Page 108 of The Summer Swap

Lily froze. It felt both uncomfortable and exhilarating to hear strangers talking about her work.

“I love that painting, too.” Todd tugged her forward. “And this is the artist, just in case you had any questions.”

“Todd, no.” She dug in her heels and sent the couple a look of mortified apology. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re the artist?” The man shook her hand. “It’s good to meet you.”

They talked for a while and Lily answered their questions, aware that a small crowd had gathered around her.

When she finally extracted herself, she glared at Todd.

“That was so awkward! Why did you do that?”

“Because I’m proud of you.” He kissed her briefly. “Better get used to it.”

“What if they’d hated my painting?”

“I could see they loved it, but if they had hated your painting I would have tipped my champagne over them and insisted that they leave immediately. But they didn’t hate it. You’re a success. And talking of success, I heard back from the couple in Truro earlier. I sent them the photos of your wall with the hand-painted seashells. They want to commission you to do the same in their master bedroom and are willing to pay handsomely.”

She felt as if she was floating. “Really?”

“Yes, really. They wanted to know if you could do a flower bedroom for their young daughter, and I said of course you could because you’re a genius.”

She felt dazed. “A flower bedroom?”

“Daisies and sunflowers were mentioned. Let’s put it this way, it’s safe to resign your job anytime you like. In fact, you should because you’re not going to have time to do it after next week. We’re in business.” He was about to kiss her again when he caught sight of someone over her shoulder. “Wow. Have you seen my grandmother? She looks so elegant.”

Lily turned, and saw Cecilia talking to a group of people, one of whom was Seth.

She was wearing a cream dress that fell to her ankles, with a matching floaty jacket and silver jewelry.

She caught sight of them, excused herself and walked over to them. “What a triumph.” She took Lily’s hands. “Has Seth told you he’s already sold both your paintings?”

“Both of them? No.”

“He intended to. He was on his way over to you, but he keeps getting waylaid. I can’t believe how many people that man knows. And as for you,” she said, squeezing Lily’s hands, “congratulations. And this is just the beginning.”

“I don’t know how to thank you.”

“You’re the one who did it. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.”

Lily hadn’t known it was possible to feel this happy and excited and she held the feeling close because she knew that whatever good times lay ahead, there would also be bad and that you needed to celebrate life whenever you could. And yes, she wished her parents were here, but with Cecilia, Seth, Todd and now Kristen in her corner she felt loved and supported.

The gallery was filling up now as more people arrived, and Lily was pressed into a corner between a display of ceramic pots and a sculpture in bronze, when she heard someone say her name.

She turned and there was Hannah, looking nervous and unsure.

“Hannah? What are you doing here?” Joy flooded through her and then she reined it in. Hannah was probably here because of Cecilia, or Kristen.

“I came because I heard a great deal of buzz about a certain new artist.”

“You did?”

“Yes, she’s supposed to be a major talent.” Hannah gave an uncertain smile. “You have a lot of supporters, Lily.”

“People have been great. Your grandmother, Seth, Todd—” She broke off. How would Hannah feel about her relationship with Todd?

“You look different.” Hannah scanned her swiftly. “Stunning. I’m used to seeing you in track pants and sweaters hunched over textbooks and a laptop, and you look transformed. That red jumpsuit with your dark hair—you look like an artist. Which is what you have always been of course, it’s just that I didn’t want to see it.” She hesitated. “I don’t know what to say, so I’m just going to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t listen. I’m sorry I wasn’t a better friend to you when you were feeling so down. I have missed you so, so much—you have no idea. If you’ll forgive me, I promise to do better. But maybe you can’t ever forgive me—oh,” she gasped as Lily grabbed her and hugged her.

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