Chapter 55 – A New Canvas

Evelyn sat at her desk, the phone still in her hand, rereading Olivia R.'s message. A gallery. An actual gallery. It was the kind of opportunity she had only dreamed of, yet now that it was staring her in the face, she felt paralyzed.

Her fingers hovered over the screen. She had already sent a response, agreeing to discuss the details, but now the reality was sinking in. Could she handle something this big? Was she ready?

Before she could get lost in her thoughts, her door swung open.

"Okay, I'm going to need a key at this point,"

Adrian announced, stepping in with his usual confidence.

"I swear, the number of times I've had to burst in to stop you from spiraling…"

He trailed off when he saw her expression.

"Wait. You already look like you're mid-crisis. What happened now?"

Evelyn let out a shaky breath, setting her phone down.

"It's happening. The gallery thing. She wants to meet and discuss the details."

Adrian's eyes widened before a grin spread across his face.

"Holy shit, Evie. That's amazing!"

She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater.

"It's also terrifying."

"Terrifying how?"

Adrian crossed the room, plopping onto her couch.

"You just crushed your first commission. Now you're getting noticed by galleries. That's huge."

Evelyn sighed.

"It just feels too fast. Like, what if I'm not good enough for something like this? What if I mess it up?"

Adrian leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.

"Evie, I know your brain is trying to convince you that you're not ready, but let me just remind you of something—you've spent years perfecting your craft.

This isn't luck. This isn't an accident. People are recognizing your talent because you're that good."

She bit her lip, glancing at her canvas. The cityscape commission was done, but something about it felt like more than just a painting. It felt like proof. Proof that she could do this.

"You think I can handle this?"

she asked, her voice small.

Adrian scoffed.

"Evie, if I could, I'd buy a goddamn billboard that says, 'Evelyn is an insanely talented artist, and the world better watch out.'"

A laugh bubbled out of her despite her anxiety.

"That would be embarrassing."

"Would it?"

He smirked.

"Or would it be ironic?"

Shaking her head, she let out a breath and picked up her phone again. Olivia had suggested meeting at a local gallery that weekend to go over everything in person.

"Alright,"

Evelyn said, determination flickering in her chest.

"I'm going to do it."

Adrian clapped his hands together.

"That's my girl."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the warmth that spread through her at his words.

The Meeting

The gallery was located in the heart of the city, nestled between a row of charming coffee shops and bookstores.

Evelyn stood outside, clutching her portfolio, nerves buzzing under her skin.

Adrian had insisted on coming with her, though he promised to wait at the café next door.

"For moral support,"

he had said.

"And also because they have amazing muffins."

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn stepped inside. The space was bright and open, filled with an array of artwork that immediately made her feel small.

These were real artists. Established artists. Was she truly meant to be here?

"Evelyn?"

A warm voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

She turned to see a woman in her mid-thirties with sleek brown hair and kind eyes. Olivia R.

"Hi,"

Evelyn said, forcing herself to smile.

"I'm so glad you could meet,"

Olivia said, shaking her hand.

"Come on, let's sit. I've been so excited to talk to you about this project."

They moved to a small seating area near the back of the gallery.

Evelyn set her portfolio on the table, but Olivia didn't open it immediately. Instead, she smiled.

"First off, I just want to say—your work is stunning. When Mia posted about her commission, I was blown away. You have such a unique style."

Evelyn felt her face heat up.

"Thank you. That means a lot."

Olivia nodded.

"We're curating a new exhibition for emerging artists, and I think your work would fit beautifully. It's all about capturing emotions through color and movement. When I saw your painting, I knew you'd be perfect."

Evelyn's heart pounded.

"You're considering me for this?"

Olivia laughed.

"Evelyn, I wouldn't have asked you here if I wasn't serious."

She gestured to the portfolio.

"May I?"

Evelyn nodded, holding her breath as Olivia flipped through her work. With each page, Olivia's expression remained thoughtful and appreciative. When she finally closed it, she smiled.

"This is exactly what we're looking for."

Evelyn let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"We would love to feature three to five of your pieces in the show. You'll have full creative freedom, and we'll handle everything else."

Three to five pieces. In a real gallery. Her mind whirled.

"I'd love to be a part of it,"

she said before doubt could creep in.

Olivia grinned.

"Fantastic. I'll send over the details, but for now, just know that we're thrilled to have you."

As they wrapped up, Evelyn walked out of the gallery in a daze. She spotted Adrian immediately—he was lounging at an outdoor table, muffin in hand.

The moment he saw her, he sat up.

"Well?"

She sank into the chair across from him.

"I got it."

Adrian beamed.

"Hell yes, you did!"

She let out a laugh, the weight of uncertainty lifting just a little.

She wasn't just taking a step forward anymore.

She was finally walking toward the future she wanted.