Page 79 of For the Love of Art

CHAPTER

FOURTEEN

The opening was in full swing. Victoria was across the gallery, smiling and laughing. It seemed charm was a genetic trait amongst Mannings. I walked around with pride, grabbing a flute of champagne as a server passed by.

“Sales are amazing,” Nathan said from behind me.

I turned and smiled. “Really?”

“Better than I thought, to be honest. With this being her debut, I can only imagine things will only be up from here for her.” His eyes sparkled, and I did my best to calm my heart. “Thank you for your hard work.”

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity.” I took a breath. “So, she did ‘better than you thought,’ huh? Doubted your own sister.”

Nathan feigned shock. “I didn’t say that. As a debut artist with a graffiti feel to her abstract style, I just wasn't sure she would do well in this market.”

I hummed. “Fancy way of saying doubt.”

I brought the champagne flute up to my lips. Nathan narrowed his eyes, then grabbed the flute from my hand, taking a long sip.

He held it up. “Thanks.” Then, turning on his heel, he walked away.

I playfully glared after him, but inside, I was dancing happily. It felt good to be playful with him again. I scanned the room for my dates, Lianne and Frankie. I didn’t see either of them.

“Isla!” Dori called out my name.

I turned in the direction of her voice. “What’s going on?”

She looked frantic. “We’re almost out of champagne, and I don’t want to know what an art opening without champagne is like. Why are there so many people?”

I held her arms. “Calm down. It’s okay. I think I saw a few more boxes in the back. I’ll take care of it.”

Dori blew out a breath, but the worry didn’t leave her face.

“Hey.” I caught her eyes. “The opening is going great. You’re doing amazing. Maybe have a glass of champagne.”

“Okay.” She nodded quickly.

I let her go and went into the small storage room. I was still rummaging through the boxes, most of which were empty, when I heard the door open and close.

The hairs on the back of my neck rose as I slowly turned.

“Sorry. I noticed the champagne was low. I didn’t realize–”

“Yeah. Dori told me.” I rubbed my arm sheepishly.

“Right.”

Silence fell between us.

My heart hammered, and I hoped he couldn’t hear it. The smell of his cologne filled the small room, and for some reason, that was enough to get me wet.

“It’s probably in these boxes.” I pointed to the pile of boxes I was sorting through. I moved another couple before finding one full of bottles. “See? Perseverance works!”

Nathan chuckled.

“Let me grab it.”

I took a step back as Nathan crouched to pick up the box, but he paused, his brows coming together. He reached out and pulled a canvas. My breath hitched when I realized it was the one I’d painted.