Stay

“Room and board is between four and eight thousand, depending on where I end up,” Mia said.

“There you go.” Hope leaned into Niko. “Stop by the gallery this week and write out a check to Niko for eight thousand. And we’ll have covered the costs for the year. That’s fair, right?”

Solved. She should have brought this to her sister sooner; she wouldn’t be here a fraction of that time. Her appetite returned in a rush. “Yes, thanks.” Mia picked up her fork.

Niko stiffened, his arms tensed around Hope. “I would never take your money.”

“I told Mia she was dependent on you.” Alexi finished his wine. “I think it’s why she’s going on about the money.”

“Mia’s sensitive. You have to take better care of her feelings.”

Alexi raised his eyebrows.

Hello. Sitting right here.

Niko nodded. “One of Hope’s paintings is featured in a charity show tomorrow. You know how people can be at those things. Go with us, and help me watch out for Mia.”

Alexi tensed, looking like he’d rather take back-to-back trips to Greece in coach class than go with them. His gaze fell on her and he nodded.

Chapter 12

Mia had been to a million art shows with Hope while growing up. But rather than diving into the evening, she was checking the door for Alexi, who was late.

And then, there he was. Alexi appeared at the entrance and exchanged a few words with the hostess. He wore a dark suit with an open collar shirt. He had a sophisticated air, unlike any guy at school. It was more than his looks. He was unique, he surprised her, he was fun. His being there made the art pop against the white walls, the bright lights brighter, and the guest chatter quieter.

He weaved through the crowd, which wore a boatload of black: cocktail dresses, skinny jeans and turtlenecks, yep, turtlenecks in Houston’s heat. He worked his way around several walls that made up the maze of the art display. Mia guessed he was headed to Hope’s section and went that way.

Hope’s painting hung alone on a large white wall. It was colorful, complex, amazing. Hope stood nearby wearing a blue dress, no paintbrush in her hair, looking gorgeous. Niko wore a dark suit with a tie, very handsome.

Alexi grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and altered his course toward them. She was almost there. He took a sip and assessed the liquid with a frown.

“Need a refill?” The woman was heavily made up and thin to the extreme. She leaned against her portly date.

Alexi walked past without bothering to reply. Two steps later, a waitress stopped him.

Her pierced tongue licked her lips, and she swung her platinum hair over her shoulder. “Another?” She emphasized the first syllable and then offered a second glass of champagne with a wink.

He already had a glass.

Alexi placed his half-empty on the tray and took the offering. The waitress popped a cherry into it and walked off with another wink.

“So what do you think of this piece?” a nearby woman asked him. She was maybe early thirties, slinky silver dress, attractive. The woman pointed to the nearest wall with a modern abstract. Not Hope’s work.

Jeez. He was never going to get here.

Alexi gave the painting a cursory inspection. “It’s crap.”

The woman gave a throaty laugh and moved closer. “You’re missing the undertones. It’s a symbol of crashing societal norms.”

It was pretentious garbage.

Alexi didn’t reply.

The woman eyed his glass. “What are you drinking?”

“What country imported this?” He sounded displeased.

The woman linked her arm into his. “I know a place that serves better.” She met his gaze with a direct stare. She touched his arm.