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Patrick hesitated. He rarely spoke about his family, but something about Emma made him want to open up. At least a little.
“Well, I’m not married, so I don’t have family in that way.” He watched Emma to see her reaction, but she seemed unfazed. She probably already knew he wasn’t married from his lack of a wedding ring, just as he’d noticed her bare fingers. “And my parents aren’t exactly the soft and supportive type.”
“I hear that.” The comment was quiet, spoken under Emma’s breath, but Patrick heard it.
“Your family isn’t very supportive either?”
“They weren’t fans of me becoming an artist. I haven’t seen my parents in… some time. How about you? I can’t imagine that being a CEO let your parents down.”
“No. But I also don’t think it was enough for them. It’s important to my parents that I’m the best at everything, whether that’s my work, my studies or whatever else I do. They always cared more about my grades than… well, you understand.”
“Do you still see them?”
“Sure, for the holidays and a few other times a year, but we aren’t exactly close.”
Just then, Jay appeared with a tray and two mugs. He gave Emma her tea and Patrick his coffee, and they both thanked him.
“No problem.” Jay smiled. “Just buzz if you need anything else.”
“Of course.” Patrick turned back to Emma, but the moment of closeness was broken. That was for the best. Patrick didn’t share personal details with anyone and he got the feeling that Emma wasn’t particularly open either. His suspicions were confirmed when she jumped back into a more professional conversation.
“Shall we have a look at the painting, then?”
“I’ll pull it up.” Patrick located the image he’d received of Aquina and put it in full-screen mode on his monitor. “Come take a look.”
Emma stood and rounded the desk. When she stopped beside him and bent down to get a closer look at the image, her arm brushed Patrick’s and he felt a rush of warmth that went straight through him. Emma pursed her lips and swept her eyes across the painting. Patrick waited with interest for her thoughts. Aquina showed an ocean scape in a storm. Rain poured out of dark clouds onto seething white-capped waves, dwarfing a tiny ship.
“I see what you mean about the quality.” She traced her finger over a swirl in one of the waves, her finger hovering slightly over the screen. “These brush strokes are a little amateur, and I’m not sure about the quality of the paint. Plus, it’s a little derivative.” Emma straightened and tilted her head. “Still, sometimes the art that ends up selling for the highest prices isn’t the most technically perfect or the most original. And there is something to be said for seeing a painting with your own eyes before making a final decision.”
“I have the feeling I won’t be acquiring it.” Patrick shifted in his seat. “I need some real artistry in my paintings, even if they’re just for profit.”
“Fair enough.”
“However…” Patrick cast his mind back to a conversation he’d had with Owen just before Emma started. “There will be a charity event at the end of the week. Perhaps you’d like to accompany me and help pick out some pieces to replace the Aquina?”
“Do you mean the Art Above All gala?” Emma asked. When Patrick nodded, she continued. “Owen mentioned that. I think he was planning to send a few more experienced appraisers.”
“Well, you can come as my guest. I’d appreciate your opinion.”
“I’d be delighted.” Emma smiled, but there was something a little off in her large brown eyes. Patrick couldn’t quite place it. Perhaps she was worried that her coworkers would be unhappy that the CEO was inviting her to a prestigious event that she wasn’t experienced enough to be sent to. Patrick considered retracting the invitation, but he did want this time with Emma. And he did value her opinion.
“I can speak to Owen about it and make it clear that the invitation is a reward for your hard work so far and a kind of welcome to the company.”
“All right.” Emma smiled again, though that hint of unease still hadn’t gone from her expression. But then she took a breath and her face seemed to relax. “I’m really looking forward to it. I haven’t been to a charity gala before.”
“It’s not too different from any visit to an art gallery, except that everyone will be networking and the proceeds from the art auction will go in part to charity.”
“Which one?”
“Hmm, I believe a charity supporting art education across the country, but I’d have to read the invitation once more to be sure.”
Just then, there was a knock on the door of Patrick’s office. Jay popped his head around.
“Sorry to disturb you, but your eight o’clock meeting is about to start.”
“Thanks for the reminder.”
Jay disappeared, and Emma straightened up with a stretch.
