The Delivery Girl

63. Decision

Julie

My hand tightens around Callen's as we approach the art gallery's entrance. Even from outside, my stomach is in knots. We've both been avoiding the route to work that passes by ever since that night.

"What are we doing here?" I ask.

He doesn't respond right away. He shows security his pass and they let us in with a small nod.

"There's a new exhibit," he simply says.

Our footsteps echo through the wide halls. The gallery is nearly empty this early in the morning. Sunlight pours in through the windows, illuminating the glossy wooden floors and clean walls.

My pulse quickens as we pass the room where the showcase was held. It's quiet and unsuspecting, like any other room, but I move closer to Callen.

He runs his thumb over my knuckles. "You're ok," he murmurs.

I take a deep breath and nod.

We eventually reach the area where art exhibits rotate every month.

My eyes widen and I stop as I slowly recognize the photos displayed along the walls. The photos I spent a week helping Callen send to the printers and framers downstairs. I approach and read the small metal plaque on the wall.

A collection of photographs from Sterling Studios Interns.

"This was meant to be a one-night display," I say, looking over my shoulder at him curiously.

A faint smile tugs at his lips. "I pulled some strings," he says. "They'll be up for the rest of the month. Hayley is sending out an email today to the interns to let them know." He takes my hand and brings me over to the side of the room. "This is what I wanted to show you."

I gasp as my eyes scan the section of the wall covered with my photos. Photos of the restaurant, Casey and Mei, the beach from the trip, and even a self portrait Callen had given me the confidence to take.

I laugh weakly in disbelief. "I don't know what to say." I turn around and rest my palms against his chest. Callen is beaming at me.

"Your work deserves to be shared," he says, holding my waist. "I've always known you had talent, especially for someone self-taught. Since the very first night we met, I knew you were special."

"I love you," I say softly, feeling emotion swell in my chest. I've spent countless hours in this gallery over the last two decades, always entranced by the photography exhibits. To think I'd one day have my own photos up on these walls. It's surreal. "Young me would be over the moon if she saw this."

I linger on that thought. Young me would definitely be excited, but would she be proud?

Or would she be disappointed.

I've spent years working hard to earn every achievement on my own. Yet, all I did to get my photos here was fall in love with someone powerful enough to make some phone calls to the right people. I've always been against the idea of someone swooping in to help me. I've seen the bank statements – Sterling Studios donates hundreds of thousands to the gallery every year.

I look up at Callen again. He looks genuinely happy and proud of me, completely unaware of the spiraling happening in my head. How can I express any doubts without disappointing him? I do my best to keep a smile on my face.

"Thank you, Callen."

"No need to thank me," he says softly. "I'm just happy I can do this for you."

For me. And just like that, I feel my fears starting to come true.