“It’s great,” says Ava. “I’m so glad I came here. And the city’s amazing, of course. I miss you, though.”
“I miss you, too.”
“And I’m sorry everything got screwed up with Lucas. If I’d known something like that would happen, I would have never—”
“Stop, Ava. It’s not your fault.”
She nods. A second passes. “Do you still think about him?”
“Of course I do,” I say.
“I’m sure he thinks about you, too.”
“Ava…” I say.
“Sorry. I know. I just wish there was some way you two could be together.”
“Well, there’s not.” And once I change the subject, she doesn’t bring him up again.
Ava and I catch up for a while longer, getting lost in chatting and laughing just like old times. It’s so great to talk to her. It’s exactly what I need. And after hanging up, I consider what she said about my paintings, and I look at them with fresh eyes. Maybe Ava’s right. Maybe thereissomething special about these ones. Maybe they’re even good enough to pique a gallery’s interest.
I mean, it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot, right?
* * *
The first galleryI approach says no. So does the second. And the third. By the time I email the fourth gallery, I’ve already mentally prepared myself to hear yet anotherno. But two days after sending the email, I receive a response back, and…well, it’s not a yes, but it’s not a no, either.
They want me to bring my work in.
I show up at the gallery the next day with nerves in my stomach and two of my paintings under my arm. When I tell the woman at the front desk why I’m there, she smiles kindly and tells me that someone will be right with me. Less than a minute later, a woman walks out and shakes my hand.
“Thanks for coming in today, Sophia,” she says. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing your paintings in person.”
Nervously, I wait as she sets them against the wall and studies them for a while. Finally, she turns to me.
“These are both very beautiful,” she says. “You said it’s a series of four?”
“Thank you,” I say, my pulse pounding in my ears. “Yes. That’s correct.”
She nods. “Excellent. Well, we actually have a group show coming up in a few weeks, and one of our artists had to drop out at the last minute. I think your paintings would make a lovely addition to the show. I’m envisioning hanging the four paintings together as a set. How do you feel about that?”
“I…that would be amazing,” I say. It takes all my restraint to not scream out in joy.
“Wonderful,” she says. “Come on back to my office with me and I’ll fill you in on all the details.”
Chapter Eight
Lucas
“Isee her, Daddy!” Penelope shouts, and before I can stop her, she darts into the crowd. I follow her, apologizing to the people I’m forcing my way past. This gallery is way more crowded than I expected. It’s exciting, though, to see so many people here.
When I finally catch up with Penelope, she’s giving Sophia a hug. Sophia is laughing, telling her how good it is to see her. Then Sophia’s eyes drift up and she sees me.
“Lucas,” she says, her face bright and happy. I take a step closer and give her a hug. It’s so good to hold her in my arms, even if it’s only for a few seconds.
“Congratulations on the show,” I say.
“Thank you,” she says. “But how did you find out about it?”