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For a moment, Lynn stays silent before picking up the folder with Sterling’s name on. Cedric and I have been collecting his data and his plans for the future. “Looks like he and his manager are decent guys. From what I have seen and heard so far, I like them. They seem genuine.”

“Sterling’s art is genuine, too,” I say. “I would have been surprised if he appeared arrogant.”

“You have a good eye for artists,” she says. “I don’t know how you do it.”

“You can see it in the way they paint and form an idea into reality, how they approach their motives, where they take inspiration from.”

“You say that as if it’s easy to read them,” she chuckles. “That’s why I keep to our finances. You and Cedric do the rest.”

I groan. “Sometimes I feel more like a babysitter for Cedric than a boss.”

“Don’t complain,” she grins. “He is the first one you’ve worked well with. Don’t chase our golden retriever away! He can handle your perfectionism.”

“Shut up,” I chuckle. “I will take that as my cue to go home now. I am working from home tomorrow. Cedric has his day off.”

“I will be here,” she reassures me. “In case something urgent comes in, but I doubt it will. Fridays are slow.”

I nod. “See you on Saturday for the dinner party,”

five

*ADEN*

The dinner party I host in the gallery, once a year, is for a limited audience. The main artists shown in my gallery are invited, some artists who usually apply for the event, some of my most loyal customers, some art enthusiasts, and of course, my employees.

It’s a fancy event, but also an intimate one with people I appreciate and trust. And it’s an opportunity for new artists to network.

“This is amazing!” Cedric gapes. He doesn’t even hide how happy he is. From all my guests, he is probably the most in awe.

“Close your mouth or you will catch a fly,” Lynn teases, before introducing the man at her side. He is tall and athletic, pretty much like Lynn herself. He has a kind, open face. “Patrick, meet my employer and friend, Aden Randall, and his mascot, Cedric.”

“I am not his mascot,” Cedric says seriously while shaking Patrick’s hand. “I am his assistant.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, shaking his hand as well.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Patrick puts his arm around Lynn’s shoulder and smiles at us.

We make a bit of small talk, but neither Lynn nor I are big on it. Knowing her, she just wants to drag her man to the buffet and eat something, and flirt with him. I wholeheartedly understand that. She works enough, and this evening is for her to switch off working mode.

I decide to retreat politely. “I am going to greet some of my guests. Enjoy the evening, you two.”

“We will,” Lynn says. “Thank you.”

“I just saw one of the influencers from the opening night of the last exhibit,” Cedric says. “Time to network!”

I shake my head, amused, when I see him walk away. He walks with so much energy, and almost like he is dancing. On my own now, I walk through the gallery and talk to whoever I walk by. A lot of these people are friends, too, or at least acquaintances. I also make an effort to talk to the artists who are here for the first time.

Sterling and Mateo are here also.

“Aden.” Sterling addresses me in his natural, calm and confident manner. It takes me by surprise, but then I remember we settled on a first-name basis. “Thank you so much for the invitation.”

“I am glad to see both of you here.” My gaze falls on the young woman next to Sterling. “You must be Sterling’s sister?”

“Yes.” She smiles shyly. “I am Roxana, Sterling’s younger sister.”

She looks a lot younger than him though looks can deceive.

“Roxana has just started college,” Sterling explains to me.