Page 71

“She hates debt, but doesn’t care about money.”And I’m a feckin’ eejit. “Family. That’s what counts, and she keeps losing it.”

“And that insight gets us precisely where in unravelling this puzzle?” His brother was watching Niall fumble his way to some truth Liam had already worked out. “Sinead was wrong. You’ve spent the past year making frames, which require little of your genius to produce, to pay me back. In the past few months you’ve added restoring pieces for Lucy and for her fancy client. You take work to pay the bills. You’ve also made the cradle and alphabet toys for me, Anna’s got a new mirror, and I bet you’ve got a design for Lucy on the go. You more than pay your way. I’m proud of you, and I admire you.”

“I love you.” Niall knocked back the rest of his whiskey.

“Good thing I watered yours. Did you hear what you just said?”

Liam balanced on the tipped-back chair while Niall joined the dots. For the people he loved, Niall always found time. Ipso facto, he hadn’t loved Sinead.

“What about Lucy?”

“I love her too.”

“Have you told her?”

“She’s too angry to listen to me.”

“Do something so she’s not angry.” Liam made it sound easy.

“The only thing that might make her listen is if I organise another exhibition.” Short of grovelling, an exhibition was the only idea Niall had.

“Should be child’s play if you put your mind to it.” Liam drained his jar. “I’ll tell Lucy’s most unorthodox lawyer we’re considering his very generous offer. We need a fortnight.”

“Will he accept?” Niall asked. Without Lucy, two weeks stretched to eternity. Two weeks was the timetable from hell to organise an exhibition.

“I feel sure I can convince him a matter of such significance needs a little time to contemplate.” His brother pushed to his feet, a man ready to move mountains on Niall’s behalf.

“Lucy’s seriously pissed off. She might not talk to me again even with an exhibition.” Niall met his brother’s gaze, seeking reassurance.

“When you’re down to one option, it makes sense to go with it.”

––––––––

Two weeks later Niallleaned against a wall in a grand, whitewashed warehouse space. The spartan cavern showcased his work better than the gallery he’d originally signed with, and the vestibule display provided a slice of what visitors could expect. He figured he’d chatted and glad-handed everyone in the room, because he owed himself and his family the courtesy of making this show a success. From the smile on Kate’s face when she placed red dots on various pieces, people were buying as well as looking.

With his family’s help, he’d managed to assemble about thirty pieces, including frames and Lucy’s washstand in the vestibule. Part of his apology to her. Part of making peace with who he was and what he might become, if Lucy listened to him.

Only there was no Lucy, and he hadn’t prepared for her no-show.

Pushing off the wall, he fixed a smile on his face and prepared to re-enter the fray. In three weeks, he’d leave Cam’s workshop. He had an unsigned contract for a smaller space further out of town and was so exhausted he’d almost forgotten his name.

“She’s not coming.” Niall tugged at the silk tie Anna had brought with her tonight and insisted he wear.

“She’s not hereyet,” Anna replied.

“She hates being late. Did she tell you she was coming?” he demanded, because he needed hope to sustain him for the next hour.

“Not in so many words.” Anna grabbed the lapels of his jacket and manoeuvred him around to face her. “This is the last time I’m fixing this tie. Now stand still and look at me as if you’re interested in what I have to say and simply ecstatic at how the show’s going.”

Niall looked at her. She and Kate had sweated blood to get this show together in the tight timeframe. “I can’t thank you enough.” He kissed her forehead.

“Yes, you can. I won’t get tired of hearing how grateful you are for, oh, I’d say a decade or more.” Anna patted his tie. “Did you send Lucy an invitation?”

“I sent two, one to her at McTavish’s and one to the house.”

“Leave the man alone.” Hunter arrived at Anna’s shoulder. “We know she got the one at McTavish’s because I recognise half this crew from her spring gala sale. Her customers have eclectic tastes, or else she strong-armed them.”

Kate waddled up and took Niall’s right arm.