Page 149 of Something Like Winter
had worked alongside the contractors, leaving nothing to chance. So when Marcello suggested not letting that extra week or two go to
waste, Tim would have agreed simply to show the public how beautiful
the gallery turned out, even if his paintings weren’t on display. But
Allison thought it had romantic potential.
Romantic!What a cheesy, stupid word. Tim scarcely believed
romance could be part of his life again. As opening day neared, he began
to have serious doubts. Not about his own feelings. He wanted to see Ben
again more than anything. But he was scared of what losing a spouse
could do to a person. Maybe Ben would look right through him, thinking
only of Jace.
Tim was willing to risk it one more time. Hell, he’d try a million
more times, if that’s what it took. He worked hard at making his first
exhibition the right place for them to meet again. He was opening his life
to the world, so he didn’t choose just his best work. He chose paintings
from every stage of his life, even childhood. This meant putting some
very humble pieces on display. Somehow this felt more honest and less
pompous.
Tim managed most aspects of the Eric Conroy Foundation now, but
publicity for the gallery opening he left to Marcello and his expertise. Aside from begging him not to use shirtless cocktail waiters, Tim had
complete faith in his abilities.
The big night came all too soon. The gallery preparations were
enough to occupy his time, but Tim had also been busy finishing a new
painting. He barely completed it in time to hand over to Allison. Now it
was all up to her, because Tim found himself waiting in a near-empty
gallery as the sun began to set. Opening night. What would people think?
Would they sneer at his art, turn up their noses and walk away? Even
worse, what if they laughed at his efforts? Or didn’t show up? The gallery’s first visitors were an elderly couple. Tim kept his
distance, watching them move from painting to painting before his
curiosity got the better of him. Approaching them, he introduced himself
and was rewarded with compliments. The old man’s father had been a
