Chapter 20
Ryan had been at the gallery the previous day, to give his approval for how his drawings were being displayed. “Not,” he’d told Merrick when he’d called him later in the evening, “that they would have changed anything on my say-so, but it was nice to be included. Me and John. I think he felt the same way.”
Now, Ryan saw John, who looked as nervous as he felt. He went over to greet his fellow artist, saying, “Take a deep breath,” while squeezing his shoulder. Then he turned, intending to introduce him to Merrick, expecting he’d be right there. Instead, Merrick was still by the door, frowning at them. The frown disappeared the moment he realized Ryan was looking at him, replaced with a smile as he came over.
“You must be Mr. Denton,” Merrick said, holding out his hand. “I’m Merrick Hampton, a verygood friend of Ryan’s.”