Country Roads(97)

She made a face at herself in the mirror, just to prove the person underneath was still Julia Castillo. “Time to take over the world.”

She pivoted on her boot heel and strode out the door of her room. She was meeting Claire at the gallery in fifteen minutes for step one of her plan to convince Paul and Carlos she could manage her own life.

As she walked toward the Gallery at Sanctuary, a few aches and twinges lingered, reminding her of the tumultuous night she’d spent with Paul. She’d nearly made a mess of things with her outburst about staying for the sex. It had seemed like a good approach as she had lain basking in the afterglow of the Corvette caper. Men were supposed to be susceptible at times like that, and Paul was all male, but he had that annoying and endearing protective streak.

He had nearly convinced her with his nonsense about how much it would hurt him if she left, but then she realized he was playing the role of white knight again, worrying about her feelings. He didn’t understand it would be much worse for her if she didn’t stay. If it didn’t work out between them, at least they would have given it their best shot.

Not to mention the joy of spending weeks and months with Paul while they explored the possibilities of their relationship. In fact, she hoped it would stretch into a lifetime.

All she needed to do was prove to everyone she could handle whatever real life threw at her.

Julia flung open the door to the gallery. Claire was seated at the glass-topped desk, staring at her computer screen. She swiveled the chair to face Julia, a smile lighting her face. “The acceptances are pouring in. I’m doubling the wine order and adding more trays of hors d’oeuvres. This is going to be a major event in the art world.”

Julia dropped onto the big cream couch as her knees went wobbly. Her focus was so entirely consumed by Paul, she had forgotten about her upcoming public trial by fire. “That’s great.” Her voice squeaked slightly and she cleared her throat.

“Don’t look so terrified,” Claire said, rising from her desk to join Julia on the couch. “These people are coming because they already admire your talent.”

Carlos’s harsh evaluations of her Night Mares swarmed like spiders through her mind. “But this style is so different. If they like my previous work, they won’t like this.”

“Give my clients some credit,” Claire said, her tone firm but kind. “They’re sophisticated connoisseurs. They expect artists to grow and change.”

“If you’re sure…” Julia heard the tentativeness in her voice and hated it. She straightened her spine and lifted her chin. “I believe you.” No more letting her uncle get into her head. “I wanted to ask you two things. First, could you set up the paintings the way you’re going to display them for the show before Carlos arrives?”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? From what you tell me, the strong emotional content is what bothers your uncle. Maybe we should downplay that.”

Julia shook her head. “I want him to feel the impact full strength.” She wanted him to understand that she had come into her own as an artist and as a human being.

“Consider it done. When does Carlos arrive?”

“Noon, but we’re having lunch first so I’ll bring him by at about one thirty. Thank you.” Julia nodded before she locked her gaze on Claire’s. “I’ll be telling my uncle he’s no longer my agent. So I wondered if you’d given further consideration to taking his place. Don’t feel obligated, but I’d like to know going into the discussion.”

She expected Claire to look away and refuse. Instead delight lit her brown eyes. “I would be honored to be your agent. I didn’t mention it because I wasn’t sure if you were having second thoughts with your uncle coming.”

A weight she hadn’t realized she was carrying slid off Julia’s shoulders. “Yes!” she exclaimed, doing a little fist pump.

Claire glanced down at her hands before looking back at Julia. “You did me a favor.”

“I did?”

“Turns out Tim wants to come along on my business trips.” Claire’s face glowed with excitement. “Keep this under your hat, but he plans to hire another vet to ease his workload.”

“Glad I could help,” Julia said. Would Paul be able to come with her on business trips? How tied was he to his brother and nephew? It didn’t change her feelings about staying, but it would be thrilling to have Paul by her side in a new place. She yanked her mind back to practical matters. “Do we need an agreement or can we just shake hands?” She stuck out her hand toward Claire.