Gallery of Hearts

Chapter 10

I spend many more days with Oliver throughout the next week. We go out, we cook and try new recipes, and we continue to build our connection. I feel myself falling more and more in love every day. 

It's finally the night before the exhibit opens to the public and I have to go set up my art on the walls. It's cocktail evening event hosted by the gallery, I get to meet the other 2 artists picked and the gallery owners, while we share some drinks and most likely discuss art. I invited Oliver and he said he'd meet me at my apartment and go with me. I curl my hair, do my makeup, and put on a nice long black dress. 

I hear a knock on my door and run to grab it. I open the door to Oliver's warm smile and a bouquet of flowers. He's wearing a suit, not much different than any other outfit, but this time he looks so much more handsome. 

"Hi," he says shyly. "These are for you." I take the flowers from his hand. 

"Oliver, these are beautiful. Thank you," I say moving aside to let him through the door. Oliver steps inside and watches me put them in a vase with water. 

"Are you ready to go?" he asks. 

"Yep. I just need to grab my paintings." I pick them up and Oliver holds his arms out, taking the paintings from me.

"I'll carry them." I smile and watch as he holds them. He makes them look as light as feathers. I say bye to Sunny and we leave the apartment to go to SoSpec. 

♡

When we arrive the gallery, I see a few standing tables and the atmosphere is filled with small conversations buzzing throughout the building. I see someone walking over to me and straighten out my dress. 

"Ivy Bennett?" the man asks. 

"Yes! That's me." He sticks his hand out and mine meets it to shake. 

"Perfect," he continues, "the other two artists are over there, Sofia and Emmett. I'll take your art and let you mingle."

"Thank you," I respond with a smile. I walk over to the table with Sofia and Emmett and Oliver follows closely behind. Sofia notices me first and gives me a bright smile and a hug. She has long dark hair that looks like silk and shines under the glow of the candles. 

"I'm Sofia, it's so nice to meet you!" Emmett notices Sofia talking to me and joins us.

"You too! I'm Ivy." 

"Hey, I'm Emmett." We shake hands and Emmett points to my art lined up against the wall. "Are those yours?" he asks in a sincere tone.

"Yeah, they are."

"Those are really impressive. You'll have to give me a few lessons," he jokes. The three of us laugh. I feel Oliver step closer to me as he slides his hand around my waist and pulls me a bit closer. I glance up at him but his eyes stayed locked on Emmett and his jaw tenses. 

"Thank you Emmett. But I'm sure your work is just as good, especially if you're about to have an exhibit in SoSpec. And you too, Sofia. I can't wait to see what you guys have made."

"Emmett's being modest. I saw his work when he arrived and it's great," Sofia adds. 

"Oh please. You're going to make me cocky. But seriously," he turns back to me, "if you ever want to collaborate on a piece I would love that." I can feel Oliver fuming behind me as Emmett finishes his sentence. His grip on my waist tightens. I try to keep my tone neutral to not upset him. 

"That would be cool!"

"I'm going to grab a drink. Anyone want anything?" Emmett asks glancing at everyone in the group.

"I'll come with you! I want to see what options there are," Sofia says and her and Emmett walk away. I step away from Oliver and look at him, searching his face for any sign of what he's thinking. 

"Are you okay?" I ask, placing my hand on his arm. 

"No," he says sternly. "He's coming on to you and I'm standing right here." I could feel Oliver getting upset and overprotective. I haven't seen him act like this since the night he walked me home after dinner at Rome's Luxe. 

"Oh come on he's not," I say in a lighter tone. "He's just being friendly."

"Ivy, I'm not stupid. Look at you, why wouldn't he want you?" he argued. My other hand reaches for his other arm. 

"But it doesn't matter. I'm here with you, aren't I?" I can see the tension in Oliver's face slightly disappear. 

Yeah I just...I just don't want him all over you." 

"He won't be, I promise. Don't let him ruin this night."

"You're right, I'm sorry." His hands come up to my face and he leans in. "I'm sorry." He puts his lips on mine quickly before straightening himself back out and putting his arm around my waist again. 

The evening continues and soon we're pulled to the walls where our exhibits are hung and see red cloths over our paintings. They reveal each of our set ups. Oliver is right by my side and before they pull the cloth off my pieces, he grabs my hand and squeezes it. I squeeze back and my paintings are revealed on the wall. I see a small plaque below them with "Ivy Bennett" engraved on it. I can't believe my art is finally in a gallery. I can't believe my art is in SoSpec. People around clap and congratulate me and I feel on top of the world.

Oliver turns to me amidst all the other voices and distractions. "Your art looks beautiful up there." My heart skips a few beats and I hug him tighter than I ever have. While I'm so glad all of this is happening, I'm more glad that he's here doing it with me. 

The night comes to an end and Oliver comes home with me. This time he's prepared to stay and brought extra clothes that aren't  suits. I'm excited. We change into sweats and t-shirts and sit on the couch together talking about the event. I'm wrapped in his arms and leaning against his chest, listening to his steady heart beat. His voice is soothing and his fingers trace gentle patterns on my arm, putting me to sleep. The conversation continued to flow effortlessly, the way it always does with him. As Oliver is talking, I feel myself slowly drift off in the comfort and safety of his embrace.