The glossy spotlit gallery was abuzz with loud chatter, the tinkle of a piano cover ofDancing on my ownby Robyn, and staff circling the room with glasses of fizz among the hundred or so guests. Gilly could barely hear herself think above the din. Separated from Ariel, she’d networked the room talking about how talented the artist was and asking what people thought of the show, although she hadn’t seen all the pieces herself. Selecting a tangy hoisin-duck wrap from a passing tray, she picked her way up to the mezzanine level and leaned against the railing, scanning the crowd below for neighbours and friends.
Albie and Clover were in happy conversation, the newly fledged couple looking dapper. Albie was wearing a full tux with green bow tie (the most normal outfit Gilly had seen him in, though the unconventional jacket lining was covered in yellow dinosaurs), and Clover was in elegant full-length emerald gown with beading around the V-neck. It was lovely they’d made such an effort, and she was also impressed Harley was here, given his obsession with privacy.
In a fitted black suit screaming designer, presumably from his old life, and without his baseball cap, he looked exceptionally handsome. Currently, he was trying hard not to stare at Kirsten, unconsciously touching her elbow or lower back as they chatted to Vanessa and Theo. In a knee-length, clingy blue dress, Kirsten looked more like a celebrity gracing the cover of a glossy magazine than the nurturing, energetic, flour-covered bakerthey were used to. When she turned to say something to Harley, he grinned and threw his head back, laughing. God, did he even realise he was falling in love? It was almost painful to watch. Those days were so long ago for her and Ariel. Did real love diminish because of trauma, or should it bind a couple together, the shared experience making them stronger?
Pushing aside the thought, she flicked her gaze to the gold bandage dress Vanessa wore, shimmering in the spotlights as she took photos on her mobile, grabbing a selfie with a reluctant Theo. Looking more at home here than she did running around after Laurie, Gilly thought with a pang that the woman probably hadn’t planned on getting pregnant in her mid-twenties, only to end up alone.
Scanning the room for Ariel, her attention was caught by Tori, standing by the main door in black trousers and a matching scoop-neck top, fingers fiddling with her handbag strap and looking pale. Ethan came in, putting his broad jacket-clad body between her and the room, and she relaxed, nodding as he spoke. A woman in a black trouser suit with a frazzled expression arrived, jostling Tori, who froze. After a moment, Ethan said something to the newcomer, pointing to her badge and Tori pasted on a smile, joining in. It was only when descending the stairs that Gilly recognised the local newspaper editor she’d invited in the hopes of free publicity. Aware Tori was a freelance journalist, she’d also thought it might be a good contact for her.
Reaching the third step from the bottom, Gilly spied Ariel speaking to a wealthy looking couple, hopefully prospective buyers. Her fiancée was distracted though, peering around the mass of bodies.
Taking a deep breath, she called the room to attention. A hush spread and the pianist ceased his playing, people turning to watch her. Leveraging her best headteacher persona, she raisedher voice. ‘Good evening, and thank you for attending tonight’s event. I hope you’re all having a brilliant time. I’m Gilly Clarke, fiancée to Ariel De Witt, whose beautiful contemporary pieces are on display. The Parker-Taits have generously agreed to let me say a few words.’ She could see Ariel pushing her way through the crowd to move closer. ‘I wanted to share that Ariel has worked hard for this. We’ve had a challenging few years, but even in her darkest hours, she kept painting and creating, showing great talent and immeasurable perseverance. I don’t think she’ll mind me saying art helped heal her.’ Ariel dipped her chin, but was subtly scanning the room, rather than listening to Gilly’s heartfelt words.
Thrown off course, Gilly stuttered, ‘I-I’ve always b-been immensely proud of my fiancée and what she’s achieved. I’d like to think I’m her biggest champion and have always supported her calling.’ Her voice grew stronger. ‘And that’s what it is: a passion and vocation, and part of what makes her who she is.’ Ariel finally met her eyes, as she continued. ‘I’m delighted to share the amazing news that two-thirds of the show’s pieces have sold this evening, and the Parker-Taits will be commissioning more De Witt paintings.’ At this, Ariel’s mouth dropped open, eyes widening. Gilly gave her a trembling smile.You deserve this.
