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“Guys, please just try to get along. Do I really need to quote Mahatma Gandhi?An eye for an eye—”
“Stay out of this, Aria,” Noah warned.
“Why are you even here?” Evan glared. “Aria’s old enough to ride the subway. She doesn’t need you chaperoning her. Get over your daddy instincts because you’re not her father, and she’s not a child.”
“That’s it,” Noah snapped. “We’re leaving.” He grabbed my hand, but I pulled it back.
“I’m not going anywhere!”
“Forgive me for trying to look out for you.”
“You’re overreacting as usual, brother. I know you think I’m a colossal failure, but I would never hurt Aria.”
“How virtuous of you.”
It was a good thing their argument was drowned out by music and chattering background noise. These people were here to admire and purchase artwork, not to spectate an episode ofThe Maury Show.I tried to calm them down when Evan pulled out his cellphone.
“I need to take this. Be right back.”
Noah was somber.
“Why are you like this?” I said, looking cross with him.
“Like what? Look around you. Don’t you find this all a little… creepy?”
“He’s a professional photographer. Taking pictures of people is part of the job. Yes, it’s a bit of a surprise to walk in and see photos of me everywhere, but these pictures are harmless.”
“He lacks professionalism.” Noah scanned the gallery.
“Can we please just enjoy this evening without you provoking him?”
“That’s not what I’m doing.” He met my eyes again and grimaced. “I just find it strange how he’s switched occupations so suddenly.”
“There’s nothing wrong with following your passion.”
“That statement is not always true.”
“Are you gonna argue with me now? We’re not at a deposition. You promised you would get along with Evan this evening. I don’t want to ruin his night.”
He seemed so frustrated. I just couldn’t understand why he couldn’t leave the past behind him and reconcile with his brother. Evan was not his enemy.
“Noah, can you please keep a level head?”
“I’m sorry for losing my temper. I’ll back off.”
??
My evening was going smoothly, despite how it had started when Noah and Evan were arguing an hour ago. They weren’t exactly friendly with each other, but they weren’t fighting either—which was good. The three of us hovered near a photo of me that was mounted on a wall. My hair was up in a messy bun as I gazed out the window of my townhouse apartment.
“You look sad here,” Noah said.
“I was.”
“What were you thinking about?”
“My parents.”
Since returning to New York, Rob had tried to repair our broken relationship, but I wanted nothing to do with him. I felt like he wanted to use me to keep his marriage together with Mom. She should have divorced him years ago.
