Ava's Wishes (3 page)

“I already finished my Art History paper, and most of my portfolio projects.” Carly grinned. “I only have two sketches to finish up for Senaca’s class. We’re not all double majors you know. What about after work? Sounds like you’ll need a drink by then.”

“Probably,” Ava agreed. “Or sleep. I’m not sure which one I’ll want more when eleven o’clock rolls around.”

“Why are you working so late? I thought the gallery closed at nine-thirty on Friday nights. Is there an opening tonight you forgot to tell me about? You are still mad at me, aren’t you?”

“No and no. The next big exhibit we have is that photography one coming up right after finals. That one called Images in Flight. I told you about it, remember?”

“Oh yeah, the one where the crazy guy flies an airplane and takes pictures of the ground at the same time,” Carly responded.

“Sort of. It’s not like he’s 30,000 feet up in the air and hanging out the window with one hand on the controls or anything, but yeah.” Ava paused, thinking about how it was Thomas Malloy actually managed to take those photos while flying an airplane at the same time. “Anyway, I can’t work this Saturday, and we have his exhibit coming up soon, so I’m putting in some extra time tonight.”

“What’s up on Saturday? Hot date?” Carly asked.

“Yeah, if you want to call a study session with my statistics tutor, Suzanne, a hot date.”

Carly shuddered. “Um, no. If that’s your definition of a hot date, you need more help than I originally thought.”

“Who says I need help?”

“Wow, you really are stressed, Av. I’m just playing with you. You should consider that drink tonight. It’ll do you good.”

“I guess. All right. Come by the gallery at eleven o’clock. I really do have to run, though. I’ll see you later.”

Chapter 5

“Ava, dear, what do you think about this?”

Ava had only been working at the Main Street Gallery for six months, yet Cynthia Simms, the owner, seemed to value her opinion; more than her own at times. At first, Ava thought Cynthia was just testing her young intern. Perhaps she was. However, Cynthia always appeared satisfied with Ava’s responses, and Cynthia’s openings and exhibits were always a full house, thanks to Ava’s keen eye for arrangement. Over the six months Ava had been working there, Cynthia had promoted her from gofer, to file clerk, to assistant, to Cynthia’s artistic director. All unspoken and unpaid, of course. After all, this was an internship for college credit. Regardless, each time Ava was given more responsibilities and independence, a new intern was brought in to take over Ava’s previous menial tasks. As far as Ava could tell, she was the only one of the interns Cynthia showed any real interest in. She was also the first, and only, intern trusted to handle gallery openings. A first for Cynthia’s interns, who normally only worked during the day and behind the scenes.

Securing a Main Street Gallery internship was no easy task. While there were plenty of art galleries in this quaint college town, the Main Street Gallery internships were some of the most sought after positions for art majors. The Main Street Gallery had a reputation for bringing some big name artists, and Cynthia Simms was known in the industry as one of the major players. Cynthia was quite picky about whom she brought into her gallery, and she rarely gave her interns any real responsibilities … that is until she agreed to take Ava Haines on as an intern. Ava impressed her from the moment they met at the interview. Not only did Ava have an interest in both business and art, she had done her research. She knew all about Cynthia and what exhibits had recently come through the gallery, as well as what exhibits were coming through over the next month. Cynthia couldn’t help but be intrigued. However, what really captured her attention was when Ava subtly suggested adjusting an overhead spotlight just slightly to accentuate one of the paintings on the current exhibit. At first, Cynthia was put off at the moxie Ava demonstrated, but she humored Ava and adjusted the light. The difference was stunning. She hired Ava on the spot.

 Ava took a step back. With the Images In Flight exhibit just one week away, she wanted to be sure everything would be perfect. “I think the photo of the meadows should be to the right of the photo of the lake, and the one of the mountains should be the showcase piece. It should be what patrons see as they enter the gallery.”

Cynthia stood next to Ava and tilted her head, trying to see what Ava was seeing so clearly. “Yes … yes … you are absolutely right.” She promptly switched the photocopied picture of the meadows—provided by the photographer for planning purposes—with the copy of mountains piece. “Of course.”

Ava marked her clipboard with the approved layout before removing the paper copies, being careful not to tear them as she removed their tape.

