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He shrugged. “Vivian thinks so, yet she is still in my life.”
Suzy lifted her eyebrow. Who was Vivian? Why did she care? She certainly did not. Vivian could have him. Suit and all.
She trudged behind him.
He turned backward and frowned.
“We need to work on your gait,” he muttered.
“What?”
He rolled his eyes. “The way you carry yourself. Impressions are everything in this business. Sometimes, it surprises me you are Megan’s sister.”
He turned and walked into his office. He sat behind the large mahogany desk. She took a seat on the fine leather chair adorned with carvings. It looked expensive as if it had been imported from Europe. His whole art gallery was a masterpiece. If she hadn’t been so exasperated by him, she would be in total awe. Megan was right; the gallery was a gem in the city.
“Okay, let’s see your portfolio?” He tapped his fingers on his desk and glanced at his watch.
She pulled out a sleek black binder and handed it to him.
He opened it. His eyes widened with surprise, and his lips curled upward. “You are talented.” He let out a sigh of what she could only guess was relief.
“Thanks,” she managed to say.
She twisted her hands on her lap. Showing her art wasn’t easy. This whole thing wasn’t her. She didn’t have the right air for an artist.
Maybe Starbucks was hiring, and she could supplement her income that way. Sure, it wasn’t her dream, but the more she was around Daniel Wilson, the more she doubted herself.
He glanced up. “You’re an amazing artist. There's no doubt about that. We just need to work on your image and etiquette skills. As much as I wish art sold itself, it does not. We have our work cut out.”
Tears swam in her eyes. This all seemed daunting and overwhelming. Maybe she could just do an Esty store. If her mom were alive, this would have been easier. She missed her more than words could ever express.
“Are you okay?” he said, handing her a tissue.
She managed to nod.
“Look,” he said, slightly touching her hand. “I know this all seems a bit much, and I might have come across as disagreeable.”
She laughed a little at his attempt at an apology. The truth was, she might have been edgy with him.
“I certainly didn’t mean to make you cry.” His jaw tightened. “I’m sorry. Can we start over?”
“I’d like that.”
“Great. But I also can’t sugarcoat this: becoming an established artist will be hard work, but you have me in your corner.” He gave her a genuine smile. “I’ll be there every step of the way if you want me to.”
Her heart spun in circles. Oh no, don’t even think about falling for him when there were so many reasons not to. He clearly hates cats and still has a thing for her sister. And let’s not forget Vivian, who is in his life even though she sometimes finds him unpleasant. Right now, he sure wasn’t unpleasant—not in the slightest.
“I’d like that,” she said, “thank you.”
“Great, let’s get started. We can select two pieces to put in next week’s show. I’m sure Vivian won’t mind. She’s generous that way.” He tapped her portfolio. “I see you haven’t signed your work, which is great because I think we should change your name to Suzanne. It sounds more professional and profound.”
“But my given name is Suzy. Suzanne sounds like an old, stuffy person—not like me at all.”
“I think it suits you well.”
“You can’t be serious.” Her eyes widened. “I’m not old—"
“You are looking at the name all wrong. Suzanne is a beautiful name, like you.” He quickly glanced away. “I mean, it suits you just fine. Think about it, that’s all.”
