“We haven’t made the rounds yet,” Mary Elizabeth said.
Awkward silence filled the air.
“Bryson,” said Adam Shipley, “I hear you’re working on that house next to Hadley’s.Do you know the owner well?I’d like to speak to him sometime and ask what he plans do to with it.You wouldn’t happen to know, would you?”
“Actually--”
“I’m not sure of the plans,” Bryson said, cutting Hadley off before she could tell them he owned it.He caught Hadley’s surprised glance but was glad when she didn’t continue.
“Why do you ask?”Mary Elizabeth said to her husband.
“Adam and I have discussed the difficulties of sharing Isabel’s tiny apartment,” Everett said with a chuckle.
“Indeed.Bryson, can you give us a name?”Adam asked.
Considering public records would reveal him to be the owner, Bryson reluctantly owned up to it.“Uh, actually, you’re looking at him.”And just like that their expressions changed from interest to surprise.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please,” a voice said over a microphone, ending the conversation, much to Bryson’s relief.
“I’d like everyone to welcome our featured artist this evening, Ms.Isabel Drake.”
The crowd applauded and they all watched as Isabel moved toward the podium to say a few words.
“Oh, she’s beaming.Look at her,” Hadley said quietly so only he could hear.
Bryson couldn’t take his gaze off of Hadley because she glowed with pride for her friend.It was more proof of Hadley’s kind heart and something he liked about her.She wasn’t the type of woman who felt there was only so much success in the world to go round.No, she cheered on her friends and celebrated with them and that told him a lot.
Sensing someone staring at him, Bryson reluctantly shifted his gaze until it locked with Cheryl Dummit’s.The woman stared at Bryson, and he knew at some point in the near future they would have words.He dreaded it, only because he knew it would make Hadley feel bad.
Izzy made a short speech about being an artist in such a beautiful and inspirational area before she thanked her husband, family, and guests for attending.Speech done, the gallery owner took over once more and reminded the attendees that the artwork would remain on display for two weeks, but purchases could be made tonight until the end of the showcase.
Music began and waiters once again circulated with drinks and snacks, and
Bryson found himself separated from Hadley for a moment while she congratulated Isabel once more and chatted with one of Isabel’s sisters he’d met earlier.
Taking advantage of the moment, he made his way over to the gallery owner and asked to purchase the painting of Hadley.
He’d never spent so much on an image before, but he relished the sight of the tinysoldsign that was placed on the painting moments later.
He finished the transaction in the rear of the gallery with the assistant, hoping to get back before Hadley noticed his disappearance, but turned to find Cheryl Dummit approaching.
“I know what you’re up to.”
“Ma’am?”
“Stay away from my daughter.”
Bryson frowned and fought back the urge to tell the woman what she could do with her threats.“I believe your daughter is old enough to make her own decisions.Besides, she invited me to be her date tonight.”
“Yes, I did,” Hadley said from behind them.“And I’m grateful Bryson graciously accepted my invitation.Mom, Dad is looking for you,” she said to her mother.“I think he’s picked something to buy.”
Her mother was visibly frustrated at the interruption, or maybe it was that Jerry had dared select something without her approval, but either way, Bryson relished the woman’s quick departure, though it came with one last glare.
“I’m sorry.My mother can be very trying.”
“She’s protective of you,” he said.
“That’s one way of putting a good spin on it,” Hadley said wryly.“What are you doing back here?Oh, Bryson, did my mother drag you here to lecture you?”