Page 149 of Something Like Winter

had worked alongside the contractors, leaving nothing to chance. So when Marcello suggested not letting that extra week or two go to

waste, Tim would have agreed simply to show the public how beautiful

the gallery turned out, even if his paintings weren’t on display. But

Allison thought it had romantic potential.

Romantic!What a cheesy, stupid word. Tim scarcely believed

romance could be part of his life again. As opening day neared, he began

to have serious doubts. Not about his own feelings. He wanted to see Ben

again more than anything. But he was scared of what losing a spouse

could do to a person. Maybe Ben would look right through him, thinking

only of Jace.

Tim was willing to risk it one more time. Hell, he’d try a million

more times, if that’s what it took. He worked hard at making his first

exhibition the right place for them to meet again. He was opening his life

to the world, so he didn’t choose just his best work. He chose paintings

from every stage of his life, even childhood. This meant putting some

very humble pieces on display. Somehow this felt more honest and less

pompous.

Tim managed most aspects of the Eric Conroy Foundation now, but

publicity for the gallery opening he left to Marcello and his expertise. Aside from begging him not to use shirtless cocktail waiters, Tim had

complete faith in his abilities.

The big night came all too soon. The gallery preparations were

enough to occupy his time, but Tim had also been busy finishing a new

painting. He barely completed it in time to hand over to Allison. Now it

was all up to her, because Tim found himself waiting in a near-empty

gallery as the sun began to set. Opening night. What would people think?

Would they sneer at his art, turn up their noses and walk away? Even

worse, what if they laughed at his efforts? Or didn’t show up? The gallery’s first visitors were an elderly couple. Tim kept his

distance, watching them move from painting to painting before his

curiosity got the better of him. Approaching them, he introduced himself

and was rewarded with compliments. The old man’s father had been a