Page 108 of Maximum
CHAPTER 26
Opening
Fleur
River’s gallery opening was a big success. The doors to the street stood wide open with balloons and bright signs. Inside, art enthusiasts were mingling and admiring the creations from the talented artist on display.
Maximum had started pre-season rugby practice and hadn’t had a chance to eat before we got there, so he headed straight for the canapé buffet in the back, while I walked around admiring the paintings with Nathan and Jolene, who had both brought their little ones.
Lucas was ten months old with dark curls and the most intriguing green eyes that flared with curiosity. I felt flattered when the first thing he did when I saw him was reach out his little hands to me.
Nathan laughed. “Ahh, this champ is like his father, he has a thing for beautiful women.”
“And I have a thing for cute babies so hand him over.”
“As you wish, but I’m warning you, he’s getting heavy.”
I looked into Lucas’ eyes and grinned. “What have you been up to?”
“Driving his mother and me crazy is what he’s been up to. He’s decided that sleep is overrated after four in the morning.”
“Oh, geez.” Jolene covered Rose’s ears. “I don’t know how you function. Rose is a good sleeper but I’m still tired from being on my toes all day. With Serena working at the theater, she must be exhausted.”
“Yes, it’s hard, but we take shifts so the other can sleep. Aislin, our nanny, is a great help too and she usually takes him from six in the morning. Serena mainly works at night except on the weekends when they have a matinee.”
“Will she still be able to come to our wedding?” I asked.
“Of course.” Nathan smiled. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world although her boss did think she was joking when she told him she had to go to a wedding again.”
“Yes, I can imagine. There’s been a lot of weddings in this family these past few years.” My eyes stopped as we reached a painting of a couple.
“Wow, look at this.”
We all stood taking in the massive painting, which was as tall as me and as wide as my arms would reach. “She looks familiar, doesn’t she?” I said and tilted my head from side to side.
They both chuckled and Nathan shook his head with amusement, “Duh, it’s Cleo and her husband Adam. She won an Oscar a few years back.”
“Ahh, yes. I thought I recognized her. I think I’ve seen one of her movies.”
Jolene smiled wide. “You’re so cute, Fleur.”
Nathan studied the painting for a moment. “I’ve actually met her in person at a few of those red-carpet events that Serena and I go to sometimes. Cleo and Serena were in a movie together a few years back and they always get so excited when they meet.”
“She’s stunning,” I said and tried untangling Lucas’ hand from my hair, as he was pulling too hard.
“So is he.” Jolene was admiring the Native American man in the painting. “Imagine being able to make a portrait like this. Who is the artist again?”
I stepped closer to read the sign. “Her name is Cia Black, and it says that the painting is not for sale.”
Jolene turned to look at the next painting, which was similar in style but in an urban setting with a girl crouched down on a skateboard with her hair blowing in the wind and her tongue sticking out to the side a little.
“Look at the fire in her eyes. That girl has spirit and courage.” Jolene pointed to the painting and talked to Rose. “That’s probably gonna be you in a few years.”
“You like it?”
The voice made us all spin around to see a strawberry-blond woman standing with her hands behind her back looking up at the painting.
“Yes,” Jolene said and smiled at her. “It’s like the girl could skate right out of the painting any second.”
