Page 137 of Where We Bloom

“He has such an eye for color and movement,” Billie says as we stand before an impressive piece that looks like flames rising into the sky. “It’s amazing to me how a stationary piece can look so much like it’s moving. Like it’s on fire and its own living being.”

“Well, if that’s not one hell of a compliment, I don’t know what is.”

We turn, and my old friend sweeps me up in a quick hug. He’s grinning from ear to ear.

“It’s good to see you,” I tell him, but he’s already turned his attention to my girl.

“Aye, it is, but I want to meet this lovely woman with an eye for genius.”

Anastasia, Kane’s wife, smirks beside him.

“This is Billie,” I tell him. “Billie, this is Kane and his wife, Anastasia.”

“Please, call me Bee,” she says as she shakes their hands. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m a big fan.”

“And now, I’m a fan of yours,” Kane replies after shaking her hand. “Connor tells me you’re from Montana?”

Billie’s eyebrow climbs in surprise. “That’s right. Do you two live here in Galway?”

“Only part of the year,” Anastasia replies. I like Kane’s wife very much. She’s a beautiful blonde with the bluest eyes and a curvy figure, and she keeps Kane in line the way no one else has ever been able to. “The rest of the time, we’re on a little island just across the Sound from Seattle. That’s where I’m from.”

“That makes sense,” Billie says. “The museum there is amazing.”

“Right?” Anastasia grins, takes Billie’s hand, and pulls her away. “Kane’s working on a new exhibit for the museum now. You really have to come see it. Now, come with me to the bar. I want to introduce you to Kane’s siblings and their families.”

They walk away, and I turn to my friend with a grin. “I like your wife.”

“Aye, and so do I, mate. She’s the best part of me.”

“How are the kids?”

“Hopefully asleep.” He laughs and claps me on the shoulder. “Come on, there’s some whiskey around here somewhere.”

“Don’t you have to see to your other guests?”

“I’ve said hello, and that’s all they need from me.”

“And there you are, the grumpy bastard I’ve always known. I was worried there for a minute.”

He smirks, and we each take two fingers of whiskey from the bartender.

“Your package was delivered this morning,” he tells me. “Safe and sound.”

“Excellent, thank you. She’ll love it.”

“It was supposed to be a part of that new exhibit my wife mentioned.”

“I’m quite sure the two million I paid you will make up for that.”

Kane laughs, then swallows his whiskey. “It took the edge off. And how are you and your pretty lass doing?”

“She’s the best part of me,” I reply, echoing his own words.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Billie says as she sidles up beside me, slipping her hand into mine and linking our fingers. “I’d like to ask a question about a piece if you’re open to discussing it. Some artists don’t like to talk about their art.”

“For you, fair Bee, I will talk about it. Which one do you fancy, then?”

“The one you’ve titledLuminary.” She leads us both to the piece set on a pedestal that has to be about a square meter in size to accommodate the massive chunk of glass. It’s wavy, resembles a shell with a pearl inside, and is colored the same as a pearl.

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