“Bye,” Sarah says with a wave. “How about it? Shall we go to the store?”
“Yes. We have that meeting with the art customer in an hour, as well.”
“I didn’t forget.” She chews her lip. “You know what, on second thought, let me go in and change really quick so we can go to the store and then straight to the gallery.”
“I’m fine with that.”
“I’m so damn nervous.”Sarah adjusts the collar of her red blouse for the fourth time since we arrived at the gallery.
“Don’t be.” I kiss her forehead and then adjust one of the canvases so the lighting hits the center of the piece just right. “All of these are incredible.”
“He’s right,” Wayne says from behind us, admiring Sarah’s art. “These are really beautiful, and so unlike anything else we have in the gallery. They’re an excellent addition to our exhibit.”
“Now you guys are just flattering me.”
“I don’t flatter unless it’s earned.” I kiss her forehead once more. “And it is. She should be here any minute.”
And I’m not wrong.
A few moments later, Clementine Bodine walks through my door, a bright smile on her beautiful face, and she hurries over to me and plants a kiss right on my lips.
“Tanner,darling,” she says with excitement. “It’s always just an absolute joy to see you. God, you’re gorgeous. Let’s have a replay of that weekend in Hawaii sometime soon, shall we?”
“Uh, Clem, this is Sarah Pedersen.” I step out of Clem’s reach and turn to find fire sparking in Sarah’s eyes. “She’s the artist I was telling you about and the reason I called you in today.”
“Damn,” Clem says and looks me up and down. “A girl can try, I suppose. Hello, Sarah, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Tanner has told me about your work, and I’m excited to see it today.”
“Thank you,” Sarah says with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “We have some pieces on display for your perusal.”
“Oh, Tanner,” Clem exclaims as she approaches the canvases. “You weren’t kidding. These are amazing, and I can already picture them in several rooms in my house. Oh, and this one of the sailboat would be divine for my brother’s new place. He’s building a house on the hills, overlooking the ocean. Did you hear?”
“I think I did hear that,” I reply with a nod. “I’m sure that would make a great housewarming gift.”
“I’ll take them all,” Clem says, and Sarah’s head snaps back as if she’s been slapped.
“I’m sorry, what?”
“I want all six of them. Can I take them today?” She turns to me. “I’d also like to have them hung in the house, as we’ve done in the past.”
“Wayne can handle that,” I reply with a nod, and Clem’s eyes go to ice.
“I see.” Her gaze shifts between me and Sarah, and I reach for Sarah’s hand. “So, that’s how it is.”
“Yes, Clem. That’s how it is. But you’re a loyal and dear customer, and I wanted to give you the first opportunity to buy these pieces before they go on display or are offered to anyone else.”
Clem turns back to the paintings and nods slowly. “I do love them, and I’m still taking them all, even if I don’t get to have sex with you ever again.”
I feel my face wanting to flush, so I swallow, willing the flush away.
I fucked up. I should have told Sarah more about this customer, but it didn’t occur to me at the time. Clem is in the past, and Sarah’s all I think about now.
“I’m pleased that you like my work,” Sarah says, her voice all cool professionalism. “And I appreciate your business.”
“But you don’t appreciate my interest in Tanner.”
“I’ve been in love with Tanner since I was fourteen,” Sarah responds. “So, no. I don’t appreciate it. But, I can respect it, because he’s handsome and just generally wonderful. The only way you and I will have an issue, Ms. Bodine, is if you think you’re going to try to poach him from me.”
“Oh, honey, I don’t poach.” Clem’s smile is genuine as she turns to me. “Now that I know that you’re off the market, I can stop spending so much fucking money on art.”