Page 86 of Face Me Off

“Yep. And we’re having a boatload.”

She pats my chest. “Let’s get through college first and revisit that topic later.”

I laugh. “Sounds perfect.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

MADISON

My heart doesa full-on paint splatter in my chest as I stand at the entrance of the art exhibit as the first guests trickle in. This is it, my shot at the big leagues. Every brushstroke, every sleepless night, it’s all led to this moment. I’m one unveiling away from proving to everyone, and myself, that I’m not just another dreamer messing around with canvases.

I fidget with the hem of my dress, tugging it down for the thousandth time. God, I hope I didn’t completely botch this. What if no one gets it? What if?—

“There’s our star of the show!”

Ryan’s voice cuts through my spiral like a perfectly placed paint knife. I look up to see him striding in, flanked by Amanda and Blake. The tightness in my chest eases a fraction.

“Hey, you made it!” I manage, my voice slightly wobbly.

Ryan flashes me that trademark grin, the one that still makes my stomach do a little flip. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Grimes. You ready to dazzle these art snobs?”

I roll my eyes, but nothing can stop my smile. “Please, like you know anything about art beyond finger painting.”

“Ouch,” he clutches his chest dramatically. “And here I thought I was your muse.”

Before I can fire back, Amanda swoops in for a hug. “These pieces look amazing, Madds.” She squeezes me tighter. “I’m so proud of you.”

I hug her back fiercely and push down the unbearable emotion in my throat. Focus, Maddy. Tonight isn’t about boy drama or secrets. It’s about your art.

“Thanks, guys.” I pull back and take in their presence. “Seriously, having you all here … it means everything.”

Blake claps me on the shoulder. “We’ve got your back, Cap. Now go show ’em what real art looks like.”

With a deep breath, I square my shoulders like I’m about to step up to the easel for the final stroke of a masterpiece. “Alright, guys. Let’s do this.”

Gratitude surges through me as I turn to greet the next wave of guests. Whatever happens tonight, success or failure, I’ve got my core group right here with me. And that’s worth more than any gallery spotlight.

As I mingle with the growing crowd, my mind drifts back to when Amanda moved back. The first night back, we had a heart-to-heart. We ordered pizzas and sprawled out on our apartment floor, and I finally spilled everything about my relationship with Ryan.

“God, Amanda,” I’d said, my voice thick with emotion. “I thought you’d be pissed I kept it from you.”

Her eyes had softened. “Maddy, you’re my best friend. I get why you felt the need to hide everything. I would’ve been there for you, but part of me is thankful you didn’t place me in a position where I had to lie.”

“You’re the only person I’ve trusted, but I couldn’t place you in that situation. It wouldn’t be right.”

Now, watching her chat animatedly with an elderly couple about one of my paintings, I feel a rush of affection. She’s been my rock through all this, never judging, always supporting.

“You look a million miles away.” Ryan’s voice snaps me back to the present. “You good?”

“Excellent. Thanks so much for being here.”

He leans down and kisses the side of my head. “Toots, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

I blink back tears and manage a smile. We’re lucky we’ve found our way back to each other. So many people don’t. My smile turns sad when my parents come to mind.

“What’s going on inside that head?”

I can never hide anything from him. It’s like we’re wired together, sharing the same frequency. “Just thinking about my parents. I’m not sure they’re coming.”

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