the canvas, which wobbled dangerously for a second until Jack put his hand out to catch it. Nancy looked amused but didn't comment - she was transfixed by the portrait.

There was silence. Em chewed her lip. She hates it.

'Oh, my word - that's better than I could have ever thought. You've made me look at least ten years younger.' Nancy picked up her reading glasses from the side table and walked over to the painting to inspect it more closely. 'Such energy. The way you've captured the light is exquisite. How have you managed to do all that in so few brush strokes? I'm thrilled. Thank you so much. You're so talented, ' Nancy squashed Em into a big hug.

'Told you,' Jack mouthed at her behind Nancy's shoulder.

'I'd normally suggest we open a bottle of champagne to celebrate,' Nancy said, 'but perhaps sparkling water might be better today.'

'I thought she hadn't noticed,' Jack whispered to Em while Nancy was in the kitchen. 'Well done, you.'

Em liked the way they were interacting now. This afternoon's conversation has made it so much easier to be in his company.

Nancy returned with a tray and glasses of water with ice and lemon.

'I think we should have another unveiling once it's framed,’ she said. ‘I’ll invite all my friends, and hopefully, we can drum up some business for you. It will be at the framer's for a couple of weeks at least, so we've got plenty of time to organise it all.'

Em felt nervous again. 'That's so lovely of you, but I'm not sure I feel ready yet. I want to do at least one more practice piece before I start charging.'

'You're more than good enough already. But if you insist, we'll have to find a volunteer. Now let's see. Who do we know who's got time to do several sittings for you in the next few weeks?' Nancy stared at Jack.

'I'm supposed to be finishing my book.'

Nancy put her hands on her hips. ‘You told me you were ahead of schedule, and it won't take that much of your time. If I can squeeze it into my busy life, I'm sure you'll be able to.'