Page 91 of Dirty Shots

Anya bit her lower lip. “Is he going to be angry?”

She shrugged. “Probably. When is he not angry? Everything in the world seems to make him angry these days, and I don’t know if I can live like that. There are other things going on as well...” She trailed off.

“What is it, Mom?”

Saara shook her head. “Let’s just say your father’s so called values apparently aren’t that important to him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing. We’ll talk about it another time. I’m sorry if I brought you down on your big night.”

“You didn’t, Mom. Dad tried to, but you’re here and that means so much to me.” She paused and then dared to ask, “What do you think of the photographs?”

She laughed and leaned in again and gave her a squeeze. “As long as I don’t think too hard about it being my daughter, I think they’re amazing. You and Eric make a wonderful team. Speaking of Eric, where is he?”

“Oh, he’s doing the rounds with some important people who mean nothing to me. I should probably get back to him, though. I know he wants me to meet the right people in the industry.”

“Of course, sweetheart. I’ve got some people here I’d like to catch up with, too. I’ll let you get on, and we’ll speak again later.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

The two women hugged once more, and then her mother waved at someone she recognized across the room. Anya didn’t need to worry about her mother not having people to talk to. This was more Saara Bergman’s scene than it was her own. Her mother walked away, leaving Anya feeling alone and awkward once more, Logan having already left to continue to schmooze potential clients.

With relief she spotted someone—her long, silky dark hair falling down her back, wearing a little black dress and heels—looking young and beautiful.

“Nadine!” she squealed, waving. Her friend caught sight of her and hurried over.

“Oh, my God, Anya. I can’t believe how many people are here. Some reporters were taking photographs of me outside.” Her eyes shone with excitement. “This is amazing.”

“I know, crazy, isn’t it? Hey, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

She reached out and caught Logan’s elbow as he walked by, pulling him to a halt.

“Logan, this is my best friend, Nadine. I wanted you both to meet. Nadine, Logan owns the art gallery.”

Nadine’s eyes widened as she caught sight of Logan in his suit, his blond hair pulled into a knot at the back of his head. Logan’s gaze flicked up and down Nadine’s body and alighted on her face with a knowing smile.

He leaned in and kissed her, perhaps just a fraction too long. “Nadine, it’s lovely to meet you. Any friend of Anya’s is a friend of mine.”

Nadine blushed, something Anya had never seen with her. She was normally super confident around men.

“It’s lovely to meet you, too, Logan.”

He reached out to place his hand on her waist. “Let me show you some of my favorite pieces. Excuse us, Anya.”

Anya hid a smile as Logan guided her friend away.

“Hey.” A male voice behind her made her jump, and she turned to find Eric looking gorgeous in his black suit.

“Hey, yourself.”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “This is all going well, don’t you think?”

She nodded. “Yes, it’s like a fairytale. I can’t believe it.”

“So how about we auction off one of the photographs?”

“Seriously?”

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