Page 64 of For the Love of Art

We both looked at the gallery’s entrance.

“I’ll be here tomorrow,” Nathan said.

I nodded. “Okay. You should go back to your– I’ll lock up.”

“Good night.”

He turned and walked toward his office. Seeing him go to her hurt, especially when so much felt unfinished between us.

My phone buzzed, and I looked down to see a text from Frankie asking if I was free for lunch tomorrow. I quickly replied yes, and then, with one last longing look at Nathan’s office door, I went home.

“This is impressive.”

Victoria Manning walked along the gallery, her eyes sparkling and a wide grin plastered to her face.

There were many similarities between Victoria and her brother. They both had the same olive complexion and grey eyes. Her lips were long and thin like his, but that’s where their similarities ended. While Nathan’s light brown hair was always tidy, Victoria’s hair was bleach blonde and styled in a long faux hawk. Nathan wore designer suits, and Victoria wore ripped jeans and a cropped Nirvana t-shirt that showed off her very toned abdomen. She had multiple piercings, and both her arms were covered in tattoos.

“I can’t believe this is happening.”

“You did the work. Dori and I only put it up on a wall.”

“You’re sweet,” Victoria said.

“Vikki!”

We both turned to see Nathan strolling in.

“I hate when you call me that, Nate.”

Nathan cringed as he pulled his sister in for a hug.

“Well,” Nathan said as they pulled apart. “What do you think?”

Victoria looked at me. “I think Isla is a genius. So much better than that ditz you hired when you opened the place.”

My cheeks flushed.

“We’re all allowed one bad judgment call.”

“Right. One,” Victoria teased her brother.

The doors to the gallery opened again. This time it was Frankie. I looked down at my watch. I hadn’t realized the time. I held up one finger, telling him to wait. He nodded.

“You should take her to San Francisco,” Victoria said.

I looked at Nathan. “San Fransisco?”

“There’s an Art Expo there I wanted to check out. See if I could attract some new artists.”

“They’d come from the west coast?”

He shrugged. “If the price and clientele are right, sure. An opportunity is an opportunity.”

“I think bringing Isla would be beneficial.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Victoria’s right. You have a good eye, and this will be a good opportunity to see the business side of things.”