“I won’t quit,” she said.
Something in her voice made him believe her.
Even if she didn’t fully believe it herself yet.
“I know,” he replied.
Their eyes held, and for a moment— the distance disappeared. But just as quickly, he stepped back again, and it returned. Stronger this time.
A knock broke the tension.
Both of them turned.
The door opened.
A woman stepped inside, composed, professional—yetcarrying an energy that filled the room in a different way.
Recognition flickered across Randi’s face.
“Claire?”
The gallery director smiled, relief softening her features as she approached her.
“There you are.”
Emotion rose unexpectedly in Randi’s chest.
“You’re here.”
“Of course I’m here,” Claire said, moving closer. “You scared half the art community.”
A faint smile touched Randi’s lips.
“I didn’t mean to.”
“No, I imagine you didn’t.”
Claire’s gaze shifted to Brew. Her eyes quickly scanned over him in appreciation of his handsomeness.
Quickly he stepped forward, extending his hand in introductionto save the anonymity of his purchase.
“Hello. I’m Dr. Brewster Clay, Miss Caleb’s surgeon.”
Claire’s eyes sparked with recognition as she accepted his hand in greeting.
“Ah, yes, Dr. Clay. I spoke with you earlier. Thank you for the go ahead to visit Miss Caleb.”
He acknowledged with a polite nod.
“Well. I’ll leave you two alone –“
Claire waved her hand to stall him.
“No need. No need. I’ll only be a few moments. I have a broker meeting in twenty a block away.” She directs her attention to Randi.
Brew looked at Randi, more for direction than anything.
She nodded.
