She laughed. “I’m going to turn you into an art aficionado.”
He looked amused. “I’m none too sure of that.”
“Did you know today is exactly four months from the day that we met?” She cocked her head. “Can you believe it?”
He shook his head. “Seems longer.”
“In some ways, it does.” She smiled up at him. “I do feel as if I’ve known you for years.”
Things had been so crazy that Ellie felt like they hadn’t had as much time together as she would have liked. The weeks since the TV show had flown by in a whirlwind, making her breathless just thinking about it.
“I’m glad things are slowing down and I’m not doing as many interviews.” She blew out her breath. “And even though it’s hard to let go, I’m relieved that my social media business will soon be out of my hands and into Reese Grantham’s very capable hands.”
“She’s a sharp gal.” Tucker nodded. “I was impressed when I had the chance to meet her.”
Ellie’s sunglasses slipped from her head and fell to her nose. She removed the glasses, slid the pair into a case from her purse then put it away. “It’s fortunate for both of us—she was looking for a new opportunity and another way to capitalize on her marketing skills, and she’s starting her new career with an already successful business and clientele.”
Reese had dived in headfirst, assimilating all the knowledge she could get from Ellie. They would finalize the deal later this week, Reese’s last day of work, after giving two weeks’ notice to the Scottsdale marketing firm she worked for.
“How do you think she’ll do with your YouTube channel?” Tucker raised his ball cap and pushed his fingers through his hair. “You were concerned about your followers.”
“I think she’ll be perfect.” Ellie looked down at the map and pointed to the left. “The exhibit is through that door.” They headed in that direction. “Now that I’ve sold it to Reese, I’ll be helping her make the transition, and I’ll join her the first couple of times before she takes full control.”
Ellie spread her arms wide. “Then I’ll be freeeee.” She laughed and lowered her arms. “I had no idea how good it would feel to let my social media business go.”
“You’ve been burning the candle at both ends.” Tucker nodded. “You can take a deep breath.”
She smiled. “Now I can focus on my other career and be open to new voicework opportunities.”
He glanced at her. “Still planning on fitting me into your schedule?”
She playfully batted at his arm. “Silly. Of course—you’re at the top of the list.”
They entered the room showcasing some of Remington’s finest artworks. The room’s dimness gave the exhibit an intimate feel, and art lighting illuminated each of his works on display. He had been not only an artist but also a journalist and writer.
They paused at each of his cowboy and Native American pen-and-ink illustrations and his western creations in watercolors and oils. Tucker studied each artwork intently, as if committing it to memory. He appeared to be totally absorbed in the experience.
They learned more about the man throughout the exhibit. He’d led a fascinating life during the time when the West was the Wild West.
“I wonder if he ever went to Tombstone.” Ellie studied a painting of a cattle drive. “He did travel throughout the West, including through Arizona.”
“He might have.” Tucker sounded distracted as he studied a watercolor of a Native American.
“He was only forty-eight when he died.” Ellie looked up at Tucker and spoke quietly as they continued through the exhibit. “To think he accomplished so much during such a short time. He is considered by many to be the greatest American artist ever.”
Tucker nodded. “I’d have to say I agree with that wholeheartedly.”
They paused in front of one of Remington’s oil paintings. “The horse and rider look like they could come to life.” Tucker’s gaze roamed the piece. “I can feel the horse as if I’m riding him.”
Ellie smiled, her chest warm. She was happy he was enjoying the exhibit as much as she was—probably more since he was a cowboy and a horse rancher.
Tucker shook his head. “I’m not making sense. It isn’t easy to put into words how alive his work is. It’s not static, it’s motion.”
“I understand what you’re saying, and you’re making perfect sense.” Ellie leaned her head against his arm. “I feel the same way.”
They came to a cast of Remington’s first, and one of his most famous bronze sculptures, “The Bronco Buster.”
“Damn.” Tucker shook his head. “The bronc looks like he’s going to throw that rider now. I can see it. Feel it.”
