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“That’s what I am hoping for, too,” he says. “But at work, I guess, I can be a perfectionist. My other assistants hated my guts. Cedric, however, doesn’t mind.”

“You click with him,” I agree. It’s so funny, though, since Aden and Cedric are nothing alike. How in the world these two can work together so well is beyond my understanding, and I know it’s also beyond Lynn’s. She is just happy he finally has someone who can keep up with him, and I am happy that Cedric is nice, honest, and genuinely wants to do his job well.

Aden puts an arm around my shoulder. “So, you gave the therapist a call?”

“Yes, his first open spot is next month, but I’ll definitely be seeing him then.” I pause. “If… and I am not even sure it will happen–but if he wants to see you too, would you really come?”

“Yes,” he says promptly, then hesitates for a moment. I am almost scared he will go back on his promise, but then Aden shrugs. “I think I should probably see someone myself. Wouldn’t do any harm, would it?”

“I think it would be good,” I admit. “You have a lot of baggage from your upbringing to boot, and… then there was Emil.”

“I thought I moved past it all,” he admits. “But I feel like I do carry some baggage in my relationship with you, and with Lynn and Mom.”

I nod, making sure to put on a serious expression. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

“God, Noel,” Aden snorts. “In which cheesy calendar did you read that one?”

I grin, happy that my little joke hit. “No calendar. A fortune cookie!”

Aden looks at me, amused. “It’s amazing how you manage to surprise me daily.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“Good,” he says, winking at me. “Keep the surprises coming.”

thirty-two

Epilogue

*ADEN*

Cedric dashes around us, as if he is being chased by something or someone. It would be annoying if he weren’t totally focused on his task and eager to get the job done. As usual, he is brimming with motivation. “Make sure not to knock something over,” I call after him, just to make sure.

He turns and nods. “Of course, sir, I will be careful!” With that, he skillfully runs past some sculptures as if he is in a video game, dodging like an expert.

I decided to let him handle things on his own. He has proven himself plenty by now, and I know he can handle the organization part, as well as the influencers in the art scene.

TV coverage is still on me, though, and this time it’s going to be particularly important because Sterling will be covered also. Besides that, it’s the first time I’ll openly be attending such a huge event, not as a single man.

“I trust you to talk to the media as usual,” Lynn says.

I nod. “Don’t worry, I have it covered. Is Sterling ready?”

“As ready as he can be,” Lynn chuckles. I turn my head to see how Sterling is standing in front of his most prominent new painting, looking like he wishes he could do some touch-ups. Mateo is next to him with a frown on his face.

“Mateo looks like he wants to drag him away from there.”

“That’s pretty close, actually.” Lynn chuckles. “Sterling claims he isn’t happy with the painting and wishes he could redo it.”

“That’s normal. I thought like that all the time,” I reassure her. “Tell Mateo there is no need to worry.”

“But I like him hot and bothered,” Lynn grins.

Talking about hot… Noel has our stylist help with his suit and touch up his makeup, looking more nervous than Sterling. It’s an official exhibition opening, and he will be there as my official plus one. I didn’t want him to feel obliged, but he agreed to it on his own terms, claiming he wants to go fully official with me, for everyone to know.

Everyone we care for already knows anyway.

“Mr. Randall,” Cedric pops up next to me. “Your mother and brother are already here. Should I let them enter?”