Page 94 of Pining for Pierce

“Yes. In an antiques store. My girlfriend’s parents own it.” I smile, liking how that sounds, and he nods his head.

“I see. Well, I hope they won’t mind if you have to leave, because if this exhibition goes well, your situation could be about to change… drastically.”

“It could?”

“Yes. I’ve seen what you sell your canvasses for. We’d be looking to market them for at least six times that price… probably a lot more for the larger pieces.”

“B—But that could put some of them well into four figures.”

“I know. Trust me, they’re worth it.”

I’m pretty sure I’m blushing, but he doesn’t say anything. He just smiles at me. “Obviously, we take a forty percent cut of everything that sells through the exhibition, but that’s industry standard.”

I know it is, and I nod my head, still reeling and trying to take in the fact that if I sell a painting for five thousand dollars, even after the gallery takes their cut, I’ll still have three thousand in the bank. That’s just for one painting. If I only sold a quarter of what I’ve got…

My head spins, just thinking about it. “Are you sure my work is worth that much?” I ask, and he nods his head.

“I’m positive. You also need to remember your rate for commissions would be significantly higher after this.”

I hadn’t thought about that, but I guess he’s right, and I sit back, feeling a little overwhelmed.

“When do you need a decision?” I ask.

“I hate to press you, but as soon as possible.”

“In that case, I agree.” I’d be a fool not to.

He grins, getting up from his seat and coming over to me, his hand outstretched. I stand, and we shake, Mr. Bowman patting me on the arm.

“Thank you,” he says, although I can’t believe he just said that.

“It should be me thanking you.”

“Not at all. You’ve saved us from the embarrassment of having an empty gallery.”

“Was there a reason the other artist pulled out at such short notice?” I ask as he steps back, looking awkward, and I wonder if I’ve hit a raw nerve.

“It’s… It’s to do with my son,” he says, going to the window and staring out. “He works for me.”

“I know. I went to school with him.”

He flips around, tipping his head to one side. “Of course. That makes sense, now I come to think about it. Kaiden’s mom moved to Hart’s Creek after we divorced… although I don’t recall him mentioning your name.”

“We weren’t particular friends,” I say, hoping he won’t take offense, and he nods his head.

“Well… I should probably tell you what’s happened, just in case you hear rumors from someone else, especially as we’re still trying to get to the bottom of it all.” He comes closer again, lowering his voice, even though we’re the only people here. “The thing is, the artist concerned has filed a complaint of inappropriate behavior against Kaiden. There’s a sexual nature to her accusations, which was serious enough for her to withdraw from exhibiting here.”

“Has she involved the police?” I ask, wondering if I’ve made the right decision to accept his offer, or if I’m about to embroil myself in some kind of scandal.

“No. She says she doesn’t want to, but sweeping it under the carpet isn’t an option – for her, or for us. At the moment, she’s leaving it for us to investigate internally, so I’ve suspended Kaiden and my deputy is looking into this woman’s claims. Naturally, I can’t do it myself. I have to remain impartial. And in any case, I’ve got my hands full trying to salvage what I can in terms of our finances and our reputation. Your exhibition will help with that. Naturally, if it transpires Kaiden has done what this woman is accusing him of, he won’t have a place here anymore.”

I nod my head, realizing why Kaiden has been hanging around in Hart’s Creek, rather than working.

“Have I put you off?” Mr. Bowman asks.

“No. You’re not responsible for Kaiden’s actions. I… I suppose I just need to know you’re handling it appropriately,and I guess I’d like some reassurance that there won’t be any negative fallout.”

“I can understand that, and there won’t, I can assure you. The artist doesn’t want any publicity, and neither do we. It won’t be helpful to any of us. She just wants the matter cleared up, and it will be, believe me. Kaiden may be my son, but we’ll find out what happened and take action. We can’t afford not to.”

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