Page 51 of Rhythm Of Redemption

The venue revealed itself like a labyrinth, with its artfully crafted doorways and interconnected staircases beckoning visitors to explore its multi-tiered layers. The unassuming exterior gave no hint of the expansive and intricate space within. As he weaved through the bustling crowd, he found himself drawn to the artwork adorning the walls and carefully arranged on stands. Certain pieces captivated him, igniting an emotional response that compelled him to mark down their numbers in his catalogue for purchase.

Descending the flight of stairs and crossing the landing, Logan's spirits lifted as he reached the bustling hallway. Amidst the ambient sounds, Dani's voice rang out. “Logan, you made it!” Her exuberance was infectious, reminding him of an excitable puppy. A genuine smile tugged at his lips as he watched her approach, his heart swelling with affection. “So, what do you think?” she asked, a glimmer of pride lighting up her eyes.

“Impressive.” He nodded appreciatively, a genuine admiration in his eyes. “I particularly liked a painting by an up-and-coming young artist. What was her name again?” He tapped his chin thoughtfully with his index finger. “Dani something?”

Dani's face lit up with a mix of delight and disbelief. “You're not just saying that, are you?”

He shook his head, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “No, I genuinely loved it. The use of the different shades of blue really evokes a sense of sadness.”

“Really?” Dani's eyes widened in surprise. “You got that? Because most people think the blues represent the sea or sky.”

“Dani, honey…” Lou began, her voice trailing off as she locked eyes with Logan.

“Look who's here, Mum!” Dani exclaimed, her voice brimming with happiness.

Dani's behaviour confirmed his earlier suspicion—Dani hadn't told her mother she'd invited him. Not that it was a big deal. She'd probably invited lots of people.

“I have to go,” Dani hurriedly said, gesturing towards a woman on the other side of the room who beckoned her over. “Catch you later, Logan, and thanks for coming,” she swiftly added before darting off, leaving Logan and Lou standing in an uneasy silence.

“It's a pretty good turnout,” he remarked, breaking the tension.

“Hmm,” she nodded in agreement, her expression guarded.

“You must be really proud of Dani,” he ventured, trying to find common ground.

“I am. She's put in a lot of hard work to make this happen. They all have,” Lou replied, her pride shining through.

A smile of genuine warmth spread across his face. “She's a great kid, and very talented,” he admitted, unable to contain his admiration.

“Listen, Lou—” he started, only to be cut off by her sudden interjection. “How's your shoulder?” Her tone carried a carefully neutral air as if she were purposefully maintaining a polite distance.

“Almost as good as new,” he replied, a subtle lie slipping from his lips. “I'll be back on the tennis circuit any day now.” The mention of tennis brought forth a pang of discomfort, as he realised the untruth had only deepened his discomfort. After all, he had never held a racquet, let alone played tennis.

“And how's business?” he attempted to shift the focus away from his shoulder and onto a safer topic.

“Good,” she responded, though her smile appeared strained, revealing a hidden tension. “You know… ticking along.”

“That's … good,” he murmured, a touch of awkwardness in the air as the unease settled between them.

“How did the grand reopening go?” Lou asked, her determination palpable as she sought to keep the conversation away from their complicated history and the events at the boatyard.

“Goo-It was great,” he stumbled over his words, his discomfort clear. He longed to apologise, to clear the air between them. “Lou, I know you don't want to talk about it, but—”

“Is it true?” Steve interrupted; his voice filled with urgency. “Is it?” The surrounding conversations gradually faded into a hushed silence, the crowd around them becoming spectators to the unfolding confrontation.

Lou's expression tightened, her eyes meeting Steve’s gaze with a steely resolve. “Keep your voice down. People are staring,” she cautioned, embarrassed by his outburst.

“I don't give a damn. Is it true? About Dani?” he demanded, his voice filled with anger and accusation.

Logan had no clue who this man was, but if he continued speaking to Lou like that, his fist would have a serious conversation with this jerk's jaw.

“It depends on what you've heard, doesn't it?” Lou replied, her voice calm but firm.

“Don't get smart with me,” Steve retorted, his hostility escalating.

“Hey, watch your mouth,” Logan warned, his protective instincts going into overdrive.

“What's it got to do with you?” he spat angrily.

---