Page 115 of Muddy Messy Love

“The one and only.”

They shake hands, then Cole moves in to kiss Jen’s cheek. “Nice to see you again, Jen.”

“You too,” she says before glancing back to me. “So Beth’s flying in all rock-star style?”

I nod. “Yep. We have her for three glorious hours.” I can’t wait.

Jen scans the gallery. “She here yet?”

“Soon. She’s coming with Mum.”

“You invitedSheila?” Jen hisses, and I glance around to see if anyone heard. A spattering of people now mill about gallery one with champagne in hand.

“She’s my mum,” I whisper. “I couldn’t exactly exclude her. Besides, Beth promised to keep her in check.” In truth, I did wrestle with inviting her. Especially after what happened. But Beth wants to see Mum too in the little time she has, which is fairenough. And if I know anything about Mum, it’s that appearance is everything. Risking a public scene isn’t her style. So all I have to do is keep my distance to avoid her more subtle thorns.

“But she—” Noticing me stiffen, Jen sighs. “Never mind. Now’s not the time. I mean, check out all this.” Her face relights as her hands showcase the room.

“What do you think?” I ask tentatively.

She bumps her hip against mine. “I think you’ll kill it tonight.” She pulls me in for a side hug, then kisses my cheek. “Now, I don’t mean to be rude, but where is the free booze?”

“Ah, that’s my woman right there,” Liam says, clutching his chest. “My throat’s as dry as a nun’s cunt.”

“Liam!” Jen gasps, whacking his arm.

Cole’s eyes practically leap from their sockets, and I struggle to contain my laughter. Failing, I snort. “Gallery one, in the corner. Help yourself.”

“Don’t mind if we do,” Liam says, throwing a nod Cole’s way.

Jen rolls her eyes. “Sorry, Cole. Liam grew up in the country. He speaks fluent bogan. Just ignore him.”

“Aw, you’re just jealous you’re not bilingual, babe,” Liam quips before clasping her wrist. “Let’s go before they run out.”

Jen shakes her head, but humour dances in her eyes. She winks at me as she lets Liam drag her away. “Good luck. We’ll be around if you need us.”

When they leave, I glimpse up at Cole. His expression is quizzical. “Well then,” he says, rocking back on his heels, hands tucked into his pockets. “I guess you grew up in the country too?”

Huffing, I plant my hands on my hips. “Liam makes me look like Mary fucking Poppins, thank you very much.” Cole throws his head back and laughs, then drags me in for a sneaky kiss.

Guests soon filter into gallery two, and my heart backflips. Cole squeezes my shoulder. “Let me get you a drink. I’ll be right back.”

“Thanks,” I manage to say instead of screaming, “No! Don’t leave me here alone.” That would be unprofessional and waste the ridiculous amount of time I’ve spent preparing to talk to people. Tonight, I need to sell myself. Divulge the sources of my inspiration. Metaphorically strip down to my undies and yell “look at me.” I’m terrified, and liquid courage is definitely required.

Still, me being prepared or not, when murmured conversations start humming next to my sculptures, those gremlins from earlier try to claw their way out of my chest. Oh God, what are they saying? What are they thinking? Is that man with the spiral notepad and pen frowning in contemplation or horror? And why does he have a notepad and pen? As if hearing my thoughts, he looks up and nods his chin my way. Warily, I return the gesture.

Someone nudges my shoulder then. “Hey, stranger.”

I turn to see Beth and gasp. Backlit by golden light, she’s my angel of salvation. “Beth.” I pull her into a hug that lasts too long, basking in her warmth and familiar Chanel scent. “God, I’ve missed you. I can’t believe you’re here.”

“Surreal, isn’t it?” she says.

We break apart but hold hands and look each other up and down. Her cheeks glow a healthy pink, and the shadows beneath her eyes have faded. Sydney must agree with her.

“You look great,” we both say, then laugh.

“Nice dress,” she says.

“You too.” I spot Mum hovering behind Beth and summon a breath. “Hey, Mum.”

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