Narrow concrete steps with a painted iron railing let up to a large wooden door, also painted black and with a large plate glass window insert. Through the display windows, colors of every hue caught the attention of passersby with the message of come in and see more.
She’d never been in a real art gallery. Never went in because she knew she’d be spotted as someone who didn’t belong.
“Have you ever been in here?”
“No, I enjoyed art, but never did anything about it.”
The walls were hung with paintings and prints, some in groupings, some spaced politely along the walls. There were several tables holding crafty knick-knacks and small artwork, all looked locally made.
Maia rushed over. “Good morning, Ben. Welcome, Juli. Can I show you around?” She moved between them and took their arms, but she addressed Juli. “We are very much a local gallery and we make it a point to support and represent local artists and craftsmen. We have colorful, crafty items for tourists who are looking for souvenirs and fine art for those who want to take a reminder of the coast with them to hang on their walls. A lot of our customers are locals who want to bring the color of the beach life they love into their homes.”
Ben said, “Bring the beach inside—that’s what I’d like to do. Our house is plain. I never noticed before, but it needs color. Juli, I’d like you to choose some items.”
“You mean buy a painting?”
“Yes, and whatever else you like.”
She’d always lived for the day because today had been as much as she could manage. Choosing artwork to decorate Ben’s house seemed frivolous. His house looked great as it was.
“I have to think about this.”
“Take your time and look around.” He faced Maia. “Is Luke in?”
“He’s in the office.”
Ben touched her arm. “I’ll be back shortly.”
He left her standing there. Juli watched him walk to the back of the shop and knock on the closed door with only a pause before entering. To speak with Luke.
****
Luke had entered the gallery by the back door that morning—his usual entrance and exit. Maia was already at the counter out front and the sign on the door was turned to OPEN. He waved when she looked up and went directly into his office.
Sunday noon. Before he’d even left home, he’d thought about ditching the business casual and taking the boat out, but since Ben had bowed out of most of their business interests, the workload was burying him. So much for the joys of small business ownership. He pulled the invoice folder for the Charleston gallery from the inbox.
He heard a knock on the door and looked up as Ben entered.
“Busy?”
“Always. Come in anyway and have a seat.”
“Juli and I had brunch at the grill and then walked over. I wanted her to see the gallery. She’s going to pick out a few things for the house.”
Luke nodded, at a loss for words. He looked away. “She’s here?”
He lowered his voice. “I left her with Maia. I hope they’ll hit it off. From what Juli’s said, I don’t think she has many friends and no family at all. She’s always worked too hard, no time for play. It’s going to be different now.”
Different for all of us, Luke amended, silently.
Ben touched the folder on the desk and spun it around. “Charleston? How’s it going down there?”
“Hal’s a good manager, but he doesn’t have what it takes to make bigger decisions. He had an opportunity for a nice show by a local artist, but passed on it because it would’ve meant a quick turnaround—quicker than he could handle.”
“What about Jerri? From the Dunes Gallery? She was looking for a position with more responsibility. Hal isn’t big on ego.”
Luke leaned back in his chair and it squeaked. He felt more peaceful than he had in a while, almost pretending it was old times again. “Dunes got smart and offered her more.” He glanced down. His running shoes were peeking out from under the desk like an invitation, a reminder.
“There are other prospects.”
“But it takes time and more time. I’m short on that.” The brief, easy mood evaporated. He reached up and pressed his hands against the sides of his head, then worked his fingers against his temples. Shake it off, Luke.
“I know I left you hanging.”
“No, you didn’t. I procrastinated.” He slid the folder back and flipped the top shut. “I’m glad Maia wasn’t interested in leaving the sales floor. No one has her skill with the customers. I couldn’t manage without her there. The rest I’ll figure out.”
“We already talked about this, but….”