The Art of Scandal(49)

“Wait,” Matt said. “I thought he owned a laundromat.” That mocking smile from earlier was gone. Now Matt was staring at Nathan like a threat instead of a child who’d done a cute trick. Nathan suddenly realized Matt was that guy. The insecure D-lister who sulked without a captive audience to feed their ego.

“He does both,” Rachel said. “His work is inspired by the Phoenix Prophecies, a young adult book series, but he draws the main characters as people of color in modern-day settings that…” She paused and looked at Nathan. His insides had levitated as she spoke. It probably showed on his face because she blinked and looked away. “Faith showed them to me. They’re very good.”

“Do you have other pieces?” Lyric was staring at him the way Joe leered at a steak when he thought no one was looking. “Not that your Phoenix Prophecies art isn’t impressive, but I’ve always wondered.”

Nathan’s first instinct was denial. But he could feel Rachel’s eyes on him, and he didn’t want to lie to her again. “A few,” he admitted. “Not ready for public eyes, though.”

Lyric smiled at Rachel and said, “You’re thinking what I’m thinking, aren’t you?” She turned to Nathan without waiting for confirmation. “I know I’m being pushy, but you have to be the featured artist for the gala.” She splayed her hands to mimic a headline. “FireBird Revealed: The Long-Lost Vasquez Son Returns. Think of the publicity we could generate with a few family profiles. This event will go viral.”

It sounded ridiculous. He couldn’t imagine anyone paying thousands of dollars for a night of kid lit art and nepotism. Nathan watched his mother mulling over a tactful way to tell the woman that this was a terrible idea. “Lyric,” Sofia said calmly. “We didn’t lose Nathaniel. He moved into a studio on Park Street. And while my son is talented—” She looked at Nathan. “So talented. I’m not sure he’s ready for an event like this. We’re six weeks away from the foundation’s biggest fundraiser. That’s a lot of pressure for someone who’s inexperienced.”

Joe cleared his throat. Sofia ignored him and continued speaking, but he grunted again, louder and deeper. She turned to face him. “Do you have something else to say, Joseph?”

“I’m no art expert, but Nate’s been drawing his whole life.” He lifted his phone. “Better stuff than this. He’s got experience. All he needs is an opportunity.”

“There will be other opportunities,” Sofia said. “Something more appropriate. With mentorship.”

Joe’s support had infused him with confidence that his mother’s rebuke swiftly deflated. Sofia was right. While Lyric may like his art, she was also treating it like a gimmick. But it was still hard to hear his own mother put his insecurities into words. She didn’t trip over a goddamn one.

“I’ll be his mentor,” Rachel said. She kept her eyes on Sofia, like it was safer than looking at Nathan. “You asked for my help with the commission. I can guide him through the process. I’ve done it with other artists before.”

He thought about what she’d said that night, about how she’d walked away from the life she’d wanted. Was that why she was pushing this so hard? Maybe she thought working with him would make up for some of what she’d lost.

“Really, Rachel?” Matt gave her a patronizing look that made Nathan want to stuff that crooked tie in his mouth. “It’s been a while since your last internship. Maybe you should listen to what Sofia’s saying.”

Joe’s face turned to stone. He couldn’t stand bullies either.

Rachel kept her attention on Sofia. “If Lyric’s enthusiasm is a reflection of Nathan’s reputation in the art community, we’d be foolish not to take advantage.” She paused, and added, “The theme is spectacle. I would say revealing that your youngest son is a reclusive fan artist with a mainstream following would qualify, wouldn’t you?” Rachel aimed doe eyes at his mother, daring her to disagree. Sofia blinked rapidly, searching for a counterargument, but failed.

Nathan wasn’t even sure he wanted to be some marketing hook to sell more tickets. But it was hard to process anything beyond Rachel needs this. When he looked at his brother, Joe seemed hopeful again.

“I’ll do it.” Nathan saw Joe’s grin widen as he turned to look at Rachel. “If you’re willing to work with me.”

She finally met his gaze, and he saw the clash of hurt, anger, and stubbornness flicker into something warmer. Though maybe that was wishful thinking. “Of course,” she said with a breezy tone so strained, he could swear he heard a vein pop. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Great,” Matt said, smiling at Lyric. “Problem solved.” His eyes flicked briefly to Rachel. “This’ll be good for you. Give you a chance to use that expensive art degree on something other than decorating the bathroom.”

A tense silence followed as everyone struggled with how to ignore the comment. But Nathan caught Matt’s gaze. He was done with this asshole. “Don’t talk to her that way.”

Matt took a step back. “What?”

“I hate to be rude,” Rachel interrupted, with a tone that implied she didn’t hate it all that much, “but like everyone said, we don’t have much time to work on this.” Rachel nodded toward the exit. “Do you mind stepping out, so we can talk specifics?”