Page 29 of Stroked
“Maria, it has been lovely. I am so relieved you like it.”
“I knew I would the moment I met you! Now relax and be careful getting home. I cannot wait for tomorrow night.”
“I can’t either.”
Chapter 16
Valentina
It had only been twenty-eight hours since I saw Amy last, and it was a miserable time. Somehow, my meetings had gone well, and I was confident I would be lining up events for my clients. But the whole day was spent fighting my own thoughts to focus. This morning was no different.
I barely slept. Luckily, I had an espresso machine, because I needed to prepare several proposals today and send them off to the new contacts I made yesterday. Amy did text me to say hi and ask if I was working this weekend. Normally, I would be upset that there were no shows for any of my clients, but I was excited to be free. However, she did ask if we could meet up to hang at the club where Lucy worked.
I wasn’t sure how to explain my situation, or if I was ready to, so I simply told her I would let her know what my schedule looked like but would definitely be able to swing by her place sometime. The small fibs normally came easy to me, but I didn’t like not being honest with her. I didn’t think this would become an issue with her, but I found myself wanting to see her again and again. Considering this, I decided I needed to speak to her this weekend. If she and I were to continue to spend time together, she needed to understand.
I nodded my head and drew in a deep breath with the resolution.Not now, Val. I needed to focus on work now; I could figure out what I would tell her later. But I was busy later. I promisedMãe I would accompany her and Papai to her opening. She wanted me to go to the Friday opening, but I didn’t revel in the idea of a Friday night with my parents at an exhibition, so we negotiated the soft opening.
My lips flapped as I expelled a breath. I should have never gone back to that club. But it was done now. I shook my shoulders and head to shake off the thoughts of the uncomfortable conversation ahead so I could get back to work.
After sending out several emails with proposals and setting up some social media posts for the weekend for my clients, I went to get ready for the stuffy evening ahead.
The temps were over ninety and it was definitely an occasion for a nice dress, so I went with a coral, flowy A-line with cap sleeves and grabbed a black chiffon shawl in case the gallery was cold. I had gotten used to clubs and bars: dark and warm. Galleries were often bright and cold. Mãe’s exhibits were always bright, anyway.
After a final check in the mirror, I grabbed a small bag that could hold my phone and gloss, then left to meet my parents.
“Val, would you mind driving? I drove over yesterday and Papai worked all day. We are old and tired,”Mãe said as I walked to the front door of their modest but trendy home right outside of the city. Papai gave me a warm hug, then walked to my car to open our doors.
I had driven so much this week already but couldn’t turn down my parents. Plus, she hated driving in the city, and she had just gone out for the walk-through the day before. “Of course. Let’s go so we can find a decent parking place. Where is this again?”
“Midtown Gallery of Fine Arts. It is a lovely gallery, and I am obsessed with the curator. She is young and fierce, with a great eye. I bet you would love her. You need more friends. You work too much,” she said as Papai helped her into the car.
“I know, I know. But it is hard to make time for such things. I have big goals.”
Papai spoke up, “Minha princesinha, always so driven, like your mother. We just want you to be happy.”
“Happy would be finding a good husband and giving me some grandbabies,” Mãe said as I pulled up the address on my GPS and started pulling out of the driveway.
I clenched my jaw and tried to ignore her.
“Are you even dating? You never mention anyone or anything but work.”
“This is your big night; can we not talk about me?”
“Oh,minha querida, she is just worried about you. Work is good, but you need to find someone to share your life with, build a family. There will always be work. Do not be so busy working that you are not living.” Papai always had a more delicate way of making me feel guilty about the lack of family I created for myself, or for them.
“So, how long will this exhibit be at this gallery?” I asked, hoping to change the subject.
“A month. And this gallery is in an amazing location. And I said it before, but this curator is special. She is very young to be in charge of such things, but her energy is spirited and fresh. I foresee many sales.” Mãe was practically glowing.
“Well, I am glad. But you would probably do well anywhere. Your work is vibrant and beautiful, just like you.”
The rest of the car ride was more pleasant and light, and traffic was heavy, but moving. Once we got into the heart of the city, everyone was quiet so I could listen to the GPS. There were turns every few blocks but Mãe did chime in briefly to let me know there was a parking deck across from the gallery.
I had lived downtown a few years and didn’t recall ever being down the street the gallery was on. Atlanta could be overwhelming, even though it wasn’t the largest city I had ever visited. And every street name was Peachtree-something, so it was easy to get turned around. That’s probably why I didn’t get off the path I was usually on. I stuck to where my GPS took me.
I found the parking deck and Papai quickly jumped from the car to open our doors. It was breezy as we made our way to the street, but it was sweltering outside.
“Warm day,” Papai said as he pressed the button for the walk-sign. I pulled the shawl from my shoulders and folded it neatly before laying it over my arm. Hopefully, inside would be much cooler.
