Page 39 of Promise Me Never

I stood next to her as she tapped her glass with a spoon and the room quieted. “Good evening. Thank you so much for coming tonight. I’m very excited to present Poppy Morningside’s first solo exhibit here at Stone and Sky. These pieces represent years of work, and each one is available for acquisition. If you’re interested, please come see me or a member of our team. Tonight is about celebrating a new talent, so let’s give her a very warm welcome.”

Everyone clapped, staring at me, and I realized I was supposed to say a few words. I cleared my throat.

“Thank you for being here tonight. This body of work means a lot to me, and I’m so grateful to share it with you.”

There was an awkward moment when no one knew whether I was finished, but Elena jumped in.

“Without further ado, please have a glass of wine and soak in these brilliant pieces.”

I gave her a grateful look. Conversation started up again as everyone began to walk around.

I mingled, feeling outside myself, uttering hello and thank you to people I didn’t know. Then I spotted Henri, and a sense of relief filled me. He came over and gave me a hug.

“Sorry I’m late, doll. Victor was stuck in a deposition. This is amazing! How’re you feeling? You look a little pale.”

“So glad you’re here! I’m freaking out. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I don’t want to hover, but I can’t leave.”

“I overheard Bennett bragging to someone about how he arranged all this.” Henri rolled his eyes.

“Seriously? I didn’t even want this.”

“Why am I not surprised that he ignored your wishes?”

He grabbed a glass of wine from one of the roving servers and put it in my hand. “Relax. Take a sip.”

“Thanks.”

“Silver lining, I think one of your pieces just sold.”

“What? How do you know?”

He tilted his head in the direction of Elena. “That man there just pointed to your money series.”

“I need some air.”

He grabbed my arm and we walked outside and moved away from the door, so we weren’t visible to those in the gallery. “Cig?”

I nodded. He lit one for me, and I took it, dragging deeply. I didn’t smoke anymore, only occasionally when I drank, but right now it was exactly what I needed.

“Do you think we can stay out here all night?”

He laughed. “Why not? Artists are known to be quirky. Might make you more intriguing.”

“Ha.”

We finished our smokes, then returned. Elena approached with a smile.

“Half sold already. Congrats, darling.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really!”

I saw a few friends from the city and went over to talk with them. The next hour flew by, and I was starting to feel good. Validated. When it was over, all but four pieces had sold. I was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. Once I got home, I saw that Bennett was alone in the living room.

“Where’s Isabel?”

“Outside by the pool. Talking to Brad.”