little. She never had gotten used to receiving compliments.
They went into the studio, to where the newly finished painting sat on its easel. Andrew stopped short and stared silently. He didn’t speak for several long moments.
“Wow. That’s simply gorgeous. You just finished it today?”
She nodded. “The light was perfect. I didn’t expect to finish today, but it came together.”
“It certainly did. I can have this one too?” He sounded like he was worried she might change her mind.
“Yes, and the other two as well, if you want them.”
“I want them. But this one is really special.” He stared at it for another long moment and she wondered what he was thinking. He finally turned and told her. “I’d like to do a solo show for you with a few additional paintings if you’re amenable to that?” He was all business now, and Kristen was thrilled that he wanted to give her a show of her own.
“Of course. Pick out whichever ones you’d like.” They walked back into the room, and Andrew was like a kid in a candy store, as he looked around the room again. It was clear that he loved most of them and was having a hard time deciding. Finally, he settled on three more, and she saw that he was going for an ocean theme. All the paintings he chose featured the ocean and beach in some way.
They picked a date for the show that was several weeks out.
“I’ll stop by a few days before to collect the paintings.”
“I’ll have them ready and wrapped for you.”
Her stomach rumbled loudly and Kristen wanted to die of embarrassment.
“Sorry about that. I tend to forget to eat while I’m working.”
“I was actually on my way to get a burger at Flynn’s. Do you want to join me? If you don’t already have plans, that is. And it’s the least I can do for barging in on you like this.” He grinned. “I could talk about art for hours. And I’d love to learn more about you and how you became the artist that you are.”
His enthusiasm was contagious and it would be fun to talk about art with someone who really understood her passion. Kristen was feeling antsy and on a high after finishing her painting. And she had a feeling that she’d enjoy his company.
“I’d love to. But I need a quick shower first. If you don’t mind waiting, I won’t be long.”
“Of course I don’t mind. I have some calls I need to make, so take your time.”
Kristen grabbed some clothes and towels and headed into the bathroom. The hot water felt wonderful, and she wished she could stay in longer, letting it wash over her. But, she didn’t want to be rude and keep Andrew waiting too long. Ten minutes later, she was done and changed into jeans and a flattering turquoise blue top. She dried her hair quickly, brushed her teeth and then she was ready.
When she came out of the bathroom, Andrew was just finishing a call. He smiled when he saw her. She grabbed her purse from the kitchen counter.
“I’m ready.”
Andrew insisted on driving, saying it was silly for them both to drive when Flynn’s was barely five minutes away. She climbed into his car, cringing for a moment when she saw the deep scratch on the side again. He saw her look.
“My guy assured me it’s really nothing. It’s going to be fixed next Tuesday. Don’t give it another thought.”
And she didn’t. For the next two hours, over messy burgers and fries and a couple of beers, Kristen had the best time she’d had in ages. Andrew was easy to talk to. They were both animated in their conversation, almost like when friends haven’t seen each other in a while and have so much to catch up on. They liked a lot of the same artists and disagreed on others. And they knew a lot of the same people.
“It’s surprising that we haven’t run into each other before this,” Andrew said at one point.
“I don’t really go out all that much. I go through stretches where I’m quite the hermit, actually. I like to go out, but with smaller groups. Big parties sap my energy.”
He nodded. “My twin sister is like that. We’re alike in a lot of ways, she loves the arts too. She’s a musician, a singer-songwriter. But she gets terrible stage fright.”
“Would I know of her?” Kristen wondered. She was intrigued that he had a twin sister.
He grinned. “You