Page 18 of For the Love of Art

“They’re so similar in color and composition. They flow well, but neither stands out, which is unfortunate because they’re both so beautiful.” I looked around, then pointed at a painting on the far wall. “I think if you put one of these with that one, she’ll see more success.” I shrugged. “I noticed in the main gallery as well. With a variety of artists out there, you’d think they’d stand out, but they all kind of just– flow.”

I looked up at Nathan, who was rubbing his jaw, wide-eyed. Self-consciousness crept from my belly up into my face. A door closed, and heels clicked on the hard cement.

“There you are,” Maggie’s voice rang through the quiet. She held a box and looked elegant in her flowy boat neck dress. “I’ve been looking for you.”

Her breathing changed when Nathan’s gaze landed on her. She clearly liked the attention from him, even if it was only to talk business.

“Can you come over here?” Nathan motioned for her to join us.

Oh no.

Maggie smiled and put down her box. Her eyes were big and flirtatious as she approached.

“What can I do for you, Nathan?” she asked, her voice breathy and a little higher than her usual register.

“Do you still like this placement?”

God, take me away from here.

“Absolutely.” She smiled and clasped her hands together in front of her. “Look how well they flow. God, your sister is so talented.”

Her hand went up and touched his arm. Nathan looked down at where they connected, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“She is,” Nathan agreed, moving out of her touch. “It’s too bad the world may never know it.”

Maggie looked confused. “What?”

Nathan’s normally warm features were now steely and cold. “You plan to put two very similar paintings together.”

Maggie’s mouth opened and closed a few times.

“I’ll ask again: is this your final placement?”

Maggie looked at me, and I averted my eyes to the ceiling. Anywhere but here!

“I mean, I still like this layout. I can always change it if you like.”

“I pay you to do this.” The repeated words hit with more power.

“It’s still your gallery, Nathan.” Once again, her words came out breathy, but this time, it wasn’t desire that caused it.

“I pay you to run it!”

“I-I- I can fix this!”

“Don’t bother. It’s clear your credentials are just letters.”

Her brows came together. “That’s not true.”

Nathan held out his hand. “Keys.”

Maggie looked between the two of us in disbelief. I felt sick to my stomach again. Squaring her jaw, she pulled the coiled bracelet off her wrist and dropped it into Nathan’s hand. Purposefully and needlessly, she bumped into me as she walked out the door Nathan and I had come in.

Nathan faced me, putting one hand on my shoulder while the other placed Maggie’s keys in his pocket. “Are you okay?”

“Why would you do that?” I hissed, pulling away from him.

“I have standards. Manning Art Gallery has standards.”