Authors: Karen Pokras
“It’s a date then,” Thomas announced, smiling. “This is turning out to be such an exhilarating week for me! It’s been ages since I’ve had a big opening like this. In fact, I don’t know who’s more excited for Friday night, Cynthia or me,” he laughed.
“Don’t forget me. I’m excited, too, you know,” Ava said.
“I could never forget you, sweetheart,” Thomas cooed.
Ava never had anyone call her sweetheart before; she liked how it sounded. Her dinner with Thomas was so different than her dinner with Max. She felt so much more regal, refined, and chic. Whereas with her and Max she was playful and flirty. Did she prefer one style to the other? It didn’t matter.
There was no
her and Max anymore. Not that there ever had been. Just enjoy the here and now, Ava.
“I’m sorry, what were you saying, Thomas?”
Thomas laughed. “I can see you still have your studies on your mind. I so remember those days. I was saying that Cynthia talked about you non-stop. I think it’s safe to say that once your internship is over, she’ll be keeping you on full-time. If that’s what you’re interested in, of course.”
“Really, do you think so?” Ava’s eyes widened. Maybe today wasn’t such a horrible day after all.
Thomas reached across the table, taking Ava’s hands in his own. “Yes, in fact, Cynthia and I go way back. If she’s not already convinced, I can see to it that she will be.”
Ava smiled. Seemed this day was turning out to be a good one after all.
Chapter 19
“Forget about him, Ava. He was only eye-candy. Totally not worth your time.”
Sitting across from her friend in the library, Ava tried to figure out three things … One, why Carly was even in the library to begin with—wasn’t she trying to set some sort of world record for non-library appearances or something? Two, why Carly suddenly was telling Ava to forget about Max after spending the last week trying to convince her he was perfect for her. And three, why she herself couldn’t stop looking at the table across the room where Max sat studying with Megan.
Ava was trying to forget about him, but it wasn’t easy. Especially when he was in the same room with her, and Carly was constantly talking about him. Of course, she could always get up and move, but why should she? She was here first. Not that moving would even help. He’d still be etched in her brain.
“Anyway,” Carly continued, “you’ve got Thomas.” She held out her hands like a scale, palms up, weighing each of the men Ava had encountered over the past few days. “Good-looking, yet immature college guy who has to pose nude to make money and can’t make up his mind about what he wants, or older, yet established and sophisticated artist who happens to be wealthy and oh yeah, he’s got that sexy accent, too.” Carly raised her palm, the one representing Thomas, above her head, while dropping the other one, the one signifying Max, as low as she could reach. “Seems to me you got the better end of that deal.”
Ava nodded. “Thomas is pretty awesome. I could listen to him talk for hours, and not just because of his accent. He’s got so many great stories from his career and life in general. I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody quite so accomplished. Yesterday, after I finished up my last art project, he took me out to Carver’s for lunch. You know that steakhouse over on Fitz Street?”
“You’re kidding,” Carly said, dropping her jaw. “I’ve never been there. In fact, other than you now, I’ve never even known anyone who’s been there. Isn’t the chef from one of those celebrity cooking shows or something? I thought there was like a year waiting list to get in there.”
“There is, and yes, his name is Georges Apollo. Apparently, Thomas is friends with the guy. Can you imagine? Thomas has his number in the contacts on his cell phone the same way I have yours. I even got to meet him yesterday.”
“Get out!” Carly yelled, then covered her mouth before whispering, “Sorry,” to the people at the tables next to them.
“It’s true.” Ava grinned. “I couldn’t believe it myself. Of course, Thomas didn’t warn me ahead of time. He only texted me and asked if I wanted to take a study break to grab some lunch, so I had paint all over me when he came to pick me up. I figured he meant a burger at The Spot, you know? Thankfully, it was dark in there.”
“You’re living the dream, Ava.”
“I don’t know about that. I’m certainly eating well, that’s for sure.”
“And?” Carly asked, chin resting on her hand, a glazed look in her eye.
“And what?”
“And what about the romance part?”
“I guess it’s fine. He’s a really good kisser.” Ava smiled.
He was a really good kisser.
“
That’s it? That’s all I get?
He’s a really good kisser?”
