Page 143 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Nate lifted his brow. “And I thought you were on vacation.”

“You disappear abruptly and everyone assumes you’re a cokehead in rehab, an alcoholic getting dried out, or a nut job getting therapy,” Julian supplied. “Last year I had surgery on my knee, but the press let everyone know I was a crazy cokehead, suffering my way through my treatments.” Julian dismissed it all with a wave of his hand. “It’s part of our crazy little world.”

“Good to know.” Nate held out his hand to Julian. “I’m Nate, by the way.”

Callie closed her eyes as she pressed her fingers to her temple. “I’m sorry. Nate, this is Julian Schmidt. Julian, this is Nate Carter.”

“I’m glad you could come celebrate with us tonight,” Julian said. “And that you make my friend so happy.”

Nate smiled. “Congratulations on your success.”

“Thank you.” Julian looked to his left and did a double take. “Oh, my God. Mr. Iwasaki’s coming this way.”

Nate frowned as he looked at Callie.

“Major art collector—one of the biggest in the world,” she explained quietly. “Big, big deal for our boy here.”

Mr. Iwasaki stopped in front of them, smiling. “Ms. Davis, how pleasant a surprise this is.”

Callie accepted his kiss on the cheek. “Mr. Iwasaki.”

Mr. Iwasaki gave his attention to Julian. “Julian, it’s good to see you.”

“And you, sir.”

“Mr. Iwasaki, this is my friend, Nate Carter,” Callie said. “I brought him along to enjoy Julian’s show. It’s an exquisite night to celebrate art.”

“So it is.” Mr. Iwasaki extended his hand to Nate. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Nate returned his shake. “You too.”

“Ms. Davis, I’ve been disappointed that Marion hasn’t given me a date for your next exhibition.”

And so it began. She nodded, maintaining eye contact with Mr. Iwasaki when she was certain Julian was all but cringing by her side. The next few minutes had the potential to make or break her friend’s night. “I’m afraid postponing my next show was necessary. I’ve needed a break. Five years without one has made my imagination dull.”

Mr. Iwasaki nodded slowly. “One must foster their spirit to create true works of beauty.”

She smiled. “Art isn’t worth making without passion—if the heart isn’t as intrigued as the mind.”

Mr. Iwasaki grinned. “Indeed.”

“Aren’t we lucky that Julian’s work inspires both.” She gestured to the painting on the wall—her friend’s most expensive piece in the gallery. “This immediately draws the eye. The expression and contrast of moods and colors make its admirer hold their breath.”

“Yes,” Mr. Iwasaki said.

“That’s power,” she said quietly. “Julian has accomplished what few others can. True genius.”

“Mr. Schmidt,” Mr. Iwasaki said, “tell me more about this piece. I often like the details before I make a work of art mine.”

“Uh…” Julian cleared his throat as his gaze darted to Callie’s. “Yes. Well…”

Callie smiled. “I’ll let you two talk. Mr. Iwasaki, it was a pleasure to see you again. Julian, have fun tonight.” She turned, looking at Nate. “Should we mingle?”

“Sure.” They moved away, and Nate stepped closer. “So, do you think Mr. Iwasaki had any clue he was toast the second you started talking?”

She grinned. “I was just helping Julian.”

He stopped abruptly. “You’re good—know what the hell you’re doing.” He slid his fingers along her jaw. “You’re so damn smart. So damn beautiful. How can anyone say no?”