Preparing to make the champagne toast, she was interrupted by a tuxedoed silver fox standing on the mezzanine level with his arm around an attractive blond man, who called down, ‘In fact, it’s even better. We’re the Parker-Taits and are pleased to announce we’re offering Miss De Witt a bigger show at our sister gallery in London.’ Raising his glass at their artist, he nodded in congratulations and spontaneous applause erupted around the room, Ariel looking ready to burst with excitement.
Gilly kept the smile on her face, despite feeling nauseous. Where would an exhibition in the capital leave them? Forgettinghow she’d intended to round off the speech, she glanced over to where the association members were gathered. ‘As it’s a night for good news, I’d also like to congratulate my dear friend Kirsten who runs a cake company and will be doing a photoshoot with the UK’s biggest-selling bridal magazine. I’m sure the orders will come flooding in, and she’ll soon be creating masterpieces for all the best weddings. Also, Ethan has accepted a promotion at work, so I’d like to offer my congratulations to them both. To Kirsten, and Ethan!’ As the guests raised their glasses, repeating the toast, Kirsten flushed beetroot, and Tori turned to Ethan as he dipped his head toward her.
‘And now let’s raise our glasses to Ariel, and to our passions and vocations.’ Glasses were held aloft with a chorus of voices, and Tori nodded at Gilly through the crowd. A sheen of tears was in Tori’s brown eyes, as if the words had struck a chord. A reminder of her own passion and vocation.
After giving the speech, Gilly headed for the unseen paintings, hoping to find Ariel.
There was a gaggle of people peering at one piece, speaking in hushed undertones. ‘Absolutely gorgeous,’ a middle-aged woman was remarking to her friend, ‘I wouldn’t mind being an artist, painting naked hunks all day. Do you think they’re sleeping together?’
‘Don’t be silly,’ her companion replied, ‘you heard that speech. The artist’s engaged to a woman.’
‘Well, if I was gay, he could probably turn me—’ she started, before noticing Gilly standing behind them. ‘Oops, sorry.’ Faces flaming, they hurried away.
Gilly would’ve challenged their inappropriate comments if the painting hadn’t caught her eye. Stepping closer, her stomach sank at the clean lines, use of vivid colours, and emotions pulsing off the canvas. Ariel had painted nudes with models before, and Gilly never minded because it was a professionalrelationship. However, this piece spoke of affection, heat, admiration. It didn’t look professional, but personal.
As if summoned, Ariel sauntered up and curled her arm around Gilly’s waist. ‘Thank you for the speech, I know things haven’t been great between us, but I was touched?—’
‘Who were you looking for earlier?’ Gilly asked, eyes fixed on the painting.
‘No one. You.’
‘This is Steve, right? The foreman?’
‘Oh,’ Ariel followed her gaze, ‘yes.’
‘He’s very well-built.’ Gilly indicated the curved biceps and sculpted shoulders, brawny thighs and other… things.
‘Suppose so,’ Ariel shrugged.
‘How did he end up modelling for you? It’s hardly his usual trade.’
‘I just asked one day when I was painting a cottage door, and he agreed. We’ve become friends.’ The response was quick, glib.
‘You’re not usuallyfriendswith your models.’ Incoming tears stung the inside of Gilly’s nose.
Ariel’s expression turned stony, and she dropped her arm from Gilly’s waist. ‘What are you accusing me of?’
Her voice trembled. ‘Not an accusation, a question. Are you sleeping with him?’
Ariel stared at her boldly, green eyes defiant. ‘No.’
‘Right.’ She firmed her jaw, far from convinced. But she’d always prided herself on being pragmatic and level-headed, and after the adoring speech she’d just made championing her fiancée, she wasn’t going to humiliate herself by having it out with Ariel in front of all these people. ‘Let’s paste our smiles back on. I’ll leave shortly, and we’ll talk about this later.’
