Page 52 of Meeting Mr. Adorkable
Lucian’s heart tumbled. Arlo had agreed to the appointment for his sake, to not embarrass him. He was going to cancel it. He was—
“But I’m glad you did.” Arlo’s lips lifted in a crooked smile. “Even if when he sees the canvases, it’s going to be a thanks but no thanks, enjoy your hobby and goodbye.”
“But he won’t. He took one look at the photographs and—”
“And when did you take them? I don’t remember you doing that.”
Lucian’s face heated. “I got up early one morning. I had to, because all the snoring and the dribbling — from you, not me — got too much to bear. I got lost on the way to the kitchen to make coffee, and ended up in your studio. With my phone. Which just happened to be open on the camera.” Lucian linked his arm with Arlo’s and looked up at him. “I could say I’m sorry for pulling that stunt, but I’m not. You’re a talented artist, even if you don’t think so. If I love seeing your art, why not others? Come on, you owe me brunch for setting you off on the path to international artistic fame.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
“They’ve agreed,” Lucian burst out as soon as he was through the door.
Bibi looked up from putting together an uninspired display, and Lucian winced at the jarring clash of colors.
“Who’s agreed about what?”
Lucian sighed, loud and dramatic, and he threw in an eye roll for good measure.
“Arlo’s paintings, and how good they are. I made him talk to Jonas Fisher, the gallery owner, because if I hadn’t taken matters into my own hands, Arlo’s canvases would still be gathering dust in his studio. Bibi,” he huffed, “I told you this last week. Remember? Well, the gallery has agreed on a showing. The world needs to see them and now it will. Or at least Collier’s Creek.”
“Arlo’s paintings? Gallery?” Bibi’s eyes widened as understanding flickered into life. “Oh my god, yes, of course I remember. They’re going to put on a show? That’s wonderful.”
When? How many paintings? Would there be refreshments? Her questions came thick and fast.
“I’ve got a poster. I was wondering…”
“You want to put it in the window? Sure you can — just so long as you finish this for me.” She nodded to the arrangement Lucian was already planning on rescuing.
“So, what are you going to wear?” she asked casually.
“What? I don’t know, I haven’t thought. Jeans? A… shirt?” He’d been about to say T-shirt, but that probably wasn’t the best answer.
“Do you have a good suit? Or at least a smart jacket and pair of pants?” Her frown told him she thought it unlikely. Lucian shook his head before nodding and shaking it again.
“Yes, but not here.” He had an entire closet full of them, back at Danebury, every one of them handmade and the best Saville Row tailoring. Perhaps he could ask his mum to courier one over. No, not a good idea. She’d want to know why, and he wasn’t yet ready to tell her about Arlo.
“Then we need to go shopping, and boy, am I going to be your sartorial fairy godmother.” Bibi clapped her hands. “Not here in the Creek, though. We’ll go to Boomfurt, they’ve got some great stores. And a haircut.”
“No.” Arlo loved to run his fingers through his hair, but Bibi didn’t need to know that little nugget.
“Just a little tidy up, that’s all. We could make a day of it. Shopping, lunch, maybe a cocktail.” Bibi’s enthusiasm was frightening.
“You’ve forgotten something. One, you don’t pay me enough for shopping, lunch, and cocktails and, two, who’s going to mind the store?”
“Ever heard of a credit card? As for the store, leave that to me.”
“I don’t know… I’ve got a good pair of trousers — pants, I mean — which would work.” But they’d work so much better if he could get rid of the inconvenient Marmite stain. “I’ve also got a very good hand made shirt.” Ditto Marmite.
Bibi arched a newly plucked brow. “Luci, you do want to make Arlo proud, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.” He bristled. What kind of question was that?
“Then make sure you do.” Her voice softened, along with her smile. “This is important to Arlo, isn’t it? Who knows what it might lead to. So be the best you can be for him on the day.”
The day wore on as they dealt with a steady stream of customers. Lucian acted on autopilot, Bibi’s words on a never ending loop in his head.
Of course he wanted to make Arlo proud and if having Bibi pull him around the stores for a couple of hours was what it took, then he’d grit his teeth and bear it. After all, it was only a few new items of clothing, and a haircut that would only be the trimmest of trims. That was all. Nothing at all to be concerned about. No, nothing at all.
