“Miss her? Why? Did she move?”
“Oh my god, you don’t know that she passed away over six months ago?”
“No. I’m sorry to say I got so busy after taking Willow as a client and adding new ones my business started that I hadn’t kept up with Magnolia. I did know she was a little like Willow. Didn’t want to be bothered with the public, wanted to work on her craft.”
“Yeah, Willow’s like that. That’s why I’m here. But Magnolia died six months ago from cancer.”
“Damn.” They were silent the rest of the drive, and when they walked into the gallery, the first thing Gypsy saw was a display with Willow’s designs. She walked over and studied the display. Trish walked up to her and whispered, “That red card in the corner means it’s sold, but next to each one is paper and a pencil. If a customer would like the item, they write the item number and name on it along with their address on the card and turn it into Susan.”
“I hate to admit this, but I didn’t know Willow made stuff like this. I’ve seen these.” Gypsy turned slightly to the left and discreetly pointed to the items there. “But not these. Guess I’m going to have to put together a book of some sort so that I know what she has to offer.”
“I have one set up back at the office. I don’t know why, but I actually made up three of them. I happen to have one in the car that I’m going to show to this new gallery owner. That’s how we picked out these items. I’ll tell you there’s no way in hell I’ll have Willow make everything she’s done for display. That would be too much on her.”
“I agree, and I have to say thank you for looking out for her.”
“No problem, but I’ll tell the new gallery owner that what’s in the book she’s made in the past, but she can only pick out a certain number.”
“How many did Susan pick out?”
“Thirty.” She laughed at Gypsy’s expression, and they wandered around, and Gypsy was impressed by the setup.
“Trish.” They both turned as a woman almost like Trish had described Willow as being, approached.
“Susan. I’d like you to meet Gypsy. I hope you don’t mind, but I invited her to join us for lunch.”
“Okay, but can we talk about Willow? You know that’s why I set this up.”
“You can,” Gypsy said. “I’m actually Willow’s personal assistant. I handle her life at the home front, where Trish handles her business life.”
“You can answer some questions today.”
“I may be able to, but I’m going to warn you, I’ll shut the questions down if they become too personal.” They looked up as another woman, who looked like she just walked off a runway approached.
“Gabby, you made it.” Susan gave her an air kiss on each cheek and then turned to the others. “This is Trish Bowers, who I told you about and this is Gypsy. I just found out she’s Willow’s personal assistant on the home front.”
“Willow’s not here?”
“No.” Susan frowned. “We only set this meeting up late last night. I told you the chances of Willow being here would be slim to none. Now remember you’re not in New York, so tone down the attitude.”
“Sorry, it’s just that I have so much riding on this. If I can get this Southwest exhibit off, it’ll cement my place at the gallery.”
“I understand, it’s hard working for someone else and trying to get your ideas across. Let’s go to lunch. I have reservations, and we’re in a back room so we can talk to our heart's content.” They went out to their cars, and Trish followed Susan. It took several minutes to get settled and order a drink. They decided to table thediscussion until their lunch arrived and made small talk. Finally, they settled down to business.
“So, Gabby, tell us what you want.” Susan started the business conversation.
“I want to have an exhibit with a Southwest flair. I have permission from my boss that I can have the exhibit up for one month. I don’t expect the artists to be available for the entire month. But I would like them to be present for opening night and the next night. That would be a Friday and Saturday.”
“Before we go any further.” Gypsy interrupted. “What date are you talking about?”
“There are two dates I’m looking at. The first one is from the middle of October to the middle of November. Starting the twentieth, and ending a couple days before Thanksgiving.”
“Well, I can tell you right now, I know for a fact that Willow won’t be available that time. She has some personal dates during that time that can’t be canceled.” Gypsy spoke up.
“Okay then, I can scratch that off, and I’m sort of glad. I didn’t really want to start an exhibit in the middle of the month. What about the entire month of November. We can open the first, which is a Friday, so I’d need all the artists there for Friday and Saturday. After that, they can come and go as they please. But I’d really like them there that weekend.”
“I don’t see a problem with it, but where is this to take place?” Gypsy asked as she took notes.
“SoHo,” Gabby said as she took a bite of her sandwich.