“Well, there hasn’t been anything more than that to tell yet. I don’t know, Carly. I haven’t really felt all that much in the way of sparks flying past kissing. He seemed like he wanted more yesterday when he dropped me off, but I made an excuse that I had to get back to studying. Well, it wasn’t an excuse. I
did
have to since my Statistics test is tomorrow. But I just wasn’t feeling it with him. I feel kind of guilty, like I’m taking advantage of him or something. I mean, I do really like him. He’s a great guy, super interesting to talk to and all. I’m just not sure I’m there yet … you know, sexually.” Ava glanced over to Max’s table again; Megan was now sitting next to Max instead of across from him. She tried to shake off the thoughts going through her mind before looking back to Carly.
“You just need more time with Thomas, Ava. Not everyone has that instant chemistry. They actually say the best relationships are ones where you start out as friends first.”
“When did you become such an expert on relationships?” Ava asked.
“I just know, that’s all. He really likes you, I can tell,” she replied.
“You said that about Max, too.” Ava glanced at Max’s table again. She wished she could keep herself from looking. Max and Megan were now laughing.
What was so funny about statistics? Nothing. They obviously weren’t studying
.
Stop it, Ava. It’s not your concern.
Max turned his head mid-laugh and caught Ava’s eye; he stopped laughing and quickly turned away.
“Well, he did like you. It’s not my fault he turned into a major ass. Anyway, I told you to forget about him. So do you have plans with Thomas tonight?” Carly asked.
“No. I’ve got my exam tomorrow, and then the exhibit opens.”
“Busy day,” Carly noted.
“You’re telling me,” Ava agreed. “Statistics is first thing in the morning. Right after that I’ve got a meeting with Cynthia and Thomas. Next I have to get the gallery ready, then I have to get myself ready, and after that of course, is the big opening. Somewhere in between, I need to find time for a nap.”
“Sleep the next day,” Carly offered. “Besides, you’ll be too ramped up on adrenaline to be tired.”
“Probably,” Ava agreed.
“Then you get an entire week alone here with Thomas while the rest of campus goes home for the holidays, including me.”
“Are you coming tomorrow night?” Ava asked.
“Of course! Your openings are the best party in town. You better promise to text me if anything
interesting
happens after I leave, though.”
“Cynthia will be here with us all week, also,” Ava replied, shaking her head, laughing.
Chapter 20
Thomas brushed Ava’s lips lightly as she got out of her car. He had been waiting for her to arrive before going inside for their meeting. Ava backed up somewhat, making sure Cynthia was safely inside the gallery, before wrapping her arms around Thomas. She kissed him passionately, savoring the taste of his tongue and lips, taking in the clean smell of his skin. She hadn’t lied to Carly; she enjoyed kissing him immensely.
“Thank you for the flowers,” she said as she pulled away, smiling. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Just as Ava was getting ready to leave her apartment this morning for her Statistics final, a dozen red roses arrived. The card wished her good luck on her exam and was signed: “Love, Thomas.”
“I know I didn’t,” Thomas replied, tracing her lips with his fingers. “I wanted to. How did your test go?”
“Good!” Ava smiled. “I really think I passed. In fact, I’m sure of it!”
Thomas kissed her again, holding her in his arms even tighter than he had before. “Then tonight we’ll have two things to celebrate!”
“No,” Ava said. “Tonight is all about you. We can celebrate my exam when I find out my grade. I don’t want to jinx it.”
“Sounds like a plan. We should go inside before Cynthia comes out looking for us.”
They held hands as they crossed the parking lot and walked along the side of the gallery. The moment they were within range of being seen from the front windows by Cynthia, they separated—turning instantly into business acquaintances.
“Look who I ran into in the parking lot,” Thomas stated enthusiastically, giving Cynthia a kiss on each cheek, before patting Ava’s shoulder as if he were presenting a prize.
“Fabulous! Are you all done with schoolwork now, Ava, dear?” Cynthia asked.
“Yes, I had my last final this morning.”
“Perfect!” Cynthia replied, clapping her hands together. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us. Only a few hours until the opening, and I still feel like there’s so much to do. To be honest, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, and those other interns have been useless. They’ve all left to go home for winter break.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ve missed having you here, Ava.”
