Maxi’s eyes widened. While she couldn’t deny the cultural infusion and festive element, the artwork was also downright eerie.
“Imagine an entire gallery filled with these!” Una exclaimed as she pulled out a giant doll with a knife through it’s right eye.
Maxi hesitated, trying to find the right words. “It’s... very unique, and certainly embraces a cross-cultural theme,” she said cautiously, “but I’m not sure it’s got the festive vibe we’re looking for.”
Una looked slightly deflated but nodded in understanding. “Oh, well….” She glanced around the empty gallery.
“Thanks for coming by.” Maxi walked her to the door. “I’ll be in touch.”
After Una left, Maxi sighed and flopped into the chair behind the desk. Hopefully, she wouldn’t have to resort to a gallery full of voodoo dolls wearing garland and tinsel.
Her phone buzzed on the counter. It was Muriel, a well-connected artist friend of hers.
“Maxi! I just got your message,” Muriel chirped. “I think I’ve found someone for the gallery showing.”
“Oh, that would be fantastic.”
“I don’t know her personally, but her name is Elana Brussels. I heard that she has a very interesting blend of localMaine heritage and holiday cheer. Can she drop by tomorrow afternoon?”
“I have an art lesson with Bunny at four, but any time before that is good.” Maxi loved the painting lessons she took with Bunny and didn’t want to miss one if she could help it.
“Okay. How about two? I’ll tell Todd to relay the message to her,” Muriel said.
“Sounds perfect.” Maxi’s spirits lifted considerably. Muriel had a variety of interesting contacts, so Elana was bound to work out. She couldn’t be as bad as the last person.
“Great. Let’s get together soon.” They said their goodbyes and hung up.
Maxi had a half hour before she had to head to Barnacle Billy’s to meet the others, and that was just enough time to give her husband a quick FaceTime call.
As she held her phone in front of her, Maxi felt a rush of affection when she saw James’s familiar face on the screen. Picasso and Rembrandt, their black-and-white cats, darted about in the background, their youthful energy evident even through the small screen.
“So, how’s your day been?” James asked after they’d laughed at the cats’ antics. “Any luck finding the perfect artist for the gallery showing?”
Maxi sighed, rolling her eyes for comedic effect. “You wouldn’t believe the candidates I’ve had to interview. One artist came in with Christmas-themed voodoo dolls.”
James chuckled. “Well, the search for art is much like the creation of art itself—full of surprises and challenges.”
“Very poetic, James.” Maxi smiled. “And how’s your day?”
“Busy with meetings, but it’s winding down. Picasso and Rembrandt have been keeping me entertained,” he said, pausing to reach down and pick up Picasso, who had decided thatmoment to pounce on James’s foot. “So, girls’ night out tonight, huh?”
“Yes, we’re meeting up at Barnacle Billy’s. You know how much I love our girls’ nights,” Maxi said, her eyes lighting up at the thought of an evening spent with her close friends.
“I do, and I’m glad you have them. Everyone needs a break and some quality time with friends,” James replied warmly. “But I’ll still miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too,” Maxi said, her voice softening. “But I won’t be too late, promise.”
“Don’t worry, Picasso and Rembrandt will keep me company.”
“Thanks.” Maxi smiled, touched by his understanding and support.
“See you when you get home. Love you.”
“Love you too,” Maxi said, ending the call with a satisfied sigh before grabbing her big striped tote bag and heading off to Barnacle Billy’s.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Jane pushed open the door to Barnacle Billy’s, her stomach grumbling at the aroma of freshly grilled seafood.
