Page 205 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Chapter Thirty-Five

Callie stood by Nate’s side, mingling among the groups of her eclectic guests—fellow artists, swank collectors, and several Sandersonians—at the Carter Island Inn. The usually cozy dining space had been transformed into something amazing—candlelight and dozens of stunningly elegant floral arrangements—a sleek country feel that was completely opposite from the hip, urban edge Marion’s gallery was famous for. Callie’s pieces hung from the old wooden ceiling beams or glowed in the portable lighting that amplified the intricate details of her work—some abstract and more her usual style mixed among art that was unlike anything she’d created before. Typically, her pieces were vibrant and alive, but her dreamscapes were dark snapshots of deep subconscious fears she was all too ready to forget.

“Look at this place,” Nate said close to her ear as he sent a wave to Matthew and Mini across the room. “I guess this proves that if Callie Davis makes it, they will come.”

She smiled, loving that Nate was here with her, decked out and breathtakingly handsome in his black suit and tie. “I’m always a little taken aback—that they’re here to see the things I’ve created.”

“They’d be foolish to stay away. Everything’s amazing.” He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze and brought them to his lips for a kiss. “Especially you.” His appreciative gaze wandered over spaghetti straps and her plunging neckline before his eyes stopped on the clinging cobalt blue fabric slit high on her right thigh.

Her smile grew wider as she remembered the stunned look on his face when she’d walked down the stairs at his place, officially dressed for the evening. “Thank you.”

He kissed her fingers again. “This should go to show you that if you ever decide to pick up where you left off, the art world will be waiting for you.”

Currently, she was happy to think of never creating for another show again. Tonight was the start of a new chapter in her life—something entirely different, and she could hardly wait. She looked toward the pendant lighting she’d added to the collection at the last minute—the very pieces the Inn’s owners had drooled over as the gallery crew secured them in place—and she knew that this was right. Those would be hanging in the new space she, Molly, and Gwen would own together in just a few weeks.

“Callie. Oh my goodness, Callie.” Lily Sanderson hurried over, her cheeks flushed and her blue eyes bright with excitement. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be here tonight.” She took Callie’s hands and kissed her cheek. “Your work never disappoints.” She smiled at Nate. “How are you, Nathan?”

“Good.” He moved in to press a kiss to her cheek. “Thanks for coming to help us celebrate.”

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t have missed it. I still haven’t personally thanked this beautiful lady for the amazing anniversary gift she made for me.” She sighed, beaming at Callie. “When I opened that candleholder, I absolutely lost my breath. So simple and stunning. That Evan of mine is always surprising me with the most special gifts.”

Nate frowned as he looked around. “Where is Evan?”

“Sick as a dog, I’m afraid.” Lily shook her head regretfully. “He has a stomach bug—caught something on his trip overseas. He hated that he had to stay home when he wanted to be here. He loves art as much as I do.”

“Make sure you tell him we missed him,” Nate said. “I haven’t…”

Callie followed his gaze to the door and blinked her surprise, watching as a hugely pregnant redhead wearing a flattering black dress greeted and hugged Thomas and Leah Sanderson. Elizabeth.

Lily looked over her shoulder. “Oh my.” She glanced at Nate, then met Callie’s eyes. “Well, I’ll let you two go. Thank you again for making my thirtieth anniversary the best one yet.”

“You’re welcome,” Callie said absently, reaching for Nate’s hand and giving a squeeze when they were alone again. “Elizabeth.”

He nodded. “Yeah, that’s Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth looked in their direction, sending them a polite smile as she headed over. “Nate.”

“Hey.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “It’s good to see you.”

“And you. I hope this is okay. Leah gave my mom and dad an invitation, but they weren’t able to come… It’s been such a long time… I don’t want things to be awkward.”

He shook his head. “We’re glad to have you back.”

Elizabeth nodded, smiling uncomfortably at Callie. “I’m such a big fan of your work.” She held out her hand. “I’m Elizabeth.”

Callie returned her handshake. “Callie. It’s nice to meet you.”

Nate shook his head. “I’m sorry. Elizabeth Knight, right? That’s your last name?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes.”

“This is my girlfriend, Callie Davis.”

“Thank you for coming tonight,” Callie said, hoping to ease some of the discomfort as she studied Nate’s truly stunning ex-wife.

“I’ve been excited for days. When my mom mentioned your show was going to be right here on Carter Island, I had to come home. Unfortunately, my husband is stuck back in Virginia…”

“Maybe we’ll meet him next time,” Callie said. “You’ll be here for the weekend?”