I lingered behind them for a moment, a smile tracing my lips.
Was this Avery's work? It had to be. Just like her, it was warm and inviting.
I always had a deep admiration for artists that could create like this. Animation was my preferred path of the arts, but I couldn't help but feel a little envious of those who could wield a paintbrush this way.
“Madi! Fancy seeing you here.”
My head snapped up as Avery came down a hallway that seemed to lead to more studio space. Her hair was thrown up into a messy bun, the tips neon blue. Paint splattered her olive green corduroy overalls, her white T-shirt, and a pair of worn cowgirl boots.
“Morning,” I said, then cringed. It was already well past noon. “I mean afternoon. I’ve been meaning to stop by. Sorry I haven't yet.” I felt a little guilty knowing my first time in was also so I could be nosy about her brother.
Avery’s cheeks dimpled with a smile. She planted her hands on her hips. “Oh, it's fine. How are you settling in? How's the hotel? Are you liking everything? I’m sorry I haven’t come by yet this week, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind and it was impressed upon me I should let you settle in.”
I stifled a laugh. “Well, you’re never a bother. And it’s been wonderful. I love it. The entire loft is gorgeous and the lighting is perfect.” I shook my head. “Literally a dream. So is this place.”
Avery’s grin was contagious. “Thanks. I used to paint while my dad worked on the weekends up there. We renovated it to be a livable room, but it was more of a storage space back then. Admittedly, Austin and Dallas used to tease me about it being haunted, but if it is, the ghost is a nice one.”
I laughed. “I’ll keep an eye out. So far it’s been perfect except for a scorpion. Thankfully your brother rescued me.”
She was surprised by that. “Which one? Dallas or Austin?”
“Dallas.” Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. I wanted a new friend, and I didn’t want her to think I was trying to jump in her brother’s pants.
Although I definitely was.
“Dallas is good at rescues. I’m glad he was able to help. Whenever there’s a scorpion in the house, it’s either me or Mateo that takes care of them. Levi hates them.”
“Well, I can get on board with that,” I laughed. “Did you renovate yourself?”
Avery nodded, then paused. “Well, sort of. My brothers did most of the work. I mostly sat there and annoyed them since I treat being their sister like a part-time job. Whatever shit I can give them, I do.”
I laughed, feeling any tension in my body simply flutter away. Avery was so fun to be around. There was just something about her. I could see why Mateo and Levi were known to constantly swoon over her.
“We should have dinner soon,” Avery said. “That way you can meet everyone. I think you still need to meet Evie, Mateo, and Levi.”
I nodded and opened my mouth to speak, but a throat clearing drew our attention.
“Avery? Sorry for the interruption. Is this piece for sale?” The older man asked from across the room.
She arched a brow and crossed her arms. “Eli. What are you thinking? You already bought one of mine last month.” She gave me a wink and then bounded over to Eli and the older woman next to him.
“Yes, but we have more spaces to decorate,” the older woman said. “Everyone that comes through our hotel comments on the art. It's just what we've needed in Houston.”
Houston? That was a pretty far drive. Texas was the size of a damn continent, if I remembered correctly.
“Well, you know I won't tell you no,” Avery chuckled. “Maybe we should set something up, though, if you're wanting to keep buying more pieces. Also, Madi, sorry. I'll be with you in a few, but feel free to wander around the studio. Just don't go into the room with the painted door, that space is mine.”
“Of course,” I said.
Exploring would be nice. There was something interesting to look at in every corner of the gallery. I offered the couple a smile before heading down the hall, rooting for Avery to make a huge sale. The cheery tone of her voice followed me like a ray of sunshine as I left them.
The rest of the studio was just as inviting as the front area. Countless pieces of art hung in the hallways. I recognized Avery's style in some of them. Other pieces were clearly from different artists.
I slowed as one at the very end of the hall caught my eye. Sunlight filtered in from skylights above, highlighting it in a way that made me feel like I was in a museum.
It was a large oil painting, nearly as tall as I was.
The massive piece was a landscape, but it felt like it was glowing all by itself. A golden sun set over the desert. Scarlet and orange clouds crested over fluffy, dusty purple ones. It was an overcast day split up by the ferocity of a Texas sun.
