Page 211 of The Seven Rings
“No, I really don’t. I’m basking.”
Sonya basked. Cleo socialized and talked art. Kevin, a little wild-eyed, grinned like a crazy man.
As the crowd began to thin out, Bree shot in like a bullet.
“Kitchen just closed. I’ve gotta get back, but I wasn’t missing this. Manny said we should get something for our place. Tell me what I should get.”
“Oh, Bree, you need to pick your own art. It’s—”
“Bullshit.” She just grabbed Sonya’s arm. “What the hell do I know? Show me stuff.”
Sonya did her best, and found herself surprised when Bree fixed on a dreamy watercolor of the bay. A single boat, bright white with red sails, glided toward the horizon.
“It makes me feel calm. It’s hard to make me feel calm, but this does. I want this. I like how the sun’s coming through the clouds, like God fingers or whatever. Yeah, it makes me feel calm. Thanks. I’m getting it.”
She shot off.
“I did absolutely nothing,” Sonya murmured. “But glad to help.”
“Talking to yourself?”
Sonya turned, laughed when she saw Maddy. “I do that.”
“Me, too. Sonya, this is Hector, my partner in all things.”
He looked like Willie Nelson, braid and all, and cupped her hand in both of his. “So glad to meet you. Maddy showed me pictures of the pieces she’s redoing for you. You’re a smart woman. History and heritage.”
“And I’m going to get in touch tomorrow, probably, as Hector and our kids voted with you on a new website.”
“You won’t be sorry.”
“That’s what I hear, so I figure you’re as talented in your way as Cleo is in hers.”
“We never miss an art show,” Hector put in. “But this one? Total wow factor.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
At the end of the evening, it became clear many agreed.
“Lucky thirteen.” Kevin loosened his red bow tie. “Thirteen sold just tonight, and there’s a lot of interest in several more. Cleo, it’s the most successful fine art opening we’ve ever had.”
“It’s the most successful show I’ve ever had. You did an amazing job.”
He gripped her hands. “You have to promise me to do another.”
“I’d love to. Maybe next fall.”
“Perfect.” Now he kissed both her hands, left, then right. “I can’t thank you enough. And remember, anytime you have something you want displayed? We’re here.”
“You’re my man, Kevin.”
“The car’s a few blocks down,” Trey told them as they left. “I’ll go get it, pick you up.”
“I could use the walk.” Cleo looked at Sonya.
“Absolutely. It got seriously crowded in there for a while. The air feels great. Thirteen paintings!” Sonya pumped fists in the air. “And he’s counting the series of three Paula wanted as one, so actually fifteen. That’s a lot of sprinkles.”
“Well, you have to consider Trey’s parents, Owen’s cousin—”