“The gallery looks great, Cynthia, it really does,” Ava offered.
“Well that’s because Cynthia incorporated so many of your ideas,” Thomas stated, but quickly added, “Of course, you’re very fortunate to have such a great talent like Cynthia here to mentor you, Ava.” Putting an arm around Cynthia, he kissed her on the cheek.
“Oh, now stop it, Thomas.” Cynthia swatted Thomas away, giggling. “What am I going to do when you leave me as well, Ava? Are you sure I can’t convince you to stay over the holidays?”
“I’m sorry, Cynthia. I’m afraid if I don’t go home, my family—my sisters in particular—will come hunt me down and drag me home. We’re all very close,” she stated.
“You’re lucky. I don’t have any siblings, and my family isn’t close at all. It’s going to be lonely here. You’ll be gone,” Cynthia said motioning to Ava, “and Thomas, you’ll be off to your next exhibit after the week is over. I really am thrilled that you chose my gallery to start off your tour. It’s a shame we only get to see each other once every ten years. Let’s try to do something about that, shall we?”
Ava glanced over to Thomas, registering what Cynthia had just said. It never occurred to her that Thomas didn’t live locally. The way he’d always talked made it sound like this was his home. Even when he asked Ava where she was from, he never once mentioned that he himself was from somewhere else. “You’re leaving?” she asked.
“Yes,” Thomas responded calmly, as if he were speaking to an acquaintance and not to someone he had been intimate with just moments ago. “I live in the Pacific Northwest, in British Columbia. It’s quite beautiful there … a photographer’s paradise. Maybe one day you can come out to visit with your family. Of course, I won’t be returning right away. After I leave here, I’ll be visiting the various other galleries who are kind enough to display my work. I’ll make my way across the country over the next six months, back toward my home.”
“Oh,” Ava replied, trying not to sound disappointed or surprised. British Columbia? Not only did he
not
live in the same town, he didn’t even live in the same country! “That sounds lovely. I didn’t realize.” She then turned to Cynthia, suddenly feeling as if all the walls were closing in on her. “Would you excuse me for a moment, I just want to make sure I locked my car.”
She quickly left the gallery without waiting for Cynthia’s response, and leaned against the side of the building, trying to steady her breathing.
It’s okay. There were no sparks, remember? But there could have been. Even Carly said all the best relationships started out as friendships first. And he sure acted like
he
felt sparks. What was that all about? Whatever. It didn’t matter now. Nice work, Ava, You’re 0 for 2. Breathe. No big deal. He’s a client anyway. It’s better this way. He’s just a client. A client who didn’t give you sparks. Well, maybe some sparks, but not enough sparks. Breathe. Just a client … a client you will never see again after this week.
Ava collected herself and walked back inside. She could feel Thomas’ eyes following her every move.
“Is everything okay?” Cynthia asked with an odd look on her face.
“Hmm?” Ava replied. “Oh, yes. Everything is fine. I did actually forget to lock my car. It’s all set now. Shall we get to work?”
Chapter 21
“Well now, aren’t you looking hot, girlfriend?” Carly whistled as she circled Ava. “Nobody’s going to be noticing Thomas’ photos tonight. They’re going to be too busy checking you out.”
“Too much?” Ava asked. She had borrowed one of Carly’s dresses. Specifically the tight black one that seemed to be a little light on material. Ava wasn’t quite used to having so much skin showing. “Or should I say, too little?” she added, struggling to twist to see herself in the mirror.
“Nope, it’s perfect,” Carly declared, smiling.
“How do you sit in this thing?” she asked, attempting to slip on the matching black heels. There didn’t seem to be any modest or graceful way to lower her body down without showing the world all she had to offer. The material was so tight she thought it would surely tear if she made any sudden moves.
“You don’t,” Carly laughed. “You’ll be standing all evening. That is, until you’re ready to take it off … as in
take it off
.” Carly did an imitation of a strip tease wiggle as she winked at Ava.
“The only time I’ll be taking this off is to go to sleep,” Ava stated, “as in
go to
sleep.
Thomas and I are through.”
“What? When? How? I swear, Ava, I can’t keep up with you. Explain. Now.”