Page 123 of The Version You Hide

“That can only mean…” Grace begins. “You must be the infamous Dylan I’ve heard so much about.”

My cheeks warm as Dylan steps forward, offering Grace a quick hug. I can’t help feeling that this is what it must be like to feel embarrassed over a family member meeting your boyfriend.

“I’ve heard a lot about you too. Pleasure to meet you,” Dylan says with a smile.

I’m the last to step into the room. I reach forward and wrap my arms around Grace. “Thanks for having us.”

“Thank you, Mackenzie,” she replies. “Your work is exquisite.” She turns to Dylan. “She’s extremely talented, this one.”

“I’m well aware,” Dylan replies, his gaze falling to mine as his palm finds the small of my back. “She’s amazing.”

I smile back at him as Kristen and Henley disperse into the room, surveying the artwork that lines the walls and the temporary dividers in the centre of the room.

“We made it!” A shrill voice carries from the entry way, and I look up to see Betty.

She waves from the door, wearing a flamboyant purple dress and a matching feather boa around her neck. May follows, not far behind her, a straw hat adorned with artificial flowers atop her head. It’s impossible to mask the grin that creeps over my face when I see them.

“Uh, who is that?” Dylan asks.

“Come,” I tell him. “It’s time for you to meet my friends.”

Dylan raises an eyebrow but allows me to drag him over to Betty and May.

“Mackenzie!” Betty calls. “I can’t wait to see your painting!”

“Thanks, Betty. I can’t wait to see yours, but first I’d like you to meet Dylan.”

“Ah!” Betty’s eyes roam my boyfriend’s physique from head to toe. “The sexy diver boy!”

I snicker as Dylan’s eyes go wide when he registers Betty’s comment.

“Manners, Betty,” I joke.

“Don’t worry about her,” May pipes up from behind her. “She’s a horn dog.”

Betty’s gasp is audible as May steps out in front of her, her hand held out in greeting. “I’m May.”

Dylan struggles to hold back a laugh. “Nice to meet you, May. And you too, Betty.”

“If you’ll excuse us, ladies, I’m going to show Dylan my painting now, but we’ll catch up with you soon.” I link my arm through Dylan’s and guide him to the back of the room.

As we walk away from the two older women, Dylan throws a glance back over his shoulder. I turn to see what has caught his attention, only to find Betty still gawking, her eyebrows jumping up and down.

“What is happening? Who is that?” he asks me with wide eyes.

“That’s Betty,” I giggle.

“She’s staring at me like she wants to eat me.”

“Pretty sure she does.”

“That’s not encouraging.” He pulls me in close as we reach the back of the room.

“I’m sorry I subjected you to that.” I grin as I wrap my arms around his neck.

“No, you’re not.” Dylan smirks back at me, his eyes shining under the studio lights.

“Okay. Yeah, I’m not.” I agree, then lay a quick kiss on his cheek. “Are you ready to see my painting.”

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