“Hey, Brit,” Stryker said. “You’re super talented.”
Brit’s cheeks warmed. “Oh, thank you.”
“We’re buying one of your sunsets,” Emerson said. “It’s perfect.”
“I wanted one of Addison’s,” Jacqueline said, “but my better half said no.”
Everyone laughed.
“Babe, I can’t look at a picture of my brother in bed with his wife.” Prescott replied. “That’s a hard no for me.”
Again, the group cracked up.
“I’ll find something else,” Jacqueline said. “You’re both amazing.”
A server appeared with a tray of champagne flutes. Everyone took a glass but Brit.
“Can I bring you something else?” asked the waiter.
“I’m okay, thanks,” Brit replied.
As the group dispersed, Brit glanced around, and her heart jumped into her throat. “Ohmygod, Rebel’s here.”
“Are you surprised?” Addison asked.
“I didn’t want him to see?—”
Hawk winked. “Go with it.”
“Go withwhat?” Brit protested. “We’re partners. If you haven’t noticed, we’re working on an active-threat case. I shouldn’t even be here. We’re so far behind, there’s so much?—”
“Easy, baby,” Hawk said. “It’s all good.”
“Liliana’s here,” Addison said. “So is Honor. Let’s go say hey.”
“Ugh, do I have to?” Brit asked.
“Come on.” Addison clasped Hawk’s hand before squeezing through the throng of guests.
Before Brit could press through, someone said, “Excuse me. Are you the artist?”
A couple was admiring one of her sunsets.
“Yes, I’m Britain Skye.”
“It’s beautiful,” said the patron. “Who can we speak to about purchasing it?”
Brit spotted her dad nearby. “I can take you to the gallery owner.”
She escorted them over.
“Stoni!” Z exclaimed. After a warm hug, he shook the man’s hand. “Good to see you, Johnny.”
“Britain, this is Stoni and Johnny Alexander,” Z said. “My daughter and esteemed artist, Britain.”
“I love your work,” Stoni said.
“Thank you,” Brit replied. “How do you know my dad?”