Chapter 40

“Fancy water.” Ryan rolled his eyes, but didn’t protest. He was far from drunk, but he was feeling a bit lightheaded. The wine? Or the excitement from people congratulating me, and…whew…buying, too? He decided it was some of both.

Finally, the evening was over. The few remaining patrons were leaving the gallery and Ryan was sipping one last glass of wine Merrick has insisted he have to “Top off a perfect night.”

Mr. Foster joined them, giving Ryan a congratulatory pat on the back. “I’ll call you in a day or so to give you the final tally on tonight’s sales,” he said. “I will tell you, you’ve made enough to take a trip to France or Spain, if you want.”

Ryan grinned, feeling a bit woozy, as he replied, “Or keep me in caviar for the next year?”

“If that’s your thing,” Mr. Foster said, chuckling as he turned to say goodnight to another departing patron.

“Come on, let’s get you home,” Merrick said, wrapping his arm around Ryan. “I think the last glass of wine did you in.”