Page 305 of His Virgin Romance Series

“Only a few shows in college,” I admitted.

“But none in any galleries in the city since then?”

“No.”

“Hmm… well then, if I agree to take a chance on you… I’d be doing you a favor.”

I hesitated for a second. “Actually, I think I’d be doing you a favor,” I said.

He stared at me and then smiled in amusement. “Do explain that.”

“I’m going to be a big name someday,” I said. “Everyone’s going to know my work; everyone’s going to fight to own a Miles Danvers painting one day. Don’t you want to be the one to say that you were the gallery owner who gave me my start? Don’t you want to say that you spotted my talent before anyone else did?”

Gordon narrowed his shrewd eyes at me and pursed his lips. “I’m not usually a fan of arrogance, but in this industry, I think sometimes it’s necessary,” he said. “And you’re the only one who’s given me a sales pitch that’s not half bad. So…”

“So?”

“I will exhibit your work here,” Gordon said, and I tried not to jump out of my seat. “Keep this portfolio with me. I’ll go through it again and pick the five paintings I like best. Those will be the ones on display. I’ll price them as well and send you the details. The gallery keeps twenty percent of whatever you make on each painting.

“Twenty percent?” I asked. “That’s steep.”

“And non-negotiable,” Gordon said.

I knew better than to push that point. I nodded. “Thank you for this opportunity.”

The moment I stepped out of the gallery, I took a deep breath and let joy fill my lungs. I immediately grabbed my phone and texted Gabby. “Guess what? We have a big reason to celebrate tonight. It’s time to party and party hard. Get your dancing shoes on.”

I sent the text and then gave calls to Beatz, Roy, and Ethan. They would get the word out about the party tonight. I went to the station to report for my community service and spent four hours there, checking my phone continuously for a reply from Gabby.

I all but raced home wanting to tell her all about the meeting and get ready for the party, but when I opened the door to the apartment, something didn’t feel right. I saw one of Gabby’s suitcases by the door, and I could hear her moving things around in her room.

“Gabby?” I said, making my way to her room. The door was wide open, and she was folding clothes and packing them into a small carry-on.

She turned downcast eyes towards me, and I realized how tired she looked.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

She sighed. “I’m leaving, Miles.”

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