Make Me Whole by Marguerite Labbe

Author:Marguerite Labbe [Labbe, Marguerite]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC

“FIFTEEN more minutes, and then I swear I’m outta here,” a testy voice cut through the air as Nick walked through the museum’s front entrance the following Saturday.

“I can get it done in twenty if you’d frickin’ stay still.”

The sound of a heated discussion came from the workshop, and Galen kept peering toward it with his eyebrows drawn together in mild concern as he rang up customers in the gallery. Several others browsed the shop, and a couple was disappearing down the hallway toward the exhibit. It didn’t look as though he would get a break anytime soon to eat the lunch Nick had brought for him.

Nick caught his attention, pointing toward the workshop, and relief crossed Galen’s face. “Could you rein it in for me? Thanks.”

“No problem.” Nick poked his head into the workroom. There was only a handful of kids in there and one rather bored-looking model who kept getting distracted by the people walking by outside. He guessed that being the object of an artist’s muse wasn’t everything it was cracked up to be. The source of the argument seemed to be between him and the young, pimply faced man painting him.

“Almost there, just move your hand back and stop twisting around, please,” the artist said, sounding like he was striving for patience.

Several pairs of eyes turned toward Nick, some curious, others disinterested as they went back to what they were doing. “Hey, are you Mr. K’s boyfriend?” the model asked, sitting up as the artist hissed in annoyance and then turned a glare on Nick.

“That’s me. I’m Nick Charisteas.” This time all activity stopped as the rest of the room focused their attention on him. “I take it the rumor mill has been going strong.”

“Knox told us he was seeing someone.” Nick’s lips twitched in a smile as the model sized him up. Looked like someone had a case of wishful thinking where Galen was concerned.

A long table was set up on one end of the room where most of the artists were gathered working on various projects. The model lounged on a dais, and the painter sat at his easel. There was plenty of room for more people to set up their own projects, and with the bay doors, Nick imagined lighting was rarely a problem.

“Galen wants you two to take it down a notch,” Nick said with a pointed look at the both of them. “If people can hear you in the gallery and shop, it’s an issue.”

“Sorry.” The model grimaced with a shrug. “We’re almost done here anyway… right?”

“I’m done now,” the artist replied, tossing his paintbrush into a cup of water. “This is a damn mess. Next time, I’m taking a picture and painting from that. You’re the worst model ever.”

The model opened his mouth to protest, his eyes flashing hotly, and Nick interrupted him before he could start. “Don’t. Galen’s made a real nice place for you here. He’s alone today and frazzled, so don’t abuse his trust in you. Got it, guys?”

“Got it.

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