She was about to re-hang the paintings of the current exhibit, which still had another week to go, when a deep voice startled her, “I agree.”

“I’m sorry, sir, we’re closed,” Ava began. She wished there were some sort of bell for the front door to let her know when a customer walked in. Cynthia was against having one. She thought it would disturb the zen-like atmosphere she was trying to create in the gallery.

Ava wondered why Cynthia hadn’t locked the doors to the gallery yet. They’d been officially closed to the public for a while now. She supposed it was because it was Friday night, and there were still people mulling about. Cynthia wasn’t one to turn down a sale … even if it was after hours.

“No, no, it’s okay, Ava. This is Thomas Malloy, our esteemed photographer. I guess I forgot to tell you he’d be stopping by tonight to drop off some promotional materials. Thomas, this is my intern, Ava. I didn’t realize that the two of you hadn’t met yet.”

“Oh,” Ava said, completely embarrassed. “I’m so sorry. It’s very nice to meet you, sir, Mr. Malloy. Your work is wonderful … really. I’m a big fan. We’re so very excited to have your exhibit here. It’s great … I’m sorry, I’m babbling. I get a little star struck sometimes when I meet the artists.”

Thomas Malloy laughed. A strong, sexy, hearty laugh, which Ava couldn’t help but notice came from sensual, yet soft looking lips. No. She needed to stay focused. School. Work. Graduation. And definitely not one of Cynthia’s clients. Not one of Cynthia’s extremely good-looking, sexy clients with amazing lips. She took a deep breath to calm herself.

“I’m flattered,” he said, “but the pleasure is all mine. Please, call me Thomas. Cynthia says you have a real talent for arranging art. From what I just saw, I can see you really know your stuff.”

“Oh,” Ava stammered, thrown off a little by his English accent, something else to add to her list of things to ignore. She tried desperately not to sound like a silly schoolgirl with a crush. “It’s easy when I have great pieces to work with.” Cringe.

“You know the door’s not locked— Oh, I’m sorry, am I interrupting? You did tell me to come at eleven, didn’t you, Ava?” Carly asked as she practically bounced into the gallery wearing a tight fitting, low cut, and very short, sparkly purple dress.

Where exactly were they going for that drink, a strip club? Not to mention the fact that it was December. Wasn’t Carly freezing? Ava was feeling completely and inadequately under-dressed in her blue sweater and black pants, until she noticed Thomas giving Carly a strange look that resembled a stifled laugh. Ava had to admit; Carly did look pretty ridiculous in that get up.

“Right,” he said. “Well, Cynthia, I’ve got those extra postcards you’ve asked for, as well as business cards, and some other miscellaneous promotional items here. Also, the photos for the opening will be delivered in the next day or so. I can see my exhibit is in very capable hands.” Thomas nodded to Ava and smiled. “I was going to see if you and Cynthia wanted to join me for a late cocktail, but it seems as if you maybe have other plans?” Thomas looked at Carly with that weird stifled laugh look once again.

“Oh, Thomas, darling,” Cynthia replied with a sigh. “Can we make another time? I’m afraid I must get my beauty sleep tonight. It’s been a very long day, and tomorrow it seems I’m not going to have my star intern with me to help in the gallery.” Cynthia lightly touched Ava on the shoulder and smiled.

“Ah, big plans this weekend?” Thomas asked, looking at Ava.

“Oh,” Ava answered. Why did his questions make her so uncomfortable? “No, I’ve just got to study. I’ve got final exams coming up this week.”

“Yes, I remember those days. I’m not as old as I look you know,” he said, winking.

Ava wondered exactly how old he was. If she had to guess, she’d say he was in his early forties. “You don’t look old at all. I mean …” She laughed nervously, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.

“What she means is that there’s no reason you can’t come out with us tonight! We were just going out for a drink. Isn’t that right, Ava?” Carly blurted.

Chapter 6

“What?” Carly looked at Ava from across the table as she waited for her drink to arrive.

Ava stopped glaring at Carly long enough to look around the crowded bar before she started talking. They were lucky to get a table at The Corner Spot that night. Friday nights at eleven o’clock was one of The Spot’s busiest times, especially when school was in session. Securing the table was a major score. Thomas had ordered the first round of drinks and promptly excused himself to make a quick phone call outside.

