Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 74467 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74467 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Me too.
Kiel had the same thoughts until he got to know her, until he experienced what it was like to be painted by her.
“Eloise is beyond talented. I suspect after this she’ll have her choice of schools and programs.”
Kiel’s heart sank to the floor. He wouldn’t stand in her way if she left for art school and he’d either follow or wait for her. The last thing he wanted was to give her up.
Eloise approached and thanked him. Kiel kissed her forehead. “I have another one to show you. It’s in the back.” She took his head and led him to the back room, where other paintings were stacked along the walls. “My aunt didn’t think it was appropriate to put this one out.”
Kiel’s mouth dropped open in shock. Before him, he saw himself. His back was prevalent on the canvas and with his head turned, as if he was looking at Eloise. She was there, painting him, much like she had the first night they were together.
“I have another version back at my place. It’s a bit more risqué.”
“Did you paint me?”
She bit her lower lip and nodded.
“From that first night?”
Another nod.
“Wow.”
“It’s pretty hot, if I do say so myself.”
“Being painted,” he paused. “That was an experience I’ll never forget.”
“Maybe we can try it again?”
“Absolutely.” He leaned down and kissed her.
nineteen
Eloise looked through the window at the line of people waiting to get into the gallery. They seemed eager to come in, which not only pleased her, but set her on edge. What if they didn’t like her art? Or found it lacking? Everyone was a critic these days, whether they understood art or not. Her stomach flipped and she placed her hand over it. She was about to walk away when Margaux came toward her with two men and one woman.
“Eloise, I would like for you to meet Roger Bray, Wilhelm Smith, and Melody Scott. These are the buyers I told you about.”
As coyly as possible, Eloise wiped her clammy hand on her dress and then shook each of theirs. “It’s very nice to meet you,” she said, as bile rose.
“I have to say, when Margaux showed us around, this wasn’t what I expected,” Melody said in an even tone.
Eloise’s heart sank. She wasn’t good enough. Not for them, at least. Not for the people who bought art for high society. She was good enough for Seaport though and maybe that’s all that needed to matter to her.
“I agree,” Roger stated. “To say I’m amazed would be an understatement.”
Great, now they’re pissed at Margaux.
“My clients are going to be exceptionally pleased,” Wilhelm added.
Eloise was certain she misheard Wilhelm. “Wait. What? You like my paintings?”
The three of them laughed, while Margaux beamed.
“Like?” Melody scoffed as she looked at her two counterparts. “Love doesn’t begin to scratch the surface. You’re a very talented young woman and you’re going to go far in this field.”
“Really?”
Wilhelm chuckled and handed Eloise his card. “I’m in the city. Call me. I’d love to have you at my opening in the fall.”
Eloise held his card as if it were her lifeline.
“When can I pick up my pieces?” Roger asked Margaux.
“Tomorrow,” she said. “I want to leave them up until the end of tonight. I’ll have them wrapped and ready for you in the morning.”
“Perfect.” He stepped forward and clasped Eloise’s hands with his. “I’m opening a show in London in six months. Can I put you on the list?”
Eloise nodded slowly.
“I’ll be in touch.” He kissed her cheeks and then Margaux’s.
The others said goodbye or see you later, she wasn’t really sure because it felt like she was underwater, treading through the current.
“What just happened?” she muttered to her aunt.
“You, my extremely talented niece, just impressed the socks off three very important buyers in our industry.”
“I’m just . . . I don’t even know. I feel like this isn’t my life and someone should pinch me.”
Just then, Kiel walked up with a glass of champagne for her. “Why do you need to be pinched?”
“Because reality is setting in for our young artist. She has two offers, one for London and one for New York City, has sold four pieces, and the door hasn’t even opened yet.”
Tears welled in Eloise’s eyes. “I never thought—”
Margaux pulled Eloise into her arms, careful not to spill her champagne. “That’s because your father never allowed you to believe. Trust me, if I didn’t see your talent, I wouldn’t put you on display like this. Embrace the moment, my sweet girl. You deserve it.” She squeezed her tightly and then let Eloise go. “I’m going to open the doors now. Be ready to mingle.”
Margaux walked away, leaving Eloise with Kiel.
“I’d say tonight has been a success and if the line outside is any indication of what’s to come, I think every painting in here will be sold.”