“I find that hard to believe. I thought you were wonderful to work with. My assistant really liked working with you, as well.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. Unfortunately, there were other factors at play.”
He crosses his hands and leans into the table. “I’d like to know what they were.”
I stand up and treat myself to some of my so-called disgusting tap water. How do I approach this? I know honesty is the best policy but I don’t want to say it in a way that blames him, even if it does. He’s still Alvin Hamilton!
“Well, to tell the truth, I really wanted to showcase your work at the Poppy Haus. My boss, Janet, didn’t like that I wasn’t able to secure your work.”
“So she fired you? That sounds like Janet.”
“You know Janet?” This is the first I’m hearing of this. Janet never mentioned anything about personally knowing Alvin.
“I thought you knew that. Yes, I’ve known her my entire life. She and my mother are good friends. Well, they were, rather, until recently.”
And now it all comes together. Janet probably realized Alvin wouldn’t want his work at Poppy Haus. It’s so much easier to put the blame on me rather than on herself.
“I never really cared for Janet, and I’m a bit relieved that she and my mom had a falling out. I never thought Poppy Haus was a good fit for my work anyway.”
“Why’s that?”
“You know Janet. She claims to be this young, hip person but she’s not even within arm’s reach. Her gallery seems so stuffy and…old.”
A loud noise squeaks out of my mouth. “Okay, I can see how you would think that. I’ve been—or was, anyway—changing that outlook. My goal was to bring a new generation into the gallery and your paintings were what was going to do that. I had a fabulous marketing plan set up. Trust me, it was going to be spectacular.” I will the tears back as my eyes start welling up. I can’t cry in front of Alvin Hamilton.
Alvin’s lips curl into a smile. “I don’t doubt that at all. I’ve been watching you for a while now.”
“What?” When? How? We only ever met one time and I don’t think that was enough for him to form an opinion of me one way or the other.
“Social media. You’re always posting such interesting things and your following is pretty decent.”
“You’re not on social media.” He’s always made it a point to talk down about it in any interviews. He’s very outspoken about how social media has changed people and now anyone with a smartphone thinks they are a photographer and anyone with a drawing app is an artist.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said I’m notonit. I don’t have any accounts that I post from. People are fun to observe, both in person and online. Online, though, they become different people, maybe even their true selves, letting go of all their boundaries. I find it inspirational for my work.”
His admission hits me almost like a betrayal. It’s like everyone has been lying to me or secretly plotting against me. Alvin has been stalking me on social media. Janet knew I wouldn’t secure Alvin’s work. Jimmy…well, Jimmy’s dog likes to drive me crazy, and I think Jimmy finds that funny.
“I can tell by the long face that you’re shocked by this. Well, let me shock you even more.”
What now? I honestly can’t take any more of this. It’s one thing after another and I think anything else will drive me over the edge.
“Take a breath, Reese. Your face is turning red like you’re holding every breath you’ve ever had in life. This is nothing bad. I actually want to hire you.”
“Excuse me?” Hire me?
“I want you to work for me as my social media manager. I think you can do great things for me and my work and you’re perfect for it.” He reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulls out an envelope. “Here are the terms of the contract. Read it over and let me know if you’re interested.”
He slides the envelope on the table toward me before leaving.
17
The smellof potpourri and leather fills my nose as I enter the antique shop, Kayleigh following behind. This is one of my favorite places to be, and I love that Kayleigh will spend time here with me.
“I know this isn’t your favorite thing to do.” We squeeze through the thin aisles as we pick up different items from the shelves.
“Hey, if it gets me away from Donovan’s mother for an hour, I’m happy to do it. I’ll live here if given the choice.”
“It can’t be that bad, can it?”
