I want to find Alexei to share this small victory, but he disappeared with Roman. Instead, I focus on the couple, smiling so wide my cheeks hurt.
“So each piece takes about a week?” The woman in tweed touches her pearl necklace while peering closer at my sea glass creation.
“Give or take.” I clasp my hands to stop from fidgeting. “It depends on how the pieces want to fit together.”
Her husband nods sagely, as if I’ve imparted a well-kept secret. “The materials speak to you.”
“Yes, exactly.”
They understand. This sweet couple actually gets it. A bright, clean thrill rushes through me.
The gallery director, a middle-aged woman named Rhonda with rich caramel skin, spiral curls, and a smile as wide as Texas, approaches.
She extends a champagne flute toward me. “Another drink for our star artist? A guest wants to discuss a commission.”
A commission?
My heart skips. I accept the champagne and swallow a small sip. I’ve had a glass already, just enough to soften the edges of my anxiety without dulling my senses. “Who?”
Rhonda points to one of the movable walls. “I left him on the other side. He asked if he could speak to you personally. Let me know if you need anything.”
The director glides away, and the couple in tweed spot a painting on the other side of the gallery.
My mind races with possibilities as I round the wall. Materials, colors, scale… This could mean real money. Legitimacy. I could even?—
“Aurora Bailey. What a surprise.”
My blood solidifies into ice. I recognize that voice. I’ve heard it barking orders, issuing threats, laughing at jokes that weren’t funny.
I’ve even heard that voice in my nightmares.
I spin, the champagne trembling in my hand. “Gio.”
A tray of full champagne flutes perches on one of his palms. His dark hair is styled with gel, his expensive suit swapped out for a black waitstaff uniform. His smile oozes with deceptive charm.
Unease crawls down my spine as I search around for Alexei, but I can’t find him anywhere.
How did Gio infiltrate the art show without Alexei or the Kozlovs noticing him? He must have hidden in here all day, biding his time in some out of the way room.
The gallery noise fades around us, the party revelry growing distant.
Tilting his head, Gio studies my phoenix art piece. I want to cover the sculpture and shield my creation from his gaze. He takes his time, forcing me to wait. Scaring me shitless.
Finally, he graces me with his attention. “So, you and Alexei.”
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. “Yes.”
“Honestly, I didn’t even realize you two knew each other. And now, boom, you’re married.”
His volume rises onboom, causing me to flinch. Champagne sloshes over my fingers. “Um…”
“Crazy, right? I mean, Benny got offed, and then you disappeared.” He plucks a glass from the tray and gulps the contents, his eyes glued to mine over the rim. “At first, I thought, hell, what a coincidence. But on the off chance it wasn’t…”
He sighs, as if dismayed his trash didn’t get picked up that day.
I open my mouth to reply but snap it shut, still too stunned to form words.
“I almost caught you at your apartment and then at the campus. But I gotta admit,” his voice drops lower, so I have to hover closer to hear him, “I didn’t predict Alexei would be at the fucking wedding dress boutique. Joke’s on me, right? What a devoted guy.”