“Well, let me see now. First you come to the gallery looking like you forgot to put on half of your outfit—”

“You don’t like my dress?” Carly innocently asked.

“You look like a glitter factory exploded on you! And you … um, forgot to cover some important parts,” Ava said. She knew she was being a bit rude and overly dramatic, but she was sick of Carly’s antics.

Carly opened her mouth as if she were about to speak, but shut it as the drinks were delivered to the table.

“Then,” Ava continued once the waitress left, “you invited my client out with us for a drink. And not just anywhere, mind you. You invited him to The Spot. My spot.”

“For the record,” Carly retorted, “he invited us out first.”

“Correction,” Ava said. “He invited Cynthia and me out—for a business drink—and Cynthia declined, remember? Nowhere in there did he extend the invitation to you.”

“Well, he was looking at you the entire time he was asking, so just because Cynthia said no, there was no reason you couldn’t go. He knew we already had plans, so I just assumed I was part of the deal. And what’s wrong with coming to The Spot?”

“Because this is where we all come, as students, to unwind. It’s our hangout, our spot. You know … where I don’t need to be Ava Haines, assistant to Cynthia Simms of the Main Street Gallery. Suddenly this has become a social drink, not a business drink.”

“And that’s a problem why?” Carly asked.

“Sorry about that, ladies,” Thomas said as he approached the table. “Excellent, I see the drinks have arrived. So what are we talking about?”

“Oh, just boring school stuff,” Ava said defensively. “That’s kind of what we do here at The Spot. It’s not really interesting for anyone who’s not a student. Hey!” Ava kicked Carly back under the table, only harder.

“Oh, I don’t know about that, so far I’m finding you both quite entertaining.” Thomas smiled.

“Look, isn’t that Melanie from that sculpture class we took last year?” Carly pointed to a girl standing at the bar across the room. “I haven’t talked to her in ages.” Grabbing her glass, she stood up.

“Wait! You’re leaving?” Ava asked in disbelief.

“I’m just going over there, Ava. I’ll be back. Besides, you two have business stuff to go over. Hey, if I don’t get to talk to you later, Thomas, thanks for the drink.”

“What do you mean if you don’t get to talk to him later? I thought you said you’d be right back?” Ava asked, starting to feel panic well up inside of her.

“I don’t know, Ava, things could happen. That guy Melanie is standing next to is kind of cute.” She winked at Ava as she walked off.

“Carly! Wait.” She shook her head and sighed as Carly kept walking without looking back.

“Looks like it’s just us,” Thomas stated.

“Sorry about that,” Ava replied. “Carly can be kind of unpredictable sometimes.” She twirled the stick in her drink while the awkward silence at the table filled the air. She desperately scanned the room for a familiar face, hoping someone might walk over to the table to join them. “If you want to leave, I understand. I can have Cynthia call you during the week to set up a business meeting to go over the details for your exhibit.”

“No, no, and no need to apologize, either. We might as well at least stay and have our drinks. So tell me, Ava, have you always loved art?”

She took a long sip of her drink. Partly to calm her nerves, and partly to remind herself that as good looking as Thomas was, he was Cynthia’s client. Spot or no Spot, she needed to be on her best professional behavior.

“I have,” she replied, “for as long as I can remember. Have you always loved photography?”

“Indeed. My parents bought me my first camera when I was just toddling around back in London. One of those fake plastic ones, mind you, but according to them, I never let it out of my sight. When I was about seven or eight years old, I started a dog walking business in my neighborhood to earn money. I saved every penny to buy my first real camera.”

“And was it the same with flying? Did you always love to fly?” Ava asked.

“Oh heavens no, I hate to fly! In fact, when my parents decided to move to this side of the Atlantic when I was in my teens, I was so terrified of the plane ride, they had to tranquilize me,” Thomas replied with a hearty laugh.

“But your exhibit is called Images in Flight. Didn’t you take those while flying?” Ava asked, confused.

“Yes, that was a crazy idea I came up with one night when I had a bit too much scotch, I’m afraid. I was in a quaint little pub visiting with some friends. One of them happened to recognize an old school mate who was a pilot and asked him to join us. He convinced me to go up in his two-seat Cessna that weekend with my camera. I did get some amazing shots, but I never want to do anything like that again. I don’t quite have the stomach for it.”