Page 137 of Raw Notes, Rough Nights

“Well, the exhibition preview went live—online—and they used my piece.”

Raquel’s eyes widened. “Already? And which piece?” Her mouth fell open. “Shit. The nude?” When I nodded, she frowned. “Okay, what am I not seeing here? All publicity is good publicity, right?”

“Theo didn’t know it was going to be online,” I said quietly. “For that matter, neither did I.”

Her expression shifted immediately to concern. “Oh. Shit.”

“Hetrustedme. And I didn’t think—I mean, I’d heardsomethingabout previews, but I didn’t expect them to post anything so soon.”They really worked fast, didn’t they?

Raquel reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “Hey. Breathe.”

That was a little difficult right then.

“What’s he like with stuff like this?” she asked.

I didn’t hesitate. “Control is how he survives.”

Raquel swore softly. “Then you need to go to him. Now.”

“I know.” I stood, fumbling for my jacket. “I need to see his face. I need to know how he’s coping.”

Raquel grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “Do you want me to come with you?”

I shook my head. “No. This is… this is ours.”

She reached for her bag. “Text me when you get there. And Cameron?”

I glanced at her as I squirmed into the jacket.

“You didn’t do anything wrong by making art,” she said in a firm voice. “But timing matters. So go. Be gentle.”

I forced a smile. “Always.”

Outside, the night air hit me cold and sharp. My phone vibrated again, but this time it was Max.

He’s holding it together. Barely.

My chest constricted. I didn’t send a reply.

I headed to Dean Street and hailed the first black cab I saw with its light on, my heart hammering, my mind racing, not with excuses or defence, but with one clear thought, rising above the noise.

I need to be there.

Not to explain or try to fix this, but simply to be there for him.

When the taxi pulled up outside the house, I glanced up at the window and saw light.

He’s home, then.

I hurried up the stairs. When I opened the door and stepped inside, Theo was sitting on the couch, the room lit by a single lamp. He looked up immediately as though he’d been listening for the sound of keys. His laptop sat on the seat cushion beside him along with his phone, and to my surprise, there was my painting on the screen.

He looks composed.

That scared me more.

“Hey.” I closed the door behind me.

Theo gave a nod. “Hey.”