Kennedy gives me a soft, gentle smile and Vera simply tilts her head to the side. I haven't had a lot of interactions with the two of them and Vera has never been anything less than pleasant and nice. She has a colder, more up tight exterior than Kennedy does. Between the two of them, Kennedy is definitely the sunshine of their party.
“How are you, Ella?” Kennedy adjusts her ponytail as she smiles brightly. “We've been waiting for you to bring some new work into the gallery!”
Vera glances at her from the corner of her eye. “You've been evading our calls. Are you not interested in us representing your work anymore?”
Kennedy instinctively grabs Vera's forearm, giving it a gentle squeeze. Her hand lingers, her thumb trailing over her skin as she stares at her for a moment. Vera blows out a breath, her shoulders melting as Kennedy remembers I'm standing there. Her gaze meets mine and she pulls her hand away from her boss's arm, a blush creeping across her cheeks as she swallows.
“I apologize for being blunt and crass,” Vera forces out the words, smiling apologetically. “This week has been stressful and as my therapist has said, I need to stop projecting. What I meant to say is, we've been trying to reach you and haven't gotten a response.”
“That's my fault,” I tell the two of them, my voice sounding stronger than it has in the past. I'm really working on channeling Ella who is learning to stand up for herself. The same Ella who took control in the bedroom with Cole. “Life has gotten a bit messy the past few weeks and I've been easily overwhelmed by things. I have been painting and I did plan on calling you back... eventually.”
“We work with artists all the time and understand the creative process,” Kennedy offers, smiling at me as she reveals the dimples in her cheeks. “We are also human and understand life happens.”
“Well, I have been painting, despite everything going on.”
Vera's face lights up and she looks very pleased with my truth. “Well, this is great news. Are you interested in selling any more of your work?”
I nod slowly, grabbing two napkins and setting them in front of the ladies. “I am. I’m very interested in trying to pursue this as a career.”
“If only convincing you was this easy,” Vera mumbled under her breath to Kennedy. Kennedy's eyes sliced to the side of her face, but she quickly recovers and brushes away the awkwardness. I'm not sure what that was about. Vera looks back at me. “Our clients will wait. You have my number, so please call us as soon as you finish some projects and would like to talk about things.”
“Thank you,” I smile, a lightness spreading through my chest. It's a breath of fresh air, knowing I have this opportunity whenever I am ready for it.
I can only hope Cole waits the same way Vera will.
“Can I get you both something to drink or food perhaps?”
Vera nods. “I'll take a dirty martini and I'd love to look at the menu.” She glances at Kennedy, waiting for her to respond.
“I'll have what she's having.”
I smile at the two of them, grabbing two menus and handing them to both Vera and Kennedy before I walk to the center of the bar to prepare their drinks. After handing them their drinks and taking their food order, I move around to the other patrons, stealing glances at Vera and Kennedy together while I work. I'm not sure what their relationship dynamic really is, but I don't miss Kennedy's tender gaze as she stares at her boss. Vera is a little more closed off, but she is visibly more relaxed around Kennedy.
All I can do is make assumptions and, considering that Vera is Kennedy's boss, I don't think they have a relationship they're sharing with the world. There's stolen glances and secret, gentle touches that almost feel like I'm invading their privacy by witnessing it. There's something blossoming between them, even if they haven't decided to let everyone in on their secret.
The trust they have is palpable and I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy inside. They're comfortable and safe with one another.
It's everything I had with Cole. And everything I still want with him.
I can only hope he'll be understanding and that he’ll still be waiting for me after I get my life straightened out.
After I put my past to rest and can focus solely on my future... and him.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
COLE
It feels like I'm reliving the day of her art show, except this time, I'm not here with her.
Standing outside of the front door, I watch through the window as people move about, all of their heads tipping back as they look at the different paintings hanging on the walls. When Wyatt called me earlier to tell me about Ella's new show at the gallery, I didn't hesitate to show up. It's been a little over a month now since I last saw her or spoke with her and the time apart hasn't gotten any easier. I've been spending my days working on the ranch and busying myself with my boat, although nothing seems to be enough to block out the thoughts of her.
I've resisted every single urge to text or call her, simply out of respect for her wishes. A part of me has been feeling like a damn psychopath on the verge of giving in to my temptations. I want to hear her voice. I want to feel her next to me. Not only do I miss Ella, but I miss Chloe too.
I guess watching El through the window like a damn stalker is good enough for now.
“Are you planning on coming inside or standing out here like a weirdo?”
I turn my head to the side, seeing Wyatt as he walks out of the gallery and comes to stand in front of me. “I don't know what I'm doing. I want to come in, but I feel like I'm imposing.”
