Page 49 of Sawyer
He gulped. She was like a snake goddess with that scary, clever smile.
“Sometimes you need to break them to stand out. You’ve already done that. The article inLe Monde.The other press. Axel’s praise of you. It all has this beautiful energy we call buzz. Sawyer, I’d like to have your first show be a smaller one, and it should happen soon. Thirteen paintings. At a revered gallery. We invite the crème de la crème of the art world to the show and whet their appetite for more. Axel will be there, yes?”
The urge to fidget overtook him before he stood tall. “He’s my friend, and he’s seeing someone who’s very dear to me. We haven’t spoken of it, but yes, I’m sure he will be there.”
“That ace in your pocket isn’t a small thing, although I can see it makes you a little uncomfortable. There’s no need to be. It’s the way of art. When you are older and famous, you will probably come to the first show of many painters.”
He couldn’t even imagine that day, but if he could give back to someone else, he would. It would be an honor.
“But that’s not what I want to talk about.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’d like you to paint your heart out. I need thirteen of your best works; the finished ones at the restaurant and the ones here are perfect if you agree.”
Perfect.Holy?—
He bobbed his head. “Of course.”
She pinned him with an assessing look. “The sooner the better, but I don’t want you to rush your process.”
“I’m on it,” he assured her.
That was seven more. He would see Phoebe and let his muse usher him along.
“Good. Now, I’d like to see the paintings at Nanine’s as well, if possible, although I already adore them.”
“Of course. I’ll call Madison—Chef Madison—to give her a heads-up we’re coming.”
“Excellent.” She gazed around the studio, a soft smile on her face. “I am glad you have come to me. We are going to do great things together, Sawyer.”
As they walked to the elevator, he felt more in his body. He could even feel his feet. “Ah…about the gallery. I think Axel shared with you the ones who’ve already contacted me.”
“He did.” She stepped into the small space and hit the button for the first floor. “The only one on the list that is at the level I’m thinking is the Anderson Gallery. I have a long history with them.”
He pressed back against the elevator wall to hold himself up. God, this was great! He hadn’t even had to figure out a way to bring her up. “You know Phoebe?”
“Since she was a kid,” Beverly answered breezily, like theywere country club chums. “Of course, her mother and I go way back. I know River, too, but he’s never been a client. Too bad for him. The things I could have done for him.”
That made him laugh, only for him to realize she was serious when she swung her head toward him. He tried to cover his error with a cough.
“I’m glad you’re excited about showing at the Anderson, Sawyer, because it’s the perfect entrée into the art world for you. The owner and I have already spoken about it. Now all you need to focus on is painting a few more masterpieces. After that, we’ll schedule a date. Like I told you when we first talked, just leave the rest to good old Beverly.”
When they reached the first floor, his brain finally caught up with what she’d said.
His first show would be at Phoebe’s gallery!
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
Dean’s part of Operation Sawyer had been simple.
He’d given Doc a T-shirt, but after hearing about his agent’s plan for a show at the gallery run by the beautiful Phoebe Anderson, Sawyer’s muse, Dean decided his friend needed something else more than new threads.
Business cards. And a website.
People needed to know where to contact him for commissions. His agent’s name needed to be flashing in neon lights so people would know who to contact with press and gallery inquiries.
Right now, Doc’s sole focus was painting for his first show and spending time with his ladylove, Phoebe. The only time he left hisatelierwas to meet with her, and then he went straight back in the studio. Take-out deliveries to his door had become standard.
Which gave Dean the time he needed to get everything mocked up. Of course, he needed photos of Sawyer’s paintings, but he’d managed to take good ones of the two in the restaurant in the off hours. Better light anyway. But he needed more for the website unless they were going to go allmysterious and put up the site with nothing but strong font and an enigmatic COMING SOON banner.
