Page 33 of Stroked
Finally, around nine, people were clearing out, and James was clearing our serving staff. Maria took long strides towards me and reached her arms out wide. I stepped into her embrace, letting her warmth wash over me. The fact that I liked her only made the whole night even more awkward.
“This was such a wonderful night. I amsuretomorrow will be great. A lot of pieces have already been claimed! But I hope the exhibit brings in a good number of visitors for you and your gallery. You did an amazing job, Amy.” Maria leaned in again, holding me close. I felt another hand on my shoulder and I looked up to see Filipe smiling at me.
“Beautiful job. This may have been my favorite opening so far. I am sure I will see you again soon, dear.”
“Yes, I will be here tomorrow briefly for the opening, but Filipe will not accompany me, and my daughter likely has plans to work. She is always working.” Maria looked around. “Where did she go?”
Filipe chimed in, “She said she was going to get the car and pull it around for us.”
“Amy, my apologies. I had hoped she would, at least, say goodbye. It is not like her to be so rude.”
I chuckled. “No, it’s fine. Her feet were probably as sore as mine. Between us, I plan to kick these shoes off in the next few minutes.” We all laughed heartily. I was thankful for my ability to entertain the older generation. Lots of dinner parties growing up as the daughter of the District Attorney came in handy.
“Well, it was a lovely evening. Be safe.” Maria kissed a cheek, then turned to leave.
Once the last of the patrons exited, James quickly closed the doors and shuffled back to me as I tried to head to my office.
“Oh no, honey. You arenotgetting off that easy. What’s the scoop? I know you too well to know that you were not yourself. So, spill.”
I kept walking to my office and James was on my heel, following me in.
He shut the door behind me, and just as I told Maria, I kicked the shoes off at the door and walked to put my blazer on the hanger.
Sinking into my chair, I let out a huge sigh. “You know the woman I’ve been seeing?” James nodded and waved his hand for me to continue. “She was here.”
“Ohmy, with another woman?”
I rolled my eyes. “No, that would’ve been easier.Mucheasier. Maria is her mother.”
“Okay, while that is very cool, I have a feeling that is not the issue. So, spill.”
“She’s not out.”
“Ohhh. Well, damn. Thatwouldmake for a strange evening. But why did she bother coming, then?”
“Ididn’t know that was her mom, andshedidn’t know I worked here. Goes to show how great I am at dating and communicating.”
“Oh shit. Thatisbad. So, what now?”
“I don’t know. She said she wanted to talk but begged me to pretend I didn’t know her. It felt weird lying. Maria’s so great. I don’t know.”
“Honey, you can’t be mad at the girl for being in the closet. And do you expect her to out herself when she’s known you all of a week? I hate to say it but get over yourself.”
“Well, when you say it like that, I guess it makes sense. I just haven’t hidden who I was, ever. If I didn’t like her, none of this would matter.”
“But you do like her. So, grow the fuck up, go home, and call her. Or at the very least, text her to meet you in person soon to talk. Let her explain herself and see if you both decide to keep seeing each other or to walk away.”
“Walk away?”
“Well, yeah. If you two can’t come to terms, it won’t work. And you’re one of the most stubborn people I’ve met. But I love you anyway.”
“Again, you know I’m your boss, right?”
“Yes, but you’d never be able to replace me.” He smirked. He was right. He was a great assistant and knew the industry. I dreaded the day he’d leave me for a better position.
“You’re right. Go on. We’re done here for the night. I’m right behind you.”
“You killed it. And the artist is happy. Congratulations, Ms. Lindsey.”
