Page 14 of Colors and Curves

I walk behind my desk and brace my hands on the edge. “You had no idea he was coming tonight?”

“Zilch.” She approaches me cautiously. “Believe me, this isn’t how I do business. And it’s not how he does it either. I’m just as surprised as you are.”

“Did you know he was the one I was talking about from the park?” I sift through the files on my desk to find Julius’s biography.

“I had a hunch. How many three-legged dogs with the name Chance run around Central Park every day? He also mentioned yourchanceencounter.” She laughs and slaps her hand on the desk. “Get it?Chance.”

“Haha.” I’m not amused. “Did you tell him who I was?”

“No. I don’t know how he put two and two together. We didn’t have much time to talk.”

“Don’t get me wrong—I’m ecstatic that he’s here. But for someone who’s so mysterious and wants to be out of the spotlight, this is a huge deal. I just don’t want this to somehow go south because he can’t handle the press and attention. That would hurt this gallery’s reputation and mine.”

“I know. Don’t worry about it. It won’t happen. I’ve known Julius forever. Trust me. It’ll be fine.”

Forever? Are they a couple?

Chapter 8

Julius

I’ve made my bed, now I have to lie in it.

The reporters are bombarding me with questions, and I’m losing my patience. It’s time to end this. They’re getting too personal. It’s after closing now, anyway, so I no longer have an audience.

Tonight has been a real eye-opener. I haven’t socialized this much… ever. I’m surprised I didn’t storm out of here a long time ago. It’s been a reminder of why I don’t do this. But I’d do it again, just to watch Skylar observing me. She’s been nearby the whole night, listening to everything I’ve said.

“Mr. Ariti, one more quick question, please.” This reporter, especially, is getting on my nerves. “You never attend any of your openings or exhibits. What made you attend this one?”

I rub the corners of my mouth, wishing I had a glass of water. How do I explain why I’m here if I don’t understand it myself? Suddenly, someone’s holding out a glass of water in front of me. It’s not Daisy’s tattooed arm. My eyes trail up the sparkling arm holding the glass, but I already know it’s Skylar.

“You looked thirsty,” she says with a sweet grin.

“I am. Thanks.” When I reach for it, our fingers touch lightly, creating an unexpected sensational spark that makes my hand retreat. In slow motion, we watch the glass fall to the ground and shatter, spewing water everywhere.

Fast-forward an hour later, Daisy and I walk through our door. Chance charges us before we can take our shoes off. I kneel down to greet him. “Hey, buddy. Did Cameron take good care of you? Did you have fun?” He barks and licks my hand, then moves on to Daisy.

Cameron and his boyfriend, Dylan, stand up from the couch. “Hey, Julius. Hi, Daisy. I’m surprised you’re home at the same time. How’d the opening go?”

She crosses her arms and taps one foot. “It went better than expected since Mr. Ariti made a special appearance.” Cameron’s eyes bulge. “We sold more photographs than predicted. The reporters and guests were overjoyed because they got to speak to the one and only.”

I turn away and walk to the kitchen. They all follow. Daisy’s still mad at me. Our ride home in the taxi was completely silent. I didn’t want to talk anyway. I’ve had enough talking for one night. I know she has every right to be angry, but still, the night was a success, just like she said it would be.

“Wow,” Cameron says. “I’m shocked, but that’s awesome. I would’ve loved to have seen their faces when you showed up. And the exhibit—it’s one of your best collections so I’m not surprised it sold well. Anyway, we’re going to go. We have a party to go to.”

I open my wallet and sift through my money. “Here you go. Thanks for watching Chance.” I hand him a hundred dollars.

His eyes grow wide. “Julius, I can’t take this. It’s too much.” He tries to hand it back to me, but I ignore him and walk over to the refrigerator. “Come on, man. I can’t.”

“Listen, I have a bunch of projects I want to start on. I’ll need another assistant.” I’m scanning the fridge for something to drink. I really want an ice-cold beer, but we don’t keep alcohol in the house. “Want to increase your hours and learn more on the job?”

Daisy places two glasses on the counter. “Iced tea?”

I hand her the container and close the door, then focus on Cameron because he has yet to answer me. “Well? What do you say? How many classes are you taking this summer?”

“Only two. I work two days a week at a photography studio.”

“Good. So that means your schedule isn’t too busy. Are you up for it or not?”

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