Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I want to be her when I grow up.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Lily,” she murmurs before glancing around the apartment. “Where are the paintings?”
My mouth drops open, and I look like a gaping fish for a few seconds. “You want to see my art?”
“That’s why Eloise is joining us for dinner,” Callan explains.
“Oh. My. God.” I’m fangirling so hard right now. “They’re in my studio.”
Callan gives me a sideways hug before saying, “Let’s show Eloise your art before sitting down for dinner.”
I have the biggest smile on my face as we head up the stairs, and when I open the door to my studio, my stomach goes crazy with nerves.
We step inside, and my eyes flick over each painting before settling on Eloise’s face.
Her eyes settle on my collection, and I watch as her lips part, a look of wonder washing over her features.
I lift my left hand to cover my mouth so I don’t interrupt her while she takes her time inspecting each piece.
The suspense builds in me until I’m trembling.
“The detail is perfect,” she murmurs, and crouching in front of the one depicting an elderly lady walking through a graveyard, she whispers, “You’ve captured her loneliness so well.”
God.
My breathing speeds up and tears jump to my eyes, my entire face flushing with heat from the intense emotions gripping my chest.
Receiving validation from an expert fills me with so much pride a tear spirals down my cheek.
This is all I wanted. Recognition for my hard work.
Eloise doesn’t notice my reaction as she asks, “What materials did you use?”
“Plaster.” I have to clear my throat before continuing, “And oil pants.”
She shakes her head. “The way the detail stands out from the canvas is magnificent.”
I don’t know what to do with my hands as more pride pours into my chest.
Callan wraps his arm around my shoulders and tugs me to his side.
I’m trembling so badly from biting the happy tears back because I don’t want to be a sobbing mess in front of her.
Eloise easily takes thirty minutes to admire my paintings before she seems to come out of a trance. Her attention turns to me. “You have an extraordinary talent, Lily.”
Oh my gosh!
“Thank you so much,” I whisper, overcome with too many good emotions.
“Let’s talk business over dinner.”
Business?
“I told you seeing them in person is something else,” Callan tells Eloise as he tugs me out of the room, and it feels as if I’m walking on clouds as we head downstairs.
Chapter 42
Callan
I help carry the food to the table, and after we’ve all taken a seat, I say, “Help yourself, Eloise.”
Looking at the incredible dinner Lily’s prepared, Eloise compliments me, “You’ve got a very talented girlfriend, Callan.”
“Thank you.” I let out a proud chuckle.
Lily is rattled and clearly emotional, which has me picking up her plate and loading it with food. When I set it down, I lean into her and whisper, “Eat, baby.”
Seeing my woman so happy fills my heart to the brim with satisfaction.
I open a bottle of wine and pour some into the glasses before helping myself to some food.
Eloise takes a bite of chicken, enjoyment washing over her face. “It’s delicious.” She glances at Lily. “I assume you’re not signed with a gallery?”
Lily shakes her head. “I wanted to finish the collection before putting myself out there.”
Pleased by Lily’s reply, Eloise says, “Have you thought about the price you’d like to ask for each painting?”
Lily shakes her head. “I’ve done some research but don’t know enough to make an informed decision.”
Eloise takes a sip of her wine, but before she can speak, I say, “Lily’s work will garner a lot of welcomed attention for your gallery. I suggest she pays your required fee and retains the sole rights to her work.”
It means Lily gets every dollar paid for her paintings.
“You’ve always been such a shrewd businessman,” she chastises me. “Are you open to negotiating?”
I nod, willing to hear her offer.
Eloise glances between Lily and me. “I’ll pay five hundred thousand dollars upfront and keep thirty percent of every sale.”
Lily gasps, her hand flying to her mouth.
“For thirty percent, Lily wants one million upfront.” Eloise narrows her eyes at me, which has me saying, “You’ve seen her work. She’s going to sell out instantly.”
“Wait,” Lily gasps. “Give me a second to process this.” She grabs her glass of wine and takes a couple of sips before setting it down again. Clearing her throat, she says, “I still have to complete the final painting.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Eloise murmurs. “I know it will be a masterpiece.” She rests her elbows on the table and clasps her hands together. “I have an opening two weeks from now. It’s from the Wednesday to Friday. I was going to use the time for a short vacation in Aspen, but I would much rather organize an exhibition for your collection.”