Page 111 of Embracing Trust

“Well, we have two boys. Jack is ten and Braden will be six next month. My husband is here, and the boys are with grandma.”

“That’s great you and your husband could get away together. What about you, Julia?”

My heart aches. It aches for what I want, for what I thought I had, and for the dagger that sticks out and stops me from being happy.

“Not married. No kids,” I say with a forced smile.

“Oh, lucky you,” Jeannie says. “No babysitting issues this weekend. Do you have a significant other who joined you?” She asks as she looks around the room.

“No, I’m alone this weekend and I’m enjoying my time. The business keeps me busy, and this time is a welcome change from my busy schedule.”

Although I wanted to forget about Ryan and enjoy my evening, as I listen to my neighbors, it makes me miss him even more. When this evening is over, I’m going to go back to the hotel, take a long bubble bath and call Merilee.

Once the dinner is over, Ingrid takes the podium once again and asks the guests to move into the grand ballroom for the unveiling of the photos. The photos will be on display at various galleries and art exhibits throughout the United States, which will attract national attention to us and garner business.

I stand by my table and listen as Ingrid goes through the presentation for each artist. She gives a flattering and humbling speech about me and my work. I swallow the lump in my throat. My head is hot as all eyes in the room are on me. Once she concludes, a member of her staff removes the black cover on my photos. As with all of the photos, the audience gasps and breaks into applause.

When the speeches are concluded, the guests are invited to peruse each table, meet the artists, and purchase photographs.

Although I’m not comfortable being surrounded by so many people, I can make polite conversation with the guests. I sell a good number of photos and collect orders for more.

“Excuse me. Miss Crandall?” I turn to see a member of the wait staff.

“Yes?”

“There’s a gentleman from the Denver Post who wants an interview. He’s on the patio. Would you like me to take you to him?”

“An interview? With me?”

“Yes ma’am.”

I’m stunned about an interview. I take a glance around at the other artists who are busy with the guests.

“Certainly.”

I follow the wait staff member out the doors onto a stone patio. Several guests are seated at the tables while enjoying some wine. The man leads me to a secluded, roped-off area around the corner from the guests. In the secluded area is a small round table. Candles of all sizes and colors illuminate the area—on the table, on the stone wall, on the patio floor. A man wearing a dark suit steps out from behind an alcove.

“Care to join me?”

Chapter Forty-six

Ryan

I’m not a huge fan of the crowd, but I do manage to find a spot in the corner where I watch the presentation. Julia is visibly touched as the presenter gives a heartfelt speech about her and her photographs.

My girl. I’m so damn proud of her.

My chest swells as I listen to the kind words being spoken about the amazing woman I can’t stop thinking about. I hope I have the words and she’ll give me another chance.

When she steps into the roped-off area, my pulse takes off like a fighter jet and my heart hammers out a tempo. Her eyes sparkle as she takes in the candles illuminating the area.

She’s beautiful. This. This is my girl. This is my woman. I’ve loved her since the day I first saw her and every day since. I want her back.

Julia looks like a goddess in her black and gold dress. Her hair is pulled up and I want nothing more than to pull the tresses down and run my fingers through the curls. Her eyes are bold, and her lips are red, and I want to kiss her all night.

When I step away from the alcove, I don’t think she recognizes me immediately in the twilight which is only illuminated by the candles.

“Care to join me?” I ask with a smirk.

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