Page 61 of Meeting Mr. Adorkable
“What’s wrong?” Arlo gazed down at him. His voice was soft, yet a frown of concern creased his brow. Arlo had read him so easily.
“Nothing. Just a little overwhelmed, that’s all.”
“Thought that was supposed to be me. What is it that’s—” but before he could challenge further, a chic middle-aged woman appeared, accompanied by a younger man carrying an expensive-looking camera.
“Mr. McDonald?” She asked with a polished and professional, but friendly, smile. “I apologize for interrupting.” She looked from Arlo to Lucian, and back again. “You must be exhausted. One’s first showing is always a whirlwind. I’m Melanie Coates, chief editor at Contemporary Art, and this is my colleague Paul.”
“Ms. Coates.” Arlo held out his hand. “I’m surprised anybody from such a well-respected journal would want to come tonight. Thank you, it’s an honor.”
Arlo’s face flushed pink, and he looked coy; Lucian did his best to keep his face straight.
“Please, call me Mel. Jonas specifically invited me. We go back a long way. I trust his judgment and as he was singing your praises, which he doesn’t do lightly, of course I was going to come. You have quite a talent. Although I’m sure you’d much rather make a run for it, would you be able to spare me some time for an interview and some shots? We’re featuring a series of articles on undiscovered talent from across the country.”
“Sure, but isn’t it a little busy?”
Mel smiled. “I’ve already commandeered some space in the yard. The light is good out there, or so Paul informs me.”
Paul nodded.
“I’ll see you later,” Lucian said, ready to let Arlo go.
“Please don’t, because I’d like to ask you a few questions, too, if possible. I always think including the artist’s partner adds that essential human element.”
Lucian froze, his tongue unable to form words. Partner? Was that how people saw them? Was that how Arlo saw them?
“Lucian?”
He looked up into Arlo’s steady eyes.
“Is this what you want?”
Mel and Paul, and everybody else, faded. There was nobody but him and Arlo. Their gazes locked on each other. The simple question was anything but. Is this what you want? He nodded slowly, his body answering before he could think. Arlo smiled, as though something had been settled between them.
“Yes, please,” Lucian said quietly.
“That’s great.” Mel smiled. “In which case, gentlemen, follow me.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY
“Thank god that’s all over with.” Arlo locked the door, wanting to keep the world at bay.
The evening had been a tremendous success, selling every single canvas. Jonas had gathered together some of the great and the good from the art world, unheard of for a first time showing anywhere, let alone a small Mid Rockies town.
His work, his talent, they were finally being recognized. It had been what he’d always secretly yearned for, even if it had scared the shit out of him in equal parts, when he’d picked up his paints and brushes to relieve the stresses and strains of running a business, of living in New York, and walking the tightrope of forging relationships before he fell from the wire and plummeted back to earth. Now, his brain and his blood told him he was shooting up into the stratosphere as a serious artist.
He didn’t give a damn about any of it.
Something had changed this evening, some line had been crossed.
Is this what you want…
His question, and Lucian’s answer, had been echoing through his head throughout the interview with Mel. Partners, she’d called them. They hadn’t corrected her. The photos Paul had taken of him and Lucian… His heart had somersaulted as his mouth had turned dry. They’d looked so good together… did look good together.
Is this what you want…
In the kitchen, Peanut ambled over to Lucian, ignoring Arlo. The mutt loved Lucian as much as Lucian loved him back. As though aware he was being scrutinized, Lucian looked up and smiled. There was something shy and self-conscious about it and Arlo wondered if he, too, was thinking about the evening and everything that ultimately had nothing to do with the canvases that had hung on the walls.
“You looked amazing tonight. I was so proud of you. Proud you were with me.” Proud you’re mine…
