Page 133 of The Substitute Fiancée

Cédric Levasseur.

My heart leaps. I answer immediately and put the call on speaker. I can’t stop painting—not now, not when the wash is still wet. The slightest interruption would create an ugly stain.

“Allô?”

“Hello, Samantha,” the warm voice of the gallery owner greets me. “I have very good news! We’ve sold one of your pieces!”

My brush nearly slips from my fingers.

“You’re kidding! I can’t believe it! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re the best.”

“This success is due to your talent,” he corrects me with a laugh in his voice. “I’ll transfer your earnings by the end of the week. And you’ll need to bring me new pieces very soon!”

“Yes, of course. I’ll stop by next week. Thank you again!”

I hang up. Then I rush into Emelyne’s bedroom. I barge in without knocking and let my joy explode.

“You are never going to believe this! I sold my first painting!”

“That’s amazing!” she exclaims, getting up to wrap me in a hug. “I knew you’d make it! Which one did you sell?”

“Uh… I didn’t ask.”

She looks at me, then bursts out laughing.

“You really are an artist, no doubt about it!”

Then her brows knit together.

“Why are you holding a paintbrush covered in paint?”

“Shit, my gradient!”

I sprint back into the living room.

“No, no, no. Please, stay wet.”

I stare at my watercolor. The wash has started to dry. I try to extend the gradient, but it’s too late.

“Damn it. It set.”

Emelyne, who followed me, studies my work over my shoulder.

“Don’t panic. It’s fine. It actually adds more strength to the piece. Look—this edge creates movement, tension. It’s even better.”

I contemplate the painting, unconvinced.

“You think?”

“I’m sure,” she says, kissing my temple.

I smile despite myself.

“Thank you. How do you always know exactly how to cheer me up? You know you’re my favorite cow, right?”

“Huh? What?! What are you talking about?” Emelyne asks, laughing.

“Cows have best friends,” I reply very seriously. “They get stressed if they’re separated from their favorite companions. It’s scientifically proven.”