Page 7 of The Distiller's Darling

She’d almost forgotten that Jacob and Tanya were staying here for the gala weekend, to be closer to the event and have a kid-free weekend. It was the other reason she’d decided not to stay at this hotel.

“Can’t be that innocent. She isn’t a hotel guest, remember?” Her sister-in-law, as usual, dove right in.

Naomi sighed and turned. “Hi. You have three minutes to make as many jokes as you can.” She held up her phone to show them the blue progress line that indicated her driver was nearly there. “Not you, Jacob, I know you can’t perform well under pressure.” She aimed her fakest, kindly-caring-sister smile at him.

“Ouch,” he protested. “That was uncalled for.”

“I’ve had literally one sip of terrible coffee.”

“And you’ve been up all night?” Tanya grinned at her.

“I used to think you were so nice,” Naomi told her mournfully. “I think my brother has corrupted you.”

“Other way around,” Jacob said. “But if you want to talk about corruption—”

“Too late. Uber’s here.” Naomi grinned. “Catch you later. Got a gallery to sell to.” She escaped before they could figure out how to make that into a euphemism at her expense and fled through the hotel doors to her waiting ride.

Four hours later, she sat in her own car and smiled gleefully at the contract in her hand and the check clipped to the front of it. Maybe she should start drinking whiskey. Or have sex with more Irishmen. Or something. Because that had been the most successful sale she’d ever made. The gallery had contracted her for nearly everything currently in her studio, as well as three exclusive pieces. She was going to be busy for the next few months. She couldn’t wait to get home and start working.

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