"Candace."
"Stacy, hi," I say as I give her a hug.
"That dress is amazing."
"Thank you."
"And this is...?" she asks as she glances to Ryan.
"Ryan." I say.
"Ahh, 'Nubile.' Beautiful photograph," she says as she shakes his hand. "I'm Stacy Keets. I work at the Henry Gallery."
"Ryan Campbell."
"Well, your piece is great. I saw a couple eying it a minute ago. Do you have more pieces?"
"A few. It wasn't ever something I intended to show anyone or have displayed, but Candace insisted."
"I'm glad she did. I'd love to see more of your work." Looking at me, she asks, "Do you still have my number?"
"Yes, I do."
"Give me a call," she tells Ryan. "We have some wall space opening up soon, so if you're interested, we can discuss the possibility of displaying some of your pieces."
"Will do. I'll have Candace give me your number."
Turning to me, she says, "And I owe you a congratulations. I heard about your audition from Sergej."
Sergej has been dating Stacy since I met her over two years ago. He has instructed my partnering studio since I first came to UW. He's originally from Russia, but moved to the States and danced for a company in New York before retiring and relocating here to teach.
"I hope it was all good."
Lowering her voice, she tells me, "He thinks people will be fighting for you to sign with their companies."
"I can only hope."
"No hoping. I'm looking forward to seeing you perform in May."
"Thank you. I'll be sure Ryan calls you," I say.
"Enjoy your night."
"You too, Stacy," Ryan says as he starts walking us to the bar.
Mark and Jase are already drinking and mingling when we walk over. I knew they would have a good time and they'd know several people here with them being architecture majors and art snobs.
"Hey, man," Mark says when he spots Ryan.
We all stand around and visit. After Gavin and his friend Chris arrive, I excuse myself and take a glass of wine from the bartender. Jase and I separate from the group and start to stroll through the gallery, looking at all the pieces. I know Ryan is here merely for my sake, so I don't mind that he spends the evening with his buddies. When we find ourselves in front of Ryan's photograph, which he'd titled 'Nubile,' Jase says in a quiet voice, "You're beautiful." He speaks to the photograph, not me. I stand there for a moment and only respond when he slightly turns his head to wink at me.
"How did you know?" I ask.
"Because of what he titled it." He turns to look back at the photograph and adds, "It could only be you."
I don't know how I would live without Jase. He's my rock. He's always stuck by my side and has been my strength when I had none left. I step closer to his side and hold his hand, and when he looks over at me, I tell him, "I love you, so much."
"I love you too, sweetie." He squeezes my hand and we continue through the gallery, admiring all the art on display. We don't speak with anyone else; we just spend our time together and enjoy each other's company. Eventually we find a bench and take a seat to give my feet a break in my platform heels.
"There you are," Ryan says from behind me.
Jase takes my empty wine glass and excuses himself to give Ryan and I time together.
Sitting down next to me, he says, "Where have you been?"
"Just walking around with Jase."
"I heard someone bought your photo," he tells me, and I'm so excited for him.
"Really?"
He doesn't respond, he just smiles at me and takes my hand. "Walk with me."
Sliding my hand into his, I follow him through the gallery and down one of the halls to a roped off area.
"What are we doing back here? We're gonna get in trouble."
Laughing at me, he says, "You're so cute."
We turn to go behind a wall, far from everyone else. He turns to me, pressing my back against the wall, hands on either side of me, caging me in. He doesn't even need to say anything when I reach for his face and bring him down to me. He's eager and passionate, and I know if he had it his way, he would take me right here against this wall.
"We should go," I say breathlessly between our lips.
He pushes himself against me as I grasp his shoulders, and I know it's really time to go.
"Ryan."
When he finally drags his lips off of me, he takes my hand and walks us out of the back exit, not saying goodbye to anyone.
When we arrive at his place, he opens my door and scoops me out of the car, cradling me with his arm behind my knees. Kicking the door shut, he carries me up the stairs to the front door and once we are inside, straight up to his bed.
He lays me down and runs his hands down the length of my body slowly, down my thighs, wrapping around to the backs of my knees and then slides past my calves. He slips off my heels and I hear them as they clatter onto the floor. Standing by the edge of the bed, Ryan stares down at me as he takes off his shoes and socks and shrugs off his jacket.
My heart is racing as I watch him, and when he lowers himself on top of me, he gently kisses me. The rushed intensity that I felt earlier is gone.
"I love you so f**kin' much."
Brushing my fingers through his hair, I smile and study his face, the way it looks right now in this moment.