Page 130 of For the Love of Art

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

That Friday night, the gallery was buzzing with people. I leaned against a pillar with a flute of champagne, smiling as I surveyed the room.

I knew this would be my last opening here.

Nathan hadn’t fired me, but I decided over the week that working here didn’t feel good anymore. Even though I could be professional with Nathan, I didn’t like it. I felt like I was walking on eggshells around him.

On top of that, at Victoria’s opening, the gallery felt filled with vibrancy and color. Tonight, everything looked monochromatic and bland.

“Everything looks great,” Lianne said behind me.

I turned to face her and smiled. “Thanks.”

Over her shoulder, I noticed Dori and Andrew.

“Oh, shit,” I muttered.

“What?” Lianne asked.

I pointed, and she looked over her shoulder.

She looked back at me calmly, then lifted my drink from my hand. “If you’ll excuse me for one second.”

“Li!”

I followed after her, worried about what was going to happen.

“Li,” I hissed again as she stopped just short of Dori and Andrew.

Oh shit.

“Hey, Andrew.”

Andrew did not look happy to see Lianne, but I had to give him points for keeping his cool.

“Hi. It’s nice to see you again,” Andrew said with a smile.

Poor Dori looked confused. I shrugged helplessly.

“Oh, that’s so sweet,” Lianne said, her voice dripping with insincerity.

Next thing I knew, champagne was all over Andrew, and there were gasps and whispers around us.

Andrew removed his glasses and wiped his face, all while keeping the same relaxed demeanor.

“What did you do that for?” Dori asked, grabbing some napkins from a nearby table and dabbing at her boyfriend.

“Look, I don’t know you, but what I do know is that he was making plans with me while he was with you,” Lianne said.

“What?” Dori looked at Andrew.

“Baby, she’s crazy,” Andrew said. “Look at her. She just threw champagne in my face.”

Lianne pulled her phone from her clutch, went to her text messages, and showed Dori their conversations.

“Oh my God.” Dori looked devastated.