Page 144 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Tonight had been a major confidence booster. Coming had been important. The career she wasn’t even sure she wanted anymore was certainly in jeopardy, but it appeared her conversation with Mr. Iwasaki had gone a long way toward making repairs. “I love art.”

“It shows.”

“Come on. Let’s take a peek at some of Julian’s other stuff.” She wrapped her arm around his waist as they moved to another piece of Julian’s work. “What do you think of this one?”

“Uh,” he said, scratching his head. “It’s nice, I guess—kinda looks like a black line in the middle of a red canvas.”

She bit her cheek, fighting back a grin. “So you like it?”

He slid her a glance. “It’s a great black line—pretty straight.”

She laughed. “It’s one of his more simple pieces.”

He rubbed at his jaw. “I don’t get it. I never have gotten this stuff. In this one, there’s a line. In some of the others, it looks like he flung some different colored paint on the canvas—like the one you were just talking about with Mr. Iwasaki.”

“Art is subjective. Where we see a line, someone else sees something else.”

He frowned. “What else is there to see other than the insane price tag? Why would someone pay fifty-five thousand for that?”

“Because they can.”

“I get your stuff. I’m not always sure what you’ve created—some of it’s pretty abstract—but it’s so damn amazing, it doesn’t seem to matter.”

How did he always know just what to say to melt her heart? “Aw.”

“But this, I don’t get it,” he muttered again.

She locked her hands around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder. “Can I tell you a secret?”

He looked at her. “Yeah.”

“I’m not sure I get it either. I know Julian focuses on his moods, but other than that, I see lines and splotches too.”

“For real?”

She nodded.

He grinned as he shook his head. “And I thought I was the only one who hadn’t lost their mind.”

“There are at least two of us in the room.” She kissed him. “Do you want to get out of here?”

“Do you?”

“Yes. We can go see some more sights. Times Square all lit up is worth a view, or we can change and head out to Wollman Rink in the park. The cityscape is gorgeous.”

“I was thinking about going back to your place and taking a look at you. Out of that dress.”

She laughed. “That sounds even better.” She took his hand. “Let’s go get my wrap and—” She gasped, nearly crashing into Marion. “Marion.”

“Callie.” Marion moved to give her air kisses on the cheeks. “It’s good to see you.”

“And you. This is my friend, Nate.”

“Nate, it’s nice to meet you.” She gave her attention back to Callie. “I’m glad you could come tonight. How are things going?”

She knew Marion wasn’t speaking of pleasantries. “Slowly.”

“I’ll take slowly if it means progress. I can’t wait any longer to release a date, so Gemma and I are going to start your campaign. January first. We’ll make it a splash. A New Year’s spectacular.”