The couple thanks Sam and moves towards another exhibit. She smiles, watches them go, then turns slightly—just enough that I think she might look my way.
She doesn't.
Wren appears at my side, pulling on her jacket. "Warning," she says quietly. "The Babes are planning a celebratory drink."
I don't say anything.
She tilts her head, studying me. "Look at me."
I do, reluctantly.
Her expression softens. "Your exhibit is beautiful, Tommy. I'm really proud of you."
I nod, but my eyes drift back to Sam.
Wren follows my gaze, then looks back at me. "Tommy," she says, her voice low. "Tell her."
That gets my attention. I look at her sharply.
Wren just holds my gaze for a beat, then zips up her jacket. "Tell her."
Liv appears beside us, grinning. "Okay, who's coming for drinks?"
We step back into Sam's exhibition space just as the Boss Babes are gathering their things. Priya spots us and grins. "There you are. We were just about to stage an intervention."
Nadia checks her watch. "There's a wine bar two blocks over. Still open for another hour."
Priya tilts her head toward Sam. "You in? We need to celebrate properly."
Sam hesitates, glancing at me, then back at the Babes. "Can I take a rain check?"
There's a beat of silence. Liv raises an eyebrow. Nadia's expression sharpens slightly, reading the room.
Wren steps forward, pulling her coat tighter. "I'll take you up on that drink."
The Babes turn to her, and the energy shifts—relieved, enthusiastic. "Yes, perfect," Priya says.
Liv moves toward Sam and pulls her into a quick, tight hug. "We're so proud of you." Nadia squeezes her shoulder. Priya kisses her cheek. "Your work is stunning, Sam. Really."
"Thank you," Sam says quietly. "For everything."
The Babes say quick goodbyes to me—cheek kisses, a few teasing remarks about my secret exhibit—and then they're gone, Wren trailing behind them with a small wave.
The gallery feels suddenly quiet.
I turn to Sam. My hands are back in my pockets. My jaw is tight. "You want to walk a bit before we get on the subway?"
Sam nods. "Yeah, sure."
We step out onto the sidewalk, the door closing behind us.
We fall into step north without discussing it. Broadway is still busy, but the night has settled into that steady hum—traffic, voices, light from storefronts washing onto the pavement.
I glance up between buildings. "It's hard to get a clean shot of the Empire State when you're actually in Manhattan."
Sam smiles. "I know. That's why I've always liked walking up Broadway here. You get that straight view."
I look ahead.
