Page 36 of Rose's One Night to Forever
“Troublemaker.” Luke swung her up on his shoulder, Kelli squealing with laughter. Her husband pressed a big palm to her ass and held her in place.
“Let me down, you Neanderthal. This is a fancy art gallery, not the barn,” Kelli complained, trying to lift her head enough to peer at Chance.
“We’re a very open-minded gallery,” Chance assured her before winking at Luke. “If you head that direction, you’ll meet less traffic.”
Although the crowd currently in the building seemed thoroughly amused as Luke offered a hat tip then carried a laughing Kelli out of sight.
When the unexpected floor show left the building, Chance made his way upstairs to the interactive studio Fern Fields had taken to like a duck to water.
She had an interest and some talent in watercolour painting, which might come in handy in the future. But for this show, Chance had gone high tech. When he’d gotten the delivery of computers set up and shoved the games at her to pick her favourites from, the young woman had all but squeezed the stuffing out of him before vanishing online to get started.
The upstairs had become a second maze, but around each corner on this level was a different station set up for participation and simultaneous viewing. One or two people played at each computer or game station, and what they saw on the smaller screens showed up on the wall behind them. The linked screens allowed everyone walking past to see the digital art in real time, the fantastical worlds that were now a huge part of culture and needed to be a part of the current art story.
In the center was a wide desk they’d turned into mission control. Fern had just finished setting up a family with old-school joysticks at one of the small alcoves and came to his side to give an update.
“The stations are a hit,” Fern informed him. “Especially the virtual-reality program that lets you paint along with the masters. I think you’re going to have Mrs. Wilson stopping by daily to try another.”
Chance took a slow turn, but here, as below, everything was running smoothly. “You’ve done a great job,” he told her.
“I’m a great employee,” she returned. She leaned toward him. “I do get the gig full time, yes?”
“Yes.”
“And it’s not because I’m Rose’s kid sister?”
“It’s because you’re brilliant at what you do, and I’d prefer to have you deal with the hands-on tasks that require wire or pixels,” Chance told her honestly.
“Hands-on? You mean hand and prosthesis, right?” Fern winked.
He laughed. “Yes. Exactly how you’re wired, it works.”
Fern looked so pleased, she glowed. “I figured as much, but it’s always good to hear it.”
She turned away to answer a question from a guest.
Chance spotted Cody, who had just entered the upper room. “Alright, brother? This way.”
Cody waved a hand and strode forward, his gaze darting everywhere as he took in the faces and excitement. “Sorry I’m late, but it looks as if it’s been a success so far.”
“It’s gone well,” Chance agreed. He checked his brother over. “You’re in a suit.”
The other man adjusted his tie, looking a touch uncomfortable. “Figured it was the least I could do.”
“You fed me while I painted so that I wouldn’t starve. That was above and beyond the line of duty as far as I’m concerned.” Chance nodded in approval, though. “It looks good on you.”
“Thanks. But next time, feed yourself. I don’t want to have to wear this to your funeral.”
“But you’d look dashing. There is that.”
Cody rolled his eyes. “Take better care of yourself.”
“I intend to. And of Rose.” She was at the top of the stairs with Tansy at her side, the two of them slowly approaching.
His brother caught sight of them as well. “You two are well suited. Don’t fuck this up.”
“You can’t mess up destiny,” Chance said sagely.
“That’s what I said.” Fern popped around the edge of the desk. “Right, Cody?”
