Page 40 of A Coffee Away

“How did I get so lucky?” I whispered.

She shrugged, studying Eva with a gleam only one in love had. “I ask myself that question every day.” She bumped my shoulder with hers. “C’mon.”

She went to the front. Her crisp white pantsuit was flawless against her ebony skin. Her double-breasted blazer had a low neckline that accentuated her ample breasts. She radiated elegance as her black high heels clicked against the marble floors.

I followed behind, checking my watch. “Half an hour.”

Esteban put his wine down, then snaked his hand inside my suede blazer, caressing my back in a soothing motion and with enough strength to make me see how happy he was with my look. His fingers threaded against the knots in my back, and I moaned in silence as he took away some of that pent-up stress.

Before taking his hand back, he clasped my asscheek and pressed his lips to my ear. “You look so handsome, baby. Can’t wait to take you in that suit.”

I jerked my head his way, my eyes wide.

He chuckled. “That look—wear it tonight.”

I imagined myself tied to our bed in nothing but my suit, then shook my head and breathed slowly to control my growing erection. He always did this to soothe my nerves.

I elbowed him. “Esteban, don’t start.”

He covered my neck with his palm and brushed his thumb languidly over my pulse. Then he squeezed just enough that I felt his controlling hold.

“You will be magnificent tonight.” He came closer. “Here and in our bed…” His sultry tone told me exactly how tonight would go. His hungry gaze and raised eyebrow said everything his words didn’t.

He’d possess me tonight, and I would gladly oblige.

As if nothing had happened, he let go and passed me a wine glass, then took one for himself. He raised it. “To Robbie’s new life and his art, which, even if he doesn’t realize it, will revolutionize the world.”

I smiled. I couldn’t have asked for better friends. Their support and love were everything to me. We clinked our glasses together.

The red wine soothed my soul. Its rich, fruity taste mixed with the velvety way it slid down my throat eased my nerves a little. To be exposed like this and to let go of the most vulnerable stages of my life with strangers rocked me to the core.

I looked at Steph, Eva, and Esteban and let out a soft exhale. Everything will be all right.

The exhibition went off without a hitch. I was approached multiple times by art enthusiasts and buyers, who wanted to know directly from the artist what each piece was about. I roamed the room, and in a short time, it became natural. The give-and-take in conversations. The shared drinks and laughs. The congratulatory comments and the awe in many as they studied my central piece were unreal.

Esteban gave me my space, only approaching when I was alone. Even from a distance, his presence was like an anchor, and the night passed in a blur of laughs and smiles.

“Cheers!” Miguel raised his beer, everyone following suit. “To an amazing first exhibition and to many more to come.”

We sat in the back room, celebrating an incredible night. Esteban and I shared a huge beanbag. The others reclined on theirs, forming a circle. The gallery was empty except for the four of us, Quique, Miguel, and Raúl, who arrived late.

I sold five pieces, which was not much, but it was a great number for my first night and more so for an unknown artist. Three small ones sold for five hundred each.

A lump formed in my throat when the other two paintings came to mind. The canvas I broke at the beach, the one Esteban saved and Miguel helped me restore, sold for three thousand dollars. And the other one, the central piece of the exhibition, went for five.

I breathed deeply, holding back my tears. This was my dream come true. Quique just told me that next weekend we’d repeat and that as the word spread, my art would be coveted by many.

I couldn’t help but wonder how different my life would have been if I hadn’t met Esteban. If I hadn’t taken control of it that lonely night. I thought about my parents, whom I didn’t invite tonight. I wouldn’t let them take this moment from me. And I was okay with it.

I had to go on with my life.

I had to.

Esteban raised his beer. “To Robbie’s incredible art so it blossoms as he has.”

We all clinked our bottles and drank.

My skin warmed at his words, and a feeling of expansion hit my chest as the adrenaline rush from the exhibition subsided.