“Nobody saw. We were very private about it.”
I mean if the press were going to grab-and-go with anything it would have been that auction.
“Well, that’s convenient!” Zoe coos.
“Yeah…convenient.” Avery grins.
But Callum doesn’t waver. And honestly, despite everything, I am having a good time. Maybe it’s the muddled Hendricks. Maybe it's three-hundred-dollar champagne. Whatever it is, I’m enjoying myself. I mean why not?
As things are starting to wrap up, I excuse myself to the bathroom. I check my hair and wash my hands and honestly, I’m feeling pretty good about myself. One of the stalls opens and Noah’s friend with the rose tattoo walks out.
“Hey,” she smiles and it’s as warm as her flawless skin. “I don’t think I introduced myself. Actually, I’ve been meaning to for a few days now. I’m Cass. I work in recording.”
“Oh. Oh! Yes, I think I saw your name on the soundboard. Incredible soundboard by the way.”
“It’s mint. 1969.”
“This entire thing is just unreal,” I laugh.
“It’s a lot to take in when you’re new for sure. I’ve seen your profile though, and I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“God, I hope you’re right. I was a little worried out there for a minute.”
“Okay between you and me,” she leans in. “That crowd out there is not the crowd you will normally deal with on our end of things. Those are the ties. The deep pockets. Save for Noah and sometimes Callum when he’s willing to admit it, they’re not artists. We…we are the painters of their vision.”
“Well, you and Noah seem great together,” I tell her.
Cass laughs. “Oh honey, Noah and I aren’t…I mean…he’s my friend, nothing more.”
“You sure? I feel like you’d be perfect together.”
“The man has a dick and that’s not my vibe,”
“Oh…Oh! Okay, I got it.”
She laughs again. “Just remember one thing. Be honest and true with yourself and real with everyone else. You’ll go far. And be careful with those Hardin men, if you know what I mean.”
I do know what she means.
She’s telling me to protect my heart.
But lucky for me, I am not in love with any Hardin men.
I’m married to one, but not forever.
And no one needs to know that part.
As we are getting ready to leave, Hiram shakes my hand, holding it for a moment. “I may have been wrong about you, dear. You’re a lovely girl and I am happy to have you on our team and even happier that you will be keeping Callum in line, in more ways than one. I don’t know if you could tell. I don’t know if any of you could tell but I am a tired man.”
We are standing in a circle with Hiram in front of me and Callum’s hand is back on my lower back again. Warm, comforting.
“You’ve been tired for years,” Avery jokes and while Hiram is smiling, there is something behind it.
“I have to be honest with you boys. With all of you. This world has been catching up with me. And it’s hard to do it alone. It’s taxing to say the least. And my health…has been declining.”
“Oh no,” Cass frowns genuinely.
“Dad?” Avery asks, and Callum’s brow furrows.
