Page 124 of Meet Me in Berlin

‘Mmm. I could do nothing and you’d be proud of me.’

She smiles. ‘True. But tonight I’m extra proud.’

We’re interrupted by the gallery doors opening, Casey and Jaz’s families piling in, laughing, talking, oozing joy and love. There are bear hugs and cheek kisses like it’s been months since we’ve all seen each other rather than just last weekend.

Minutes later, my aunty and cousin arrive. My cousin Kate, who is a couple of years younger than me, is also my flatmate, so I give her a quick, ‘Hey, Katie,’ before she rushes off to talk to Chandice. But I haven’t seen my aunty for a couple of weeks. I pull her close, breathing in her comforting, familiar scent. ‘Hi, Aunty Carol. I’m so glad you could make it.’

We step apart and she beams at me. It’s like looking at a younger, healthier version of Mum. ‘I wouldn’t miss it,’ she says. ‘Plus, Katie and I are in one of these photos, aren’t we?’

‘You certainly are.’

Casey appears and gives Carol a warm embrace. ‘Hi, Aunty Carol.’

‘Hello, Casey, love,’ she says, returning the hug. She holds Casey’s hand in hers and glances around the gallery. ‘Look at this. So beautiful.’

Casey points to the back wall. ‘Your niece’s photographs are over there.’

Aunty Carol squints as she focuses. ‘Oh, Holly.’ She touches a hand to her chest and faces me with watery eyes and a look that says, ‘Your parents would be so proud’, but she knows if she voices it, we’ll both be in tears.

I give her another squeeze. ‘Thank you for being here.’

Casey and Michaela fetch everyone drinks, and for the next half an hour, we have the gallery to ourselves. Although my contribution to the exhibition is tiny compared to the feature artists, Casey insisted on making a fuss over me, ensuring our friends and families were here first to help celebrate.

‘Webcam is on,’ Michaela says, pointing across the gallery. ‘And your family and friends have joined us. Give them a wave.’

I do and within seconds, my phone beeps with a message from Adam.

Proud of you little sis. Love you.

I walk over to the webcam and blow a kiss, even though I can’t see them. Another message arrives from Nat.

Hols, look at you. So happy for you. That jumpsuit is sizzling.

I do a little twirl in front of the webcam for her, and say, ‘Miss you all.’

Casey’s voice drifts across the gallery, pulling me back into the event. ‘Hello, my dear friends and family,’ she says, standing by the Christmas tree. The twinkling lights flicker across her face, giving her an angelic glow. ‘Thank you for coming along to the opening of our winter exhibition, Beyond the Ordinary. You’re surrounded by some incredible art that explores the everyday moments of people’s lives. At first glance, what you see might appear mundane and ordinary, but look closely and you’ll find moving and thought-provoking stories about human connections. Our artists and guests will arrive soon and the exhibition will be officially open, but first, a very special toast to my beautiful, talented, creative, brave…’ She stops and beams at me. ‘Did I mention beautiful?’

‘Yes,’ Chandice and Kate groan.

Casey laughs and continues. ‘Partner.’ She gestures for me to join her, and I nestle into her side. ‘Holly has three incredible photos here tonight, and while she won’t let us sell them because she wants to keep them for herself, I have no doubt they’ll generate interest and new clients for her in the future.’ She gazes at me. ‘I’m so proud of her.’ She looks at everyone else. ‘And who knew some of you lot would feature in one of my exhibitions?’

Everyone cheers and raises their glasses.

‘Feel free to say something, if you like,’ Casey says to me, loud enough for everyone to hear, and they all quieten down.

‘I’m lost for words,’ I say, projecting my voice so that Adam and Nat can hear me through the webcam. ‘It truly is a dream to spend my time on photography and to have my photos displayed in a gallery. Thank you to my willing subjects who let me follow them around for weeks with my camera. Thank you to Josanne for supporting aspiring artists.’ I turn to Casey. ‘And of course, thank you to my amazing partner.’ I press my lips to hers and everyone cheers again.

Then the doors are open. Artists and guests flow in, and the space fills with chatter, music and laughter. Catering staff circulate with drinks and finger food, people slowly roam the gallery, taking in paintings, photographs and digital art, and Casey gives an official opening speech.

I’m enjoying the atmosphere and soaking up the compliments, when I come face-to-face with Eva. I knew she’d be here but I didn’t allow myself to think about it. Now I’m suddenly very aware that the wedding reception was meant to have been held in this room, and her ex-fiancée is here celebrating another event with another woman.

‘Hi, Holly,’ Eva says, her voice softer and kinder than last time we spoke – the only time we’ve spoken.

I give small, cautious smile. ‘Hi, Eva.’

She points towards the back of the gallery. ‘Congratulations on your photos. You’ve really captured the essence of everyone’s personalities, especially Leila.’

My defences start to lower. ‘Thanks.’

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