Part 211 (2/2)

”Over there.” Runyun gestured vaguely. ”Now mingle, and look

confident.”

”I didn't think he'd come,” Emma murmured to Drew.

”Of course he came.” Drew had counted on it. He put an affectionate arm

around her shoulders. ”He loves you, Emma. He'd never miss an

important night like this. Let's find him.”

”I clon't-”

The affectionate arm squeezed, startling a gasp out of her. ”Emma, he's

your father. Don't be snotty.”

She moved through the crowd beside him, smiling automatically, stopping

now and then to chat. It helped a great deal to hear Drew brag about

her. His approval, which had been so long in coming, brought a glow

inside her. She'd been stupid, she thought now, to think he resented

her work. Accepting his kiss of congratulations, she vowed to spend

more time with him, give more time to his needs.

She'd always wanted to be needed. Smiling at Drew as he

enthusiastically discussed her prints with other guests, she was content

that she

was.

At his insistence, she accepted a gla.s.s of champagne, but barely

touched it as they worked the room.

She saw Brian, surrounded by people, in front of a portrait of himself

and Johnno. Her face hurt from keeping the smile in place as she

crossed to him. ”Dad.”

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