Page 37 of Note to Self
“Ooh, Drew says it’s something else. Do you like it?”
Merlin is within earshot and can probably hear Merrick’s words. “It’s very impressive. It will be perfect for him to live on-site.” Tension appears in Merlin’s back and across his shoulders. Hmm, maybe the conversation of me moving in will be sooner than I expected, even hoped for.
“Can you call into the gallery today whenever it’s convenient for you? I’ve got the digital mock-up of your exhibition for you to look over and approve.”
I look over at Merlin. We came in his vehicle, so he needs to drive me. He nods. I was right. He can hear the entire conversation. I cock my eyebrow. He has the grace to blush at being caught listening. “Yeah, will thirty minutes be okay?”
“Great. See you soon.”
Merlin smirks at me. “I’m sorry, but he does have a loud voice.”
“It’s fine. If I’d wanted a private conversation, I would’ve walked away.” I smile. “C’mon, show me your ideas for the garden.”
We’re a little longer than the half an hour I’d suggested. I could listen to Merlin talk so enthusiastically about his plans and dreams for days. Everything he wants to do is exciting and innovative. He plans to have the nursery organic and to recycle as much as possible.
“Are you still interested in the beehives?” Does he remember the conversation we had at the beginning of the summer? “It takes a lot of planning and preparation, and you would have to wait until spring.”
His expression is a curious one, as if I should know the answer. Did I agree to something? Because I don’t recall that we’ve made any decisions. He shakes his head. “I was kinda hoping that’s going to be your domain. I want you here, Trent. I thought I’d made that clear.”
“Of course you have, and I want to be here to help you get this venture up and running, to see it be the success I know it will be. But I’m starting something new too. I have to focus on my challenges and my future as well. I love you, but I have to put myself first. I’ve not had the chance to do that for too many years. And as I enter a new chapter of my life, I want you to be at my side.”
Merlin looks shocked, and a deep frown mars his usually smooth forehead. “I know, and I’m so proud of you and blown away by your talent. I’m sorry if you think I’m taking over. I want to be with you, but I’m guessing you’re not ready to live together. I get it. I promise to put you first and not to pester you to move in.”
“No, not yet. Give me time, love. Let me find my feet first.” I pop a kiss on his mouth, then take his hand.
We drive into town. The streets are still busy, making parking difficult. Eventually, we find a space. We park and walk the few hundred yards to the gallery.
“Unca Twent!” a high-pitched voice calls out loudly. My niece rushes up to me, her arms up. I scoop her up and make sure she doesn’t bump into anybody or display stands. “Have you missed me?” She pushes her blonde hair from her forehead.
I kiss her cheek. “Yes, I always miss you when I go away. But I’m back and staying. Where’s your papa?”
She points down the room. Merrick is walking towards us. “Sorry we’re late.”
“No worries. Come into the office.” Merrick says hello to Merlin and asks if he’s coming in too.
I hadn’t given it a thought that he might want to do something else, so when he shakes his head, I frown. “Don’t you want to see?”
“I was going to pop to Benny’s and grab some lunch to go. Give you time to concentrate. I can take little miss with me.” He looks at Willow. “Do you want to see Benny?”
“Ice cweam!”
“That would be great, thank you.” Merrick smiles as I hand over the excited child. “Willow, be good for Merlin, please.”
As they walk back outside, Merrick leads me to his office. When we sit in front of his computer, Merrick puts his hand on my shoulder. “How was it really?”
“Pretty shitty. I doubt I’ll ever see them again. If anything, they’ve got worse. For a moment, I wasn’t sure they would allow me in the house. I tried to tell them how wonderful Willow is, how they were missing out by not knowing her. They shot me down. Then I told them I’d met Merlin, and they showed me the door again.” I shrug noncommittally. “At least now I know for sure. As I was driving away, I saw Marc. He looked shocked, so I flipped him the finger and laughed.”
“You’re back here for good, then?”
“Yep.” I pop thePand grin. “Show me what you’ve come up with.”
The programme is an impressive 3D reel of the gallery. He goes through the rooms and shows me where each piece would be placed in the gallery. “This is fascinating. It all looks amazing. Are you sure about the window pieces?” He’s chosen two of the biggest to hang in each window. Both are on the cusp of being erotic. I would have thought the scenic ones would have been more appropriate.
“Absolutely. Trust me, Trent, this is exactly what people want to see. All the ads have been placed, and the invitations are being printed, ready to be sent out. Your work is already catching the attention of the art critics and collectors.”
My stomach flip-flops at the thought of being under the scrutiny of people who have studied art and made a career out of it. “I don’t know why I let you talk me into this. It’s going to be a disaster. I think I should cancel it.”
Merrick laughs. “No way, mate. It’s going to be a huge success. You have to believe I know what I’m doing. Now tell me about your delicious man. Are you getting on well and fucking like bunnies?”
