Chapter Thirty-Four
Note to Self—don’t ever let Merrick talk me into doing anything again. Ever!
I look at myself in the mirror. The smart royal blue suit that Merrick made me buy is stunning and fits like a glove. I’m foregoing a tie. I’m stressed out enough without feeling like I’ve got a noose around my neck.
Merlin appears behind me in the doorway. His beautiful smile, along with the heat in his eyes as he looks me up and down, isn’t enough to make me feel any calmer.
“I don’t think I can do this.” I run my sweaty hands down the seams of my trousers. “I don’t know why I let him see them in the first place. Let alone talk me into doing something so stupid. I’m going to be laughed out of the gallery.”
He pushes himself off the doorframe and approaches me. He’s looking so good in a charcoal suit with a black shirt, which he’s also left open at the neck, showing just a glimpse of his tanned chest. My mouth goes dry. He wraps his arms around my waist and tugs me close.
“We could stay here and get naked and do all the rude things you like,” I whisper.
“Nope, we can do all that later as a celebration of the total success of your show.” He kisses me, but when he pulls back, a sheepish look crosses over his face. “Is now a good time to tell you that my parents are coming too?”
“What!” My voice has gone up about six octaves. “Why? Why would you do this to me now? Oh god, I’m absolutely not going now.”
“They are not going to get in the way. In fact, I’ve been given strict instructions not to introduce them to you until it’s over.” He checks his watch. “It’s time to go.”
My feet don’t seem to want to move, and my stomach churns with a mix of terror and nausea.
He smiles, gently clasping my hands in his. “You can do this, and it will be a complete and utter success. I promise you. Merrick wouldn’t do this if he didn’t have total faith in you and your work. You’re brilliant.”
“You have to say that because you’re my boyfriend,” I say mulishly but give him a small smile. “If anyone is mean, I’m coming home.”
“Okay. I’ll be sure to make sure there are no meanies.” He presses a kiss to my temple.
“And no wandering off. You have to stay with me.”
“I won’t leave your side.”
We leave the house. Merlin drives my car, as his is always full of dirt. His hand rests on my jittery leg the whole way into town. We park around the corner and, hand in hand, walk to the gallery.
I’ve seen the layout, wandered through the rooms with Merrick to make sure we’re both happy with the positioning of each painting and drawing. But still, I’m not prepared to see my paintings in the spotlight, hanging on wires from the ceiling, lighting up the dark November night.
“Wow!” Merlin halts us and stares at the paintings.
Merrick’s original plan of having two of the softer erotic paintings in the window has changed.
Now the first one is of the cove from the dunes at sunrise, the sky all pinks and oranges with not a single cloud to mar the perfection of the sun coming up over the calm sea and the pale gold sand.
The second one is a surprise. Merrick has used the last painting.
The one of me looking over the stormy sea, the grey clouds and the smallest glimpse of the sun trying to break through the storm.
It’s a perfect contrast to the serenity of the first painting.
Merrick walks through the open door and stands next to me. “What do you think?”
I shake my head, trying to find the words. The emotions that are rushing through me leave me speechless. “This can’t be real,” I finally choke out and turn to Merrick and Merlin. “It’s like looking at someone else’s work.”
“Come on in. There are lots of people waiting to see you and talk to you,” Merrick says. “And champagne. After a glass or two, you’ll relax.”
Merlin squeezes my hand, and together we walk inside.
Friends mix with people I’ve never seen before, all smiling as they look at the art.
Drew is studying a pencil drawing of Josh, taken from one of the photographs I keep on my phone.
He’s smiling, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he looks directly at me.
“Does it bother you?” I ask. Shit, I should have considered my words more carefully.
He turns his head to me, no animosity in his expression, no disapproval.
“No, not at all. He’s an important part of Merrick’s life.
Therefore, he matters in mine. His death was a tragedy, and Merrick wore his grief like a coat of armour when he first arrived.
But he survived. More than that. He lived through his pain and slowly let Josh go.
He will never be forgotten in our house. ”
“Thank you for being here for Merrick, for loving him and Willow the way they deserve to be loved.”
Before we can say any more, Merrick touches my arm. “Can I steal you away. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”
I nod and let Merrick lead me to a small group of four people: three well-dressed men and a pretty, young woman in a beautiful cocktail dress.
“It’s going amazingly, Trent. So many paintings have already been sold.
These people are well-respected critics from some of the broadsheet newspapers, and they are keen to talk to you.
Don’t look so scared. They’re good people. ”
So I answer their questions about my background. They’re surprised that this is the first time I’ve painted, let alone had an exhibition. Merlin lets go of my hand, but as I’m locked in this conversation, I can’t comment or follow him.
After a few more minutes, the critics thank me for my time, and they carry on looking around. I can’t see Merlin or Merrick, but I weave through the group of strangers until I come to the section with the more risqué paintings and drawings. Ivan and Brodie are talking quietly.
I feel a little more confident after the praise from the critics. “What do you think?”
“These are so hot.” Brodie nudges my shoulder with his. “I never knew this side of you. I’m impressed.”
“Have you bought any? I’m sure there’s a space in your bedroom for one of these,” I tease. To my surprise, they nod.
“Yep, but I’m not telling you which one.” Brodie laughs.
“Where are the ones of your man?” Ivan waggles his eyebrows. “You must have drawn him.”
“I’m not answering that.” I grin and wink.
Brodie looks over my shoulder and frowns, worry etched in his face.
I turn around but can’t see anything untoward. “You okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. I thought I saw someone, but it’s nothing.” Brodie smiles, but it’s tense, not too genuine. Then he brightens. “I can’t believe I didn’t know this about you, Trent. Why have you hidden it for so long?”
“Um, I guess, I’ve always done as I was told. My parents didn’t approve. They always told me to stop doodling and concentrate on being a teacher. I don’t regret being a teacher, but this, well, this is me—the real me. Coming here is the best decision I’ve ever made.”
“And you found Merlin.” Ivan grins.
“Found Merlin what?” An arm snakes around my waist, pulling me against his body. He drops a kiss on my temple.
“Nothing, just me,” I say. “Just me finding you. Where’ve you been? You promised to hold my hand all night.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. I’m here now.”
Brodie is frowning again and claps be on the shoulder. “Merlin, can I borrow you for a minute?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
The two men walk through the elegantly dressed guests to a quieter part of the room.
“What’s all that about?” Ivan asks, but I have no clue.