Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82698 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82698 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Appearing out of nowhere, Adrian hugged her, whispering, “Are you okay after the vampires’ visit yesterday?”
Saskia hugged her back, holding on. “I’m perfect. And you’re the best.” Saskia was so glad Clay had thought to invite Adrian.
They smiled together as only two best friends could. “Back at ya. And this is your coming-out party, my darling.”
“I had that at Hugo’s press conference,” Saskia said dryly.
Adrian wagged her finger. “But you weren’t there.” She looked pointedly at the birthday boys and girl. “They think it’s their party. But it’s really yours.”
Gareth stood beside her. Though they didn’t hold hands, there was something. Attraction, maybe? With that gleam in Adrian’s eye when she looked at him, oh yes, something had happened. Saskia couldn’t be happier.
Clay and Gareth man-hugged with backslaps. Then Clay hugged Adrian. “We’re glad you made it.”
It really was like family, just as Clay had said.
Then Adrian waved at one of the Mavericks. “Cal Danniger,” she said, sotto voce.
The man headed over with Lyssa Spencer, who had their baby boy on her hip. Saskia knew Cal was a fan of her work, but her heart jumped into her throat, as though this might be a confrontation, especially since they were trailed by so many Maverick ladies. She suddenly felt spotlighted.
Clay snaked his arm across her back. Fortification.
Cal hugged Adrian, since they’d had so many dealings together.
Then he simply stared at Saskia for an excruciating moment, his face flushed, before he stuck out his hand. “It’s great to meet you. I’m Cal Danniger. I—I—”
His beautiful wife Lyssa, youngest daughter of Susan and Bob Spencer, the Maverick matriarch and patriarch, stepped in for him. “He’s trying to say he loves your work. We’ve got several of your prints, even some canvases.”
Kelsey Collins, Evan’s younger sister, said in a high voice, “Will you look at that? Cal is tongue-tied. That’s so adorable.” Her laughter ran through the crowd of ladies around them.
Cal collected himself and said, almost smoothly, “I saw your mural in the graffiti tunnel in London—” He scratched his temple. “Oh… about eighteen months ago.”
Lyssa gazed at him with adoration. “You know exactly how long ago it was, my darling.” With the way they smiled at each other, Saskia was sure there was a story there.
“I’ve been following your art ever since,” Cal said. “Your new piece in the Mission District is incredible.”
Saskia felt a sweet thrill, almost as good as the thrill she got when Clay touched her. “Thank you. I’m glad you like it.”
He jutted his chin at Clay. “This guy told me that you’re both San Holo and Lynx.”
Last night, Cal and Clay had talked over the ramifications of Hugo’s press conference. Clay had told him how they planned to take care of Hugo.
“Now it makes perfect sense,” Cal went on, “why Lynx’s work took a sudden nosedive five years ago. I have a Lynx print from the old days.” He blushed. “Would you show me where the lynx is?”
She felt as if she were standing on top of The Shard, London’s tallest building. She finally had the recognition she’d always sought. The Mavericks seemed to hang on her every word, and yet, she was quaking inside.
Was this how it would feel when she came out to the press and took Hugo on? Could she handle that?
With Clay’s support, she knew she could. “Certainly, I’ll show you,” she said, beaming at Cal. “Which canvas do you have?”
The talk went on from there, her anxiety lessening as the minutes ticked by. Eventually, the ladies around them dispersed, mostly because the three babies were fidgeting.
With that break in the crowd, a little woman pushing a walker decorated with streamers and spangles wheeled her way over. “My dear, I just had to meet you. Charlie has talked so much about your art.”
Clay made the introductions. “This is Francine, Charlie Ballard’s mother.”
Saskia bent down to shake the woman’s hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Francine.”
Charlie Ballard joined them, a beautiful woman with fiery curls, her hand engulfed in that of Sebastian Montgomery, another tall, handsome Maverick.
Charlie hugged her. “I can’t believe I actually get to meet the real San Holo.”
Saskia laughed. “I can’t believe I actually get to meet the real Charlie Ballard.” Then she prattled like a superfan. “The Discus Thrower is out of this world. I’ve never seen anything so exactly perfect for a space.”
Charlie seemed to beam. Saskia was sure she was beaming too. Then she turned to Sebastian. “You’re an amazing artist in your own right. I’ve seen your drawings. They’re brilliant.”
He smiled almost shyly. “Thank you. But Charlie’s the real star.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.
Saskia thought they were shining stars together.
As the party went on, the warmth of the Maverick-and-Harrington clan filled her up. Each and every one made an effort to meet her, to welcome her, to bring her into their fold. These two groups had become one big, close-knit family.