Page 31 of Fast Currents
Something flashed in her eyes. Like for the first time since I’d started proposing, she might believe me.Progress.
When we arrived at the gallery, a handful of people milled about, inspecting the art. A few I recognized. My dentist circulated with his wife. One of the servers from the brewery seemed to be on a date, snuggled under the arm of a burly-looking thirty-something. Maybe fifteen people in all. Not a bad turnout for a Saturday night in October.
Chaz’s wife, Dr. Underwood, was the first to greet us. “Welcome. Tammy is at the bar if you’d like to grab a drink and enjoy the art. I’ll send Chaz to say hello.” She waved an elegant hand. “He’s around here somewhere.”
“Thanks, Megan.” Lucy smiled demurely. I checked for snark.
The older woman wandered off to greet other new arrivals, and I whispered, “Have we found someone on the island you actuallylike?”
“Megan’s a regular at Anya’s studio. I have mad respect for a doctor who can run a busy medical practice and still contort herself into King Pigeon.”
I arched one brow. “Is that what it takes to impress you? Twisting myself into a pretzel?”
She patted my chin and cooed. “Oh, honey. I’m already doing that to you.”
Squinting, I asked, “Does that mean I’ve impressed you?”
Her smile turned mischievous. That tiny quirk of her lips tugged at something in the region of my chest.
“I also have mad respect for a man who can handle Gran Fenwick’s taunting about his butt.” She leaned back, tilting her chin to check out my ass. “Because it isfine.”
I groaned. “Nowyou tell me.”
Chaz approached, grinning broadly. “Welcome. So glad you could join us tonight.” We shook hands. His was cool and dry. Not a nervous man with something to hide. He seemed perfectly comfortable schmoozing with the town.
I tipped my chin. “Chaz, nice to see you again. We should have another delivery from our art classes next week.”
“Wonderful, wonderful. Just swing by. I’ve almost got the canvases all in frames. Once tonight’s show comes down, I’ll start setting up for the benefit.”
“Where’s Janine?” Lucy asked. “Won’t she be helping?”
Something shifted behind Chaz’s eyes. “I had to let her go. She’s no longer with the gallery.”
“That’s too bad. I’ll have to give her a call. I could use some part-time help down at my studio.”
Chaz pursed his lips. “Sure. Just be sure to lock up anything valuable.”
Lucy withdrew behind her professional mask, her smile sharpening like a blade. Chaz didn’t seem to recognize the spark of defiance simmering beneath it.
“Speaking of valuable things, do you mind if we slip into the back and check out the framing progress?” Lucy asked guilelessly. “I can’t wait to see how they turned out. I know my students will be thrilled.”
For the first time, a flicker of unease appeared in Chaz’s eyes. His smile faltered. His forehead smoothed as he waved to another patron at the door. “I’m a bit busy at the moment. Maybe when you come in next week?”
“Don’t worry, Chaz. We’ve been back before. You don’t need to show us. I’ll just slip in and be right back. No one will even miss me.”
I admired the way she’d backed him into a corner.
“I’d rather you waited for me. They’re not all finished yet.”
“I don’t mind,” Lucy said smoothly, bulldozing him with confidence. “Oh, look. Mr. Rodriguez is here.” She leaned in, whispering for Chaz’s benefit. “He’s dropped a pretty penny on custom glass. Definitely a whale in the art world. You should go talk to him.”
Chaz shuffled away toward Mr. Rodriguez.
“Nice save. Is any of that true?” I asked.
Lucy lifted one shoulder. “He did come in and pick out some Christmas ornaments for his tree.” She took a step toward a massive canvas next to the back room. “Let’s admire this landscape, then slip into the back.”
I stood, more in awe of her maneuvering skills than the ocean landscape depicted on the massive canvas.
