Page 97 of Perfect Three

Sebastian was a more complicated man, but since the early morning months ago when he’d spoken about his Indigenous roots, he seemed to have become more open with her.Lucy thought he allowed her to see the real him, and Lucy wasn’t the least bit surprised at how deep her feelings were for him now.

One Tuesday, Sebastian took Lucy to an art exhibition opening.Jack had to wine and dine a prospective client and thus couldn’t join them.The exhibition was for the Outreach program Sebastian ran.The local First Nations artists had agreed to donate artworks to help raise money for the program.Tonight was the official opening for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while tomorrow night the exhibition would be open to all and sundry.

There was a smoking ceremony first, which was believed to ward off unwanted and bad spirits—a cleansing and a welcoming.Then Lucy was delighted to watch a Corroboree.She felt particularly honored that they allowed her to watch as they sang and danced with traditional instruments.

Sebastian was then invited to the stage.

Lucy was stunned to hear him speak fluently in one of the Aboriginal dialects.She had no idea what he said, but she couldn’t stop the smile of joy on her face.

He then handed over to aGundungurra elder, then aDharugelder, who both spoke before declaring the exhibition open.

Sebastian and Lucy walked through the gallery rooms, studying the works on offer.She was struck by the beauty and depth of the works and told Sebastian so.One painting struck a chord with her, and she found it difficult to tear herself away from it.

“Sebastian, this is so beautiful.I love it.Just look at it.”

It was done in dot pattern—a serpent’s body along a waterway, with campsites then the traditional x-ray depictions of a goanna, kangaroo, fish, and emu, all done in earthen colors of ochre, reds, yellows, and browns.

Sebastian explained to Lucy that it was a Dreamtime story.

For some strange reason it represented him to her, the native side of his life.

Sebastian finally managed to move her on so he could introduce her to the elders who had spoken and to some of the artists.

While Sebastian went off to get her a fruit juice, she stood talking to theGundungurraelder, Billy Rogers.

“The exhibition looks amazing, Billy.”

“Thanks, Lucy.Been a mad house trying to get it organized.We lost our administration officer a few weeks ago, so I’ve been doing double duty.”

“Lost?”

“Well, lost to us.He moved back to Queensland to be close to his grandkids and extended family.Been trying to find someone to fill his place, but people just aren’t interested in volunteering.”

“Volunteering?Do you need help with things?”

“Yes, I can’t do everything so I’ve been trying to find someone willing to donate a few hours a month.”

“With what?What’s involved, Billy?”

“Mainly it’s keeping the accounts, especially with things like this exhibition.There’s the occasional letter to write or answer.I just don’t have the time to do everything.”

“I can understand that.Billy, I wouldn’t mind helping out.I’m an accredited bookkeeper.”

Billy looked at Lucy in surprise.A huge grin came over his handsome features.“You’d really like to help?”

“Well, it doesn’t sound like it would take up much time.”

“No, as I said, maybe a few hours each month.”

“Well, if you’ll have me, I’d be only too happy to help.”

They exchanged telephone numbers, and when Sebastian came back, Billy told him of their agreement.He said something in an Aboriginal dialect, and Sebastian laughed, replying in English that Lucy was not only an admirer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture but didn’t find any problem with being with him.

Billy smiled and told Lucy she’d be welcome to visit anytime.“I know grandfather must have sent you.Thank you, Lucy.”

“Grandfather?Who’s?”

Lucy was puzzled, but Sebastian only laughed and said something to Billy in their native tongue who responded the same way.He then turned back to Lucy.“Billy thinks one of his ancestors must have sent you.He had a Dreaming, and now believes his grandfather arranged for you to become involved with me just so I’d bring you to meet Billy tonight.”

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