My brain worm goes into hyperdrive thinking of Rose, ways I could honor her memory and intertwine her story with the message I’m trying to project. I barely notice being approached again, this time by a woman, arm in arm with whom I can only assume is her wife given their closeness. “There you are!” she exclaims like we’re long-lost friends.
I like her instantly and inexplicably. “I thought I had better chances of finding you if I stopped moving around the room.”
Both women laugh. A small victory but one I tuck away for safekeeping. “Oh, you’re just as darling as Margeaux led us to believe.”
Her having delightful friends comes as no surprise. “I’m happy to hear she didn’t oversell my charm. Are you ladies enjoying the show?”
They share a conspiratorial look. I have no idea what that could mean. “We are! Your featured pieces are powerful and the sketches are such a wonderful look into your wide array of capabilities.” Surely, given the scalding heat in my ears, I’m blushing terribly. “How rude of us to not introduce ourselves. You have to forgive us, dear. Margeaux is an old friend of oursand she’s spoken so highly of you that we felt as if we’ve known you for ages. I’m Blaire and this is my partner Viv.”
I’m willing to guess they’ve been together long enough that they’re well into morphing into one person. Both women are similar ages and builds. Tall but even more so in the matching red bottomed heels they’re wearing. What a gift to be in love that long. “It’s a pleasure to meet you ladies, and I’m certainly glad to hear that Margeaux has good things to say about me. I’m currently angling to be her son-in-law.”
The laugh shared between the three of us makes me feel like we’ve known each other for years rather than minutes. “From what we’ve heard, dear, you already are. I remember that boy’s seventh birthday party.”
Viv interrupts to add, “Oh, we’ll have to see if we still have the pictures. I’ll make you some copies. Little Chase was about the cutest thing you had ever laid eyes on.”
Still is. Blair continues. “I suppose he got fed up seeing all the grown-ups so happy because he declared to the entire backyard that he would never be getting married. It was gross. You must be something special to have snatched his heart right up.” I stammer out something that resembles a thank you before each of them loop their hands through my elbows so I’m sandwiched between them. “Come on, dear, let’s hear about these pieces. We’re quite undecided which to purchase.”
This is the most overwhelming and amazing experience of my life.
CHAPTER 35
CHASE
“Everyone wants their chance to talk to him,” I observe. Just from his hand gestures, I can tell that he’s explaining the story behind his mental health painting series again. I’ve watched him do it all night long, each time just as enthusiastic as the one before it.
Brady props his chin on my shoulder and sighs fondly. “He’s never been so in his element. He’s charming and gracious to every person that wants to meet him. It’s amazing.”
Automatically, I correct him. “Heis amazing.”
Thing One and Thing Two saddle up on either side of us. “A little birdie told us about a rumor that is going around.”
“Oh, yeah, Em?” I ask. “What rumor is that?”
They’re both having way too much fun here with the free drinks and interesting people. The two troublemakers are the perfect recipe for disaster. Whatever. As long as they keep their debauchery on the down-low. I’m just glad everyone is having a good time.
Parker clarifies. “Apparently, Easton is offering original artwork, commissions, and prints. I wonder if he knows that.”
Brady and I share a look. “If the worst secret that I ever keep from him is that, I think we’ll be okay. He didn’t even thinkpeople would buy these ones, even after how hard he worked. Call it a nudge in the right direction.”
Emerson hums in consideration. “I think I’d marry the person who believes in me as much as you do in Easton.”
Parker and Brady murmur their agreements. “He deserves it.”
There are certainly no disagreements from this group. Somewhere, my parents are also milling about with Sage, who could not miss this day. Logan is locked into a conversation with the host of the evening. I think Mom said his name is Killian. That’s who she’s been coordinating this entire event with. He’s a strong mental health advocate, both online and in person, so she knew he’d be the right fit to debut Easton into the art world.
The evening could not have been arranged any better than it was, to Killian’s credit. The space has a great brick interior with two rooms separated by arches, and a small, casual loft space above with seating options. How he’s set up the pieces makes sure that each one is able to stand alone and still look like a part of the set. The decorations are tasteful yet minimal so Easton shines.
When Blakely makes a beeline for us with a massive grin, I have an idea what she’s coming to say. “Eeeekkk.” The squeal is almost on a pitch that only dogs can hear. “When can we tell him that every single piece has sold? Nothing is left. I didn’t even get to buy anything yet. It’s all spoken for. Holy shit! Can you believe it? I mean, on one hand, duh. Easton is incredible so obviously everything got snatched up. But on the other hand, it’s his first show! This is the best day ever.”
My brothers share a quiet whoa, and Brady switches to attempting to break my arms in a shoulder squeeze. “Damn. I didn’t get anything either. Have any of y’all?” he asks, glancing between me and my brothers.
None of us speak up. “Maybe Mom and Dad or Logan were able to grab something?” I suggest.
She rolls her eyes. “Like I didn’t check with them already. So that means everything went to someone who is seeing his work for the first time? I’m so proud of him.” My thoughts exactly.
The threats are gone. With that sick fuck in jail, nothing is holding him back anymore. Today is a shining example of what my Chaos is capable of when he spreads his wings. He can do anything he sets his mind to.
We spend the rest of the night mingling, and I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t make me even crazier about Easton Callaghan that every chance he gets, he comes to me, searching for a quick kiss or soft I love you. I haven’t ever seen him this happy. If I thought he was radiant before, he’s brilliant tonight. Dropped in the deep end and instantly swimming laps. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, but somehow exactly what I’ve come to expect from Easton. He’s made of magic, after all.
