Page 63 of Contract of a Billionaire
“Ladies and gentlemen, I just wanted to take a moment and announce that everything has sold out.” A murmur of disappointment traveled through the room. “But– “ Branka paused for the effect or something, smiling at everyone like a perfect hostess. “But if you are interested in more prints, please feel free to check out our website or our social posts.”
She grinned, her eyes traveling over the room. While I loved to blend in the shadows. Branka loved to shine. However our personalities meshed well together. When I took charge in the field, she supported me. When it was time to sell ourselves and our brand, she took charge and I supported her.
“I hope you follow Autumn to her next exhibit. We’ll announce it well in advance on our website.”
With that, she gracefully descended the stage and nodded at a man standing in the corner. Together they made their way towards us.
“Who’s that?” Grace asked curiously.
“No idea.”
I flickered a glance at Branka’s date. At least I thought it was her date. Slim. Tall. Totally not her type.
“Hey there,” she greeted me smiling. “Guess who I have here?”
She glanced to the right of her and we all followed her gaze. I cocked my eyebrow and followed her gaze to her date. She acted like I knew him. I didn’t recall meeting him before.
“Hmmm, your date?” I guessed.
She shook her head. “No, this is Jaymes Young.” I blinked, then blinked again. “Autumn,thisis Jaymes Young.”
“Oh my gosh,” I muttered, my eyes darting between Branka and him. Then in an attempt to get myself together, I extended my hand to shake his. “It’s so nice to meet you.” Then a small giggle escaped. I felt like a teenager. “I can’t believe I’m actually shaking hands with you.”
“Right back at you,” he retorted, smiling. “Branka cornered me on my way in and insisted I should talk to you about a few photos that I was interested in.”
My hand came to my cheek. “Yes, yes. Of course. Anything you like.”
An awareness tickled in the back of my head and I turned around, but there was nobody behind me.
Branka chuckled and I returned my gaze to her.
“Well, not anything he likes.” I frowned at her. “Certain prints you said you’ll never sell. So…” she justified. She pursed her lips. “That means he can’t have anything he likes. He can’t have you.”
I frowned. Branka behaved like I wanted to date this guy. She usually wasn’t such a smartass when it came to men. Nor a cockblocker. Not that I wanted this guy. Alessio ruined me for anyone else. I kept comparing every man to him - too short, too tall, too blond, too much hair, not enough hair, too happy, not happy enough.
I’ve used every damn excuse in the book by now.
So no, I wasn’t interested in this guy. Beyond fanning like a schoolgirl meeting her idol.
“I love your songs,” I murmured.
“And I love your photos.
“Who’s Jaymes Young?” Áine whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. I threw her a side-glance and caught Grace shrugging her one shoulder. Her expression clearly indicated she had no clue who that was.
“There are a few particular photos I was interested in,” Jaymes explained.
“Of course. I have a few things on my phone I can show you too,” I blurted out. “Just raw photos of some of the stuff I’m still working on. They are stored on my secure drive.”
He nodded and I flicked a glance to Cassio and his guests. “Excuse me.” I turned my attention to Branka. “Want to come along?”
She just shook her head. “You go on.”
The two of us made our way to the corner of the exhibit with the window looking out to the street.
The room seemed to be oblivious to who stood next to me. Truthfully, I wouldn’t have recognized him either. There were so many nights Branka and I spent playing rusty pianos and singing in off-the-beaten-paths of this world. When the only entertainment we had was us.
“Branka tells me you’re a talented singer,” Jaymes remarked and it took all I had not to start fanning myself.
