Charming Heathra - a novella companion to Dirty Lying Faeries

The Gallery Party

Heathra

L'Atellier Rouge, September 1948

The gallery was completely transformed for the party.

The lighting was low, and every other lightbulb was replaced with a yellow one. It reflected the color pallet of the artist beautifully. The art itself was under a more direct white light, showcasing the art in the best way possible. But the main hall of the gallery, it was dim, and warm, and classy. Too classy for a farm girl.

For the millionth time, I adjusted the vest that Devin had given me as I stood behind the refreshment table. The doors would open soon, and my nerves were getting to me. The punch had just been set out, and all I really had to do was keep on top of filling the cups. There were also a few plates of fancy food, each one with a replacement tray behind me. If one ran out, I could swap it for the other tray, but then if it ran out we were just out. There were enough napkins to cover a barn, so I wasn't really concerned with those running out.

The clicking of Mrs. Brown's heels on the tile floor drew my eyes up. She was wearing a beautiful pink cocktail dress. It took a good ten years off of her usual appearance, and she appeared to be full of excitement for the festivities.

"Hello, Mrs. Brown. You look lovely this evening," I said.

The older woman beamed at me, turning her hips slightly and letting the skirt swirl around her legs a little. "Thank you, dear. I will say, the exhibit opening parties that Mr. Grayson throws are a definite perk of the job!"

I smiled at her smile. It was infectious.

"I'm just sorry you're stuck in uniform. You're young, you should be out there mingling with the handsome men." She winked.

I gave her a soft laugh. "No thank you, Mrs. Brown. I have a guy already, and even if I didn't I'm all thumbs. I'd make a fool of myself."

She made a shooing gesture with her hand. "Oh, nonsense. Well, I do have a few things I need to do before the guests arrive. Let me know if you need anything tonight, Heather."

"I will, Mrs. Brown." I grinned as she strode away, a definite spring in her old step.

"So, you have a guy already, do you?"

My heart jumped into my throat as a familiar voice crawled down my back, giving me the shivers.

"Arthur!" I spun to face him, walking forward to take his hands in mine.

"Heather." He chuckled.

I looked him up and down. He made a fine specimen. His coat was tailored to fit him perfectly, his hair was even neatly combed in a new style. When he smiled, those eyes sparkled.

"You look amazing," I said.

"That's funny, I was going to say the same about you," Arthur said. He leaned forward and kissed my forehead.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. "Attending the party?"

The corner of his mouth slid up in amusement. "No, I'm afraid I'm at the door. I'll be checking names off the invite list."

"A working man. I like it," I said.

Arthur laughed at me and looked over the table I was stationed by. "Refreshments?"

"Yes. I think I can handle it."

"I'm sure you can," Arthur said. "I should get to the front door, let me know if you need anything."

"Why does everyone keep saying that?" I laughed.

Arthur shrugged. "I guess we all want to help you. You're so open. The most open person I've met in a long time. That kind of honesty is hard to come by, and it makes you all the more endearing."