Page 61 of Fear of Falling

“I hope you like it,” he said softly. With that, he stepped through the archway and the room came to life as overhead lights flickered. As I stepped into the room, I realized where we were.

“Is this…” I fell silent as I took in the artworks displayed on the walls.

Gallery 460.

“How did you...”

“Last night, you mentioned how much you wanted to go to an art gallery, so I figured it was the perfect place to take you on our date,” he said, squeezing my hand.

“But how did you get us in? This is the most exclusive gallery in the city! They only do a few shows a year, and viewing is invitation only.”

“One of the managers for the team, his wife owns the place. So, I made a few calls.” He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. Like this wasn’t the most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for me before. I’d only told him about this place last night and somehow, he’d got us in less than twelve hours later.

“I can’t believe you got us in here…I don’t even know what to say.” While I was amazed to be there, I was just as amazed by Wyatt, as if my heart wasn’t already threatening to burst.

“Well, you said you wanted to go. Now we have the entire gallery to ourselves.”

“Thank you.” I turned in a slow circle, trying to take everything in all at once. To say it felt surreal standing there was an understatement. Before now, I would have killed for theopportunity to view the gallery. The invitations are so coveted that only those with connections or money usually secured one.

I felt the sting of tears, so before I could start making a fool of myself, I tugged on his hand, leading him towards the first painting on our right. Wyatt had booked out the whole place for us, and I intended on enjoying each piece.

Wyatt was quiet as he let me take in the paintings. I had no idea whether he had an appreciation for art or not, yet he patiently followed me around the room, quietly letting me enjoy the moment.

Wyatt stopped before a painting, his head tilted to the side like an adorable golden retriever. I pressed my lips together to stop my amused smile as I gazed up at the painting alongside him. The artwork was open to interpretation. To one person, it could look like a field of purple and blue flowers surrounded by willow trees with tufts of clouds in the sky. To someone else, it could look like a spiral of colors with no end in sight. Or it could look like nothing at all, just a blob of paint.

Gallery 460was known for showcasing artists whose work required some level of thought and interpretation, a perfect mix of paintings and photography created to evoke something within the viewer.

“That’s pretty…um…”

“Colorful?” I suggested.

“Yeah!” he said, attempting enthusiasm.

“I’m glad you are enjoying this,” I teased, losing the battle with my grin. Wyatt gave me a wry look as we moved on to a gorgeous photograph of the night sky, brimming with endless stars and galaxies.

“You studied photography in Uni?” Wyatt asked softly.

“I did. I took a class my sophomore year and it was amazing. My professor really helped me realize that taking pictures was more than just a hobby.”

“How did you get started atFusion Weekly?”he asked, his hand still in mine as we continued slowly past each frame of artwork.

“I worked as a waitress at a pizzeria while I applied to any job that was even remotely related to my degree, when my soon-to-be boss, Lydia called me. She’d just started out, and the pay was terrible, but there was no way in hell I’d pass up the opportunity. It was the best decision I ever made. I get to meet new people, learn their stories, and then show it to anyone who reads the magazine.” Realizing I was rambling, I stopped and gazed up at him with a sheepish smile.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. You love your job, and I like hearing about it.” He squeezed my hand in his. “We can stay here as long as you want.”

God, I want to kiss him.

I’d wanted to since the moment I’d opened my door, but now, with all the effort he’d put in, I couldn’t hold back any longer.

I rose up onto my toes, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”

His surprised smile melted every bone in my body.

I sure could get used to that smile.

“That was incredible,”I gushed two hours later from the passenger seat of Wyatt’s car. True to his word, we’d spent as much time at the gallery as I’d wanted. Wyatt patiently followed me around, listening to me rattle off random facts about the artwork and the gallery the entire time.

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