Page 72 of In the Works

“True.” I giggled, thinking about my annoying big sister. “What about you?”

A sweet smile took over Vic’s usual cocky grin as she remembered her old days. “I lived here during college and for a few years after while I was developing Pop. But then I moved to L.A. for five years. I came back because the app washeadquartered here and it felt ridiculous to be so far from my company.”

What had become clear to me about Victoria Bradley in the time we’d spent together was that I had my three babies and Victoria had one. She was more committed to her work than anyone I knew. It was impressive… and sexy.

A part of me wondered what my business would become if I could give it my all.

But I shook off the thought as Vic slowed our walk. We stopped in front of a small, picturesque city building. It had a red brick facade and only sat at four stories tall.

Vic stepped in front of me and pulled open the glass door ahead of us. I could see her arm strain under the weight. Before I could process where we were, a rush of cold air hit me from inside.

My jaw dropped as my heels clicked onto the polished concrete floors. “Vic, are you serious?”

35

VICTORIA

I giggled at her gawking.“It’s just an art gallery.”

Shaking her head, Sarah looked around. Nerves washed over her immediately as she expected someone else to be there.

“How did you know?” Sarah covered her mouth.

I shrugged and wrapped my arm around her waist. “Well, I didn’t. But what I did know was that you majored in Art History and I’m guessing you haven’t been to a gallery in about ten years.”

Maybe I was crazy, but I could have sworn her eyes were glassy as she looked around the place. The white walls were filled with art. All of which was for sale.

“But it’s so late for a gallery to be open.” Sarah shook her head as she tried to catch up.

Guiding her further inside, I lowered my voice to a whisper. “I paid them to stay open, just for us.The owner is an old friend of mine.”

Sarah whipped her head around to look at me. “Seriously? This is perfect because we can pick a piece for the house.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I wasn’t trying to make it a work date but I do happen to love this artist.”

Giddy, Sarah squeezed me closer. “You know I love a work date. Tell me about the artist.”

Without needing more direction, I started guiding us through the collection. The gallery extended farther back into the building than one would expect from the outside. And the artist's work looked like it was built for the space.

I stopped us in front of an abstract piece. “One of the things I’ve always really loved about Stella’s work is that she doesn’t let one style define her. Despite hopping around on that front, her work feels cohesive.”

“Oh I like that.” Sarah’s eyes flicked around the canvas, taking in the seemingly random splatters of paint. “How did you meet?”

Vic laughed. “We happened to go to the same party in college and she was funny.”

Before we went any farther, I snapped my fingers and walked over to the desk. A small wine fridge sat next to the gallery-girl’s chair. Inside, I pulled out a bottle of champagne and grabbed the two flutes from the desk.

“Where did that come from?” Sarah shook her head, blushing at me.

“I called ahead.” I winked at her.

Easily, I popped the cork and poured two even glasses. Sarah’s eyes watched my hands flex as I moved. It made my throat tighten, suddenly nervous. I still couldn’t understand how she had that effect on me. She was stunning and talented, but more than anything, she challenged me.

Passing her a glass, I raised mine in a cheer. “To finding the perfect piece.”

“Cheers.” Sarah smirked as she clinked her glass against mine and took a sip.

We got back to looking at the art. My chest warmed with each sip of the gorgeous champagne. Sarah wrapped her arm around my waist, squeezing me closer.

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