I took a step back to make sure the wall frame was level before adjusting it.

Except for the slight hum of traffic outside and the occasional footfall of people peeping through the window, the gallery was still today.

The quiet that had descended around us was finally broken by Caleb's low, smooth voice.

"You've surpassed yourself, Sam," he remarked, pointing to the colorful painting before us. "The show might be stolen by this one."

He was standing with his arms folded when I turned around, looking at the piece as if he were truly enthralled.

I didn't mind his compliments today, but it always seemed a bit too staged...