Page 83 of Omega's Refuge

“Yep.”

I gritted my teeth. “Are you sure he wasn't just being polite because we're together? I don't want him to take my art out of pity.”

Rex looked confused. “He's not going to do that. You're really talented, Tanner.”

I sighed. “I… I think I’m pretty good, but art is so subjective. It's hard to know if he actually likes my work, or if he's just trying to please you because you’re his brother.”

“Jack has a reputation to uphold. He isn't going to buy my boyfriend's art justbecausehe's my boyfriend.” Rex shook his head, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “He truly liked the stuff I showed him. I could tell. I think he was pleasantly surprised.”

“Okay,” I mumbled. “God, this is so nerve-wracking.”

He shook his head. “You're a professional artist. How can you be this insecure about your art?”

“Because, creating art is so personal.” I pushed my empty plate away. “If people don't like my art, it's like they don't likeme.”

“But hedidlike it.” Rex sounded patient. “In fact, he's coming here to meet you in person.”

I bugged my eyes. “What? He's cominghere?”

“Yes. He always meets his artists in person before he works with them. He needs to know if he’s compatible with their personality. He hates drama.” He smiled reassuringly. “It’ll be fine. I wanted you to meet him anyway.”

I nodded, heart racing. “When is he coming? I don’t have any of my work here yet. I can’t just keep showing him photos on my phone. He’s going to think I’m a fake.”

He put his hand over mine. “Tanner, take a breath.”

I winced, trying to relax. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay, but you have nothing to worry about. Jack isn’t coming for a few weeks. We’re going to your place in Billings on Saturday. We can bring any pieces you want to show Jack here, and store the rest. You’re going to need to get storage anyway, right?”

“Yes.” I couldn’t bring all my furniture and things to the ranch. There weren’t any cabins large enough to accommodate all of my stuff. Once the baby arrived, Rex and I had discussed maybe buying a house nearby. But for now, it was easier to live on the ranch.

“It’ll all work out. Mrs. Rodwell said we can move into the Big Sky Cabin tomorrow. It has a kitchenette and two bedrooms.”

I frowned. “I thought we weren’t having separate rooms.”

“We’re not. You can use the second room as your art studio. You’ll need somewhere to work, right?” He smiled coaxingly.

“Oh, yeah. That’s true.” I was touched that Rex had thought of that when even I hadn’t.

“Mrs. Rodwell is having the cabin cleaned for us as we speak.” He studied me. “You still want to live together, right?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Okay, then we’ll move our things over tomorrow.” He leaned toward me. “Jack is going to love youandyour art. I’m telling you,everything is going to be fine. Just trust me, Tanner. I know my brother. He wouldn’t say he liked your art if he didn’t. If he thought your art sucked, he’d very politely tell me to fuck off.”

I smiled grudgingly. “Okay. I hope you’re right.”

“I am. He has to be able to sell your art. He wouldn’t just commission art that he can’t unload. That wouldn’t make any sense. He’s a good guy, but he loves making money.”

“All right. I’ll trust you on this.”

“Good.” He scooted back his chair and stood. “Now, I have to go prepare for the guests since they’ll be here soon. You still plan on heading into town?”

“Yeah. Do you know where I might find some art supplies?”

He squinted up at the ceiling. “I’d probably try Tom’s Hardware. They may not have much of what you want in stock, but they’re happy to special order things.”

“Okay, I’ll try that place first.”

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