Page 37 of Back to Me

CHAPTER TEN

GRAHAM

Releasing my hand from Sara’s cheek, I swallow back the questions flooding my brain. She insists she’s okay, but I can’t help feeling she’s hiding a secret from me. Fear fills her eyes when moments ago they were shining, the light behind them diminished.

When I made it to the gallery and she had pushed through the crowds to meet me, every nerve in my body stood up on high alert. She was beautiful, shining in her element. Spending most of my day confined to our apartment, I couldn’t wait until seven o’clock so I could show her how much I missed her. But now, it feels as if our joy has been replaced with distress, and I can’t understand what’s happening.

Holding her hand between us, I give it a gentle squeeze. Her glassy green eyes search the room before they fall back upon me.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Closing her mouth, she swallows. “I’m fine. I promise.”

Not wanting to press the issue, I turn my attention back to the party when Sara’s boss, Allison, approaches us.

“Sara, what are you doing back here?” she angrily whispers. “Why aren’t you out there mingling and selling my pieces?”

Allison doesn’t even bother glancing in my direction, widening her eyes at Sara, impatiently waiting for her response.

“I apologize, Allison. I was just speaking with Graham for a moment.”

“Graham?” Allison asks. She finally turns her head toward me, her brows furrowed in annoyance. She eyes me up and down before angrily turning back to Sara. “Graham is not important right now.” She halfway turns, gesturing toward the crowd behind her. “What is important are these people who are looking to purchase my art. But they can’t do that when my assistant is standing around socializing with people like him.”

“Excuse me?” I ask, interrupting. “People like me? I was only speaking to Sara—"

“Graham, it’s okay,” Sara interjects. She turns back to Allison. “I apologize. Graham only came down here so he could take a look at your artwork. He was just about to leave.” Sara’s jaw tightens while my blood boils. I knew Sara was having trouble with her boss, but I never knew Allison spoke to her as if she were a child. On top of being angry about the way she speaks to Sara, I’m angrier Sara puts up with it. I bite my tongue, holding back any temptation to speak up.

“Get back out there. Now,” Allison demands.

“Yes, ma’am.” Sara shrinks back, releasing my hand.

As soon as Allison disappears into the crowd, stopping to speak to a woman in a long black dress, Sara crosses her arms.

“Graham, you should go,” she mutters.

“Sara,” I say with a sigh. “I’m sorry.” As much as I disagree with the way Allison spoke to her, I know how important this job is to her.

Closing her eyes and pressing her mouth into a flat line, she inhales a heavy breath through her nose. Once she reopens her eyes, she turns her attention to the gallery.

“It’s okay. I’ll text you when I’m on my way home.”

Defeated, I don’t even attempt to kiss Sara goodbye or say another word, knowing it would only make matters worse. I only wanted to make Sara’s night better. Somehow, without even muttering a single word, I’ve managed to destroy it.

Leaving her and the gallery, I shove open the tall glass doors, walking in the direction where I parked my car along the street.

Sliding my hands into the pockets of my jeans, I hang my head low, staring at my boots scraping against the concrete. The golden yellow street lights cast a glow above my head, and when I look up, the stars are drowned out by the city lights.

Nearing my car, I find Julian standing on the edge of the sidewalk. His dark blue suit looks almost black against his brown dress shoes. Spotting me walking toward him, he grins.

“Graham, what a coincidence!” he exclaims, extending his hand out to me.

“Mr. Price, it’s good to see you. What are you doing down here?”

“I came to see Allison Newbury’s gallery showing.” He points behind me, toward the gallery.

“Right,” I say, nodding. “You did say you knew who she was.”

“Yes, Allison is an old friend. I knew her back before I became a curator at the museum. She actually helped me find my job.”

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