Page 51 of Stroked
“Speaking of BDE, it’s getting late, and for now, I still have to get up to go to the station tomorrow. You good?”
“Yeah, for once, I really think I am.” As I said the words, a warmth washed over me and a smile spread on my face.
Lucy hugged me once more. “If I don’t see you this week, I assume you’ll be here Saturday? Val’s band is here.”
“That’s the plan. I may see you before that, but if not, I’m probably with her.”
“Now you see why I want Jason? Maybe this is a good thing after all!”
I threw a wad of crumpled up napkins at her and she left. I tossed some cash over for Jaz and headed home.
???
Valentina came and slept over once more, but we both had things to do, so we agreed we’d wait again for Friday night.
Work for her was hectic and I had a lot to do over the next couple of weeks. I had a meeting with a new artist for next month’s exhibition and to go over the plans; we were starting to get deliveries scheduled for Maria’s pieces that sold, and we had some major online pushing to get the rest out, or as much as we could. And it was Thursday. Time to see Maria.
“Knock, knock. Miss Lindsey.” James floated into my office with a coffee in hand and placed it on my desk. “Here you go, and the most current numbers for Ms. Santos have been sent to your inbox. She’ll be here at a quarter to noon.”
“Thank you, James.” I clicked the email and blew into the coffee to cool it some before taking a sip. “Wow, these numbers look great. I think she’ll be pleased.”
“As should you. It’s not even over and you’ve reached projected numbers.”
I sighed and my shoulders relaxed. “Well, I’d be a horrible boss if I didn’t say thank you, James. You’ve really been the glue for this.”
James shrugged dramatically and waved his hand. “Well, I dunno. Okay, yes, I’m the glue.” He laughed as I grinned up at him. “Seriously, Amy. Great job. I’m so happy to be here with you at this gallery.”
“I’ll remember that when you try to hand me your notice.”
James threw his hand to his chest and made an insulted face before leaving my office. He knew good and well that in two years or less, he’d move on to greener and better-paying pastures. And I couldn’t blame him.
I was feeling good about the meeting with Maria. I had great figures for her, so there was no reason to extend it very long, and I was excellent at small talk. I just had to get through a few minutes with her and I could stop worrying. Nothing to worry about anyway,right? We were talking about her show and art. No big deal.
“Miss Lindsey, Ms. Santos is here,” James buzzed over my intercom.
“Great, can you escort her to my office, please?”
I straightened up my desk and ran my hands over my shirt to be sure I was still presentable. James opened the door, so I stood to greet Maria.
“Amy, darling,” she said with arms outreached. “It feels like it has been ages.” She kissed both my cheeks, thenpulledme in for a warm embrace. I almost let myself melt into it, then remembered to rein myself in. I needed to keep a professional distance with her, for Valentina’s sake.
“Well, come sit, we’ll go over numbers,” I said as I motioned for her to take a seat at my desk.
“Oh, I am sure the numbers are fine. Let us go grab a bite and we can discuss them there. I am sure we can get them printed and I am famished. I was up late working on a new piece and did not catch breakfast today.”
Looking over her shoulder, a panicked James stared, waiting for my direction.
“Well, I don’t know if I can sneak away, I’m so sorry. But maybe we can have lunch planned soon?”
“Oh dear, I do not mean at a fancy place. We can go to that little deli next door. Come, James will bring the papers, yes?”
Maria had my arm, gentlytugging.
“Let me grab my bag.” I went to my desk andpulledmy bag from the drawer. Looking down, I opted to leave my cell, in case I got any unexpected calls or texts. I went back and stood by Maria as she threaded her arm into mine. “Shall we?”
We walked to the deli next to the gallery and James was bringing the numbers in a few minutes. I ordered him lunch and had it waiting when he got there.
“Miss Lindsey, Ms. Santos. The figures.”
