“Yay!” she said to herself in disbelief. It was every artist’s dream to be recognized and given the opportunity for exposure.

“Someone just got good news.” Ashton’s velvety voice startled her. She turned around to see him standing in the kitchen behind her. He wore a dress shirt and fitted blazer that was paired with jeans—a style that looked incredibly hot on him.

“Oh. I didn’t know you were here.” Sophie’s voice was slightly higher than she intended, making her want to cringe.

“What’s this?” He picked up a business card that Sophie had sat on top of her things. “Business consultant? Planning on conducting some business?”

Sophie grabbed the card from his hand and tucked it inside her bag. “Maybe. It’s someone Margaret suggested. I heard you have a new place nearby.” Sophie turned back to meet his gaze, changing the subject.

“Yep.”

“You didn’t tell me.” Sophie suddenly realized how little she knew about his life.

He shrugged his shoulders. “We were busy talking about other things and busy not talking.” He smiled but the feeling did not translate to his eyes.

“The man who bought my painting at the auction wants to display some of my work at his gallery,” Sophie blurted out. The news was too much to keep to herself and she wanted to share it with him.

“That’s great news.” Sophie watched the curve of his lips and found herself wanting to feel them upon her. Ashton stepped forward as if reading her thoughts.

“Don’t.” Sophie tried to pull back. He looked down at her with a pained expression, as if her rejection physically hurt him. “Yesterday when I saw you and Lucinda together it scared me and made me question what I’m doing.”

“No. Don’t question anything. There is nothing between me and Lucinda. I told you that none of that was real.” Ashton looked at her pleadingly.

“But it felt real to me,” Sophie whispered. Ashton’s hand caressed her cheek and his thumb gently traced her bottom lip.

“I’m sorry for any pain that I ever caused you,” he whispered.

They both turned abruptly as Charlotte hurried into the kitchen with a panicked expression. “Come quickly. It’s your grandmother.” Charlotte exchanged a worried look with Ashton before all three of them hurried toward the sitting room.

Margaret was leaning against the arm of the sofa when they walked in the room. Her normally flawless upswept hair was disheveled and she looked pale, accentuating the dark circles that had developed under her tired eyes. “I’ll be fine.” Margaret looked up at all their stricken faces. “I just slipped.” She waved her hand lazily, trying to brush off any concern.

“She collapsed when she tried to stand.” Charlotte told on her despite the look Margaret gave her. “I helped her get up.”

“Sophie, call her doctor and tell him that we’re on the way.” Ashton was immediately at Margaret’s side.

“Of course.” Sophie hesitantly backed away. Fear closed in on her; she was still clueless as to what was ailing Margaret.

“I told you I’m fine. I just need a moment to collect myself,” Margaret insisted.

“Stop being so stubborn,” Charlotte ordered Margaret. “We aren’t going to ignore this, Margaret.” It was then that Sophie knew how deep Margaret and Charlotte’s relationship ran. Charlotte’s concern was for that of a loved one, not just an employer. The years they had spent together formed a bond between the two women.

Dr. Reynolds’ receptionist informed Sophie that he would see her upon arrival without consulting the doctor first. Sophie was surprised by how accommodating the doctor was.

After her phone call, Sophie found Ashton helping Margaret in the passenger’s side of her car. “Dr. Reynolds will see her when she arrives at his office.”

“Good.” Ashton closed Margaret’s door and moved around to get in the driver’s side. His features were set and determined.

“I want to come,” Sophie declared. Ashton hesitated for a moment until he opened the rear door. “Thank you.” Sophie slipped in the back of the car. “How are you feeling now, Margaret?” Sophie asked, reaching over the seat and placing her hand on Margaret’s shoulder.

Margaret reached up and covered Sophie’s hand with hers. “I will be fine, dear. Don’t worry about this old woman.”

“Too late.”

***

Sophie sat in the waiting room next to Ashton. Neither one had said a word since they were told to wait while the doctor examined Margaret. Dr. Reynolds’ office was sleek and modern with everything in its place. White on white was the color scheme of the waiting room and nothing spoke of comfort. Sophie couldn’t help but think of how some colorful paintings upon the walls could change the feel of the room entirely from the cold sterile feel that was exuded now. A row of magazines were fanned out on the table in front of them, with all the latest gossip displayed, but Sophie couldn’t bring herself to focus on anything that could distract her from her thoughts. Margaret had been quiet on the ride, which only intensified Sophie’s worry.

Sophie watched Ashton’s knee bounce nervously beside her. Sophie didn’t know what to think; she had no idea how ill Margaret was, and sitting in an oncologist’s office waiting for word didn’t do anything to ease her concern. She had so many questions that were struggling to reach her lips but Ashton’s sombre mood made her refrain.

Sophie reached over and took Ashton’s hand in hers, intertwining her fingers in his and giving a comforting squeeze. He looked up at her then, his eyes a deep blue glazed with unshed tears. The worry for his grandmother was written all over his beautiful features. Sophie smiled softly and leaned in against his shoulder. He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. They stayed like that until the doctor came out to speak to Ashton. They both stood quickly as Dr. Reynolds approached.

Dr. Reynolds was a well-kept man with salt and pepper hair and a strong jaw. He wore his success in the way he carried himself. He seemed a gentleman in every sense of the word. Sophie couldn’t help but notice how his white medical coat was cut to show that even in his late forties he still maintained his prime physical form. He was a very impressive man and it was easy to fall for his genuine charm.

“I feel it necessary to move up your grandmother’s surgery. She has agreed to be admitted immediately.”

Ashton nodded in agreement. “Can we speak with her?

“Of course. Follow me.” They followed Dr. Reynolds to his examination room.

“I owe you an apology, Sophie, for not telling you of my health dilemma earlier. I wanted to save you any unnecessary worry.” Margaret reached out toward Sophie.

“You owe me no such thing,” Sophie disagreed. She took Margaret’s hand in her own.

“I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.” Margaret smiled sadly as she squeezed Sophie’s hand. “Fortunately it has been discovered early enough. I have no plans to let this beat me. I have every intention of dancing at my grandson’s wedding one day.” Margaret smiled at Ashton, who was standing quietly by her side. “Now…” Margaret sat up straighter, turning her attention to Dr. Reynolds. “Let’s get me better, shall we?”

“Yes, we shall.” Dr. Reynolds’ smile was authentic and it made all three of them relax under its effect. His belief in Margaret’s recovery convinced Sophie to relax and to stop the panic that held her in its grip. They had hope that Margaret would recover well.

Chapter

Twenty-Three

Sophie sat in her apartment staring at a painting she had just finished, making sure the colors blended to her satisfaction. She wanted it to be perfect for when Mr. Heshman came to view her work. She had managed to create a stock pile of canvases over the past year and was happy with the selection she could place in his gallery. Even though her skills as an artist had been confirmed many times over by her professors and other people in the industry, self-doubt seemed to pull at her, questioning what Mr. Heshman would think of her pieces. This was the moment she was waiting for, to have herself out there for the world to see. She only wished she felt more confident instead of vulnerable.