Page 98 of By Rude Strength

“Pretty good, right?” LA grinned.

“Very good.” Cass kissed him sweetly. “You were magnificent. I am so very proud of you for standing up to him and making him leave with that absolutely awful look on his face. You didn’t even say anything that mean this time!”

“Thanks.” LA chuckled and hugged Cass tight. “Mmm. Let’s get back in there, huh?”

“Whenever you’re ready, sweetheart.”

“I think I deserve another drink, don’t you?”

“Absolutely.”

LA was having a great time.

The art show was going well, even though talking to so many people was draining the crap out of his social battery. Cass was right there to whisk him away for a break whenever he noticed LA getting a bit overwhelmed. When LA was ready to head back, Cass would lead him over to his chair and stand guard once more.

LA was stunned by the sheer amount of praise he received, especially from those who said they felt a connection to the paintings. Whether it was the ache of depression, the grief of losing a loved one, or some other unspecified pain, his work resonated with people on a personal level.

It was incredible.

As the hours ticked by, LA was steadily growing more tired. It was late, he was exhausted, and the chair still left a lot to be desired in the way of comfort. Although everyone seemed to love the paintings, he hadn’t heard anyone interested in buying any. That was a little disappointing, but he wondered if he’d been asking too much.

He stood up to stretch and look over the gallery.

Huh.

The price tags were all gone.

What the hell did that mean?

He saw Kevin talking to Georgina, and LA waved.

They both looked at him, smiled innocently, and went back to chatting.

Right.

Because that wasn’t suspicious at all.

“Are you doing all right, sweetheart?” Cass asked gently. “Do you need to take another break?”

“Yeah, from sitting on my ass.” LA chuckled. “I’m good. I just wanted to stretch my legs a little. Definitely gonna sleep good tonight.”

Cass took his hand and kissed it. “It’s been quite the evening.”

“That it has.”

“Hey, LA!” Brandon was walking up to him, an older woman with him who LA recognized as his mother.

“Hey!” LA smiled. “Mrs. Penny! It’s nice to see you.”

“Hello, sweetie!” Penny gave him a gentle hug. “How are you?”

“Great. Oh! Hey, this is uh, my date for tonight.” LA gestured to Cass. “Cassander Imp, this is Penny Hanson, Brandon’s mother.”

“Hi! It’s so lovely to meet you! Please call me Cass!” Cass smiled warmly as he shook her hand. “You’re the one opening up that new decedent care office! Is that right?”

“Yes!” Penny chuckled. “Trying to anyway. It’s been crazy.” She pointed at LA. “I haven’t forgotten to call you. I just haven’t had time!”

“It’s okay. I’ll be here whenever you want to talk.” LA chuckled. “I’m always happy to talk shop.”