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“Oh, here we go,” Cass muttered moodily.

Rebecca nudged Cassidy’s leg with hers, hoping to keep her calm. “I, indeed, know that Cassidy is an artist. A very talented one.”

Bev agreed that her daughter was talented. She just thought Cass was wasting her time doing murals here and there. Bev would never understand why Cass didn’t become a lawyer like her father. She certainly had the intelligence. “Of course, she is. But her time would be better spent doing something a little more significant.”

Rebecca tilted her head. “I would say it’s pretty significant that one of the most prestigious galleries in the country will be showing Cassidy’s work in their grand opening.”

“Don’t bother, Rebecca. I told you, they’re not really interested…”

“Now, wait just a minute, young lady,” Russ interjected. “What’s this about? You’re going to be in a gallery? I thought you were just painting murals and houses?”

Cass shrugged. “I was. Rebecca saw something more and called a friend to take a look at my work.”

“This is your doing?” Russ asked Rebecca.

“No, it’s Cassidy’s. Contacts only go so far, Mr. Giles. Sumptor Galleries would not risk its reputation on someone they don’t believe in.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Bev asked, clearly upset. “We may not understand your career choice, but we’ve always been supportive.”

“I—I was going to, mom. The opening is still months away and I’ve been busy working on the canvases.”

“Well, I expect an invitation to my only daughter’s showing.” Bev reached over and took Cass’s hand. “I should tell you this more often, but I’m proud of you.” She looked over at Rebecca. “And thank you for any role you played in this.”

Rebecca smiled. “All I did was make a call.”

“Tell me a little more about yourself,” Bev suggested, patting Cass’s hand before letting it go. “A woman with your contacts must have a story. Are you in the art business yourself?”

Rebecca laughed softly. “Not quite. I’m a business consultant. Eve Sumptor happens to be a friend and client, but I don’t specialize in art.”

Conversation was momentarily interrupted as their food was delivered. Unmindful of how her actions looked to their company, Rebecca automatically transferred the green vegetables from Cassidy’s plate to hers and the mushrooms from her plate to Cassidy’s.

“Try the squash, baby,” she murmured lightly.

“’Kay.”

Russ quietly watched the exchange between the two. As did his wife. This woman had changed their daughter. Fortunately, it seemed to be for the better and Russ’s respect for the small woman increased.

“Do you have a specialty, Rebecca?” Russ asked around a mouthful of steak.

“Hmm?” Rebecca had been too preoccupied with her and Cassidy’s ritual that she was a bit lost in the conversation.

“Your specialty in business. Do you have one?”

Yeah, she does, Cassidy thought rakishly.

“Oh,” Rebecca chuckled. “No specialty. I’m very good at what I do, so it doesn’t matter what business I’m working with. I’m sorry if that sounds arrogant, but I’ve worked very hard to get to where I am.”

“I love a confident woman.” Bev laughed when Cass wholeheartedly agreed that she did too. “Did you go to school around here?”

“Yes, I went to Berkeley.”

“Oh! Cass’s brother Mitch went to Berkeley. Class of 2013. Perhaps you’ve crossed paths?”

Well, shit. Rebecca laughed uncomfortably. I suppose they’ll find out eventually. “No,” she cleared her throat. “I graduated a few years earlier than that.”

“What year? Maybe he was coming in as you were graduating?”

“Mom, stop.”