Found – part 11

Hey, Ana, come join us. The lithe brunette smiled as she took the proffered chair, which placed her next to Shane. By design? She could tell that the too-cool woman was interested in her. Then again, by reputation and by attitude, Shane was interested in anybody with a *****, so Ana did not take Shanes attentions very seriously. Thanks. Hi, Shane, Dana, Alice.

Alice quickly changed gears from what she had been telling Shane, and turned her attention to Ana. So, how are you liking L.A.?

Its great. I love my place, which Shane was kind enough to help me settle into. I love the gallery and am excited about the projects Bette has lined up. She really is brilliant.

I hear that you are no slouch, yourself. An MFA from Yale, prestigious internships in BarcelonaId say Bette pulled off a coup in hiring you. Alice was never one to stint in her praise”it balanced her cattiness.

Ana ducked her head in embarrassment. Thank you. Im not all that, but its nice of you to say so.

Sensing Anas embarrassment, Shane moved to put her at ease. So, Ana, do you need any more help making the studio livable? I have some free time this week, and would be more than happy to help you paint or garden or whatever.

Yeah? Id really appreciate that. Im mostly unpacked, but I have definite plans for the garden.

Cool. Tomorrows Saturday, so Ill come by in the morning? Shane smiled in genuine anticipation as she took her leave. Okay. Guys, Im sorry, but I have to leave. I will see you two around, and you, Ana, in the morning. All three pairs of eyes watched Shane saunter off, unable to help notice that plenty of other eyes followed her progress, as well.

As Shane left, Marina began to approach the table. Danas widening eyes warned Alice, and once she caught sight of Marina, she hastily gathered her things and made her excuses. Ana, I hate to bail on you, but I forgot that I have this, um, thing to do. Youll be okay here?

Dana followed Alices lead. Yeah, me, too. See you!

Ana was left sitting at the table alone, a bemused expression on her face. Marina sat down, ignoring Alice and Danas precipitous departure.

Hello, Ana. May I join you?

Hi, Marina. Of course. I suddenly seem to be all alone.

Im sure you would not be for long, Marina assured her with a sensual smile. Ana blushed slightly, but did not break eye contact.

So, Marina continued, I hear that you have just come from Spain. How long were you there?

Anas eyes lit up at the inquiry. I was there for two years, first in Sevilla and then in Barcelona. She pronounced both cities with an impeccable Spanish accent, which caused Marina to smile.

I have been to both cities, and loved them. Barcelona, especially, has the most fascinating mix of the old and the new, dont you think?

I do. That is one reason I interned there. I wanted to feel the depth of the old world as well as the energy of the new that is inherent in modern art.

Ana and Marina spent another hour sharing memories of Spain and discussing art, a topic Marina was well versed in due to her husbands tuition and her own interest. They responded to each others European sensibility, and felt a friendship forming. Marina was happy to be able to talk to somebody who knew nothing of her history, and Ana found that spending time with Marina assuaged some of her homesickness for Spain. Before they knew it, though, the afternoon had disappeared and Marina had to prepare for the dinner crowd.

I really enjoyed talking with you, Ana. Well have to do it again soon.

Me, too, Marina. Hasta luego. With quick kisses to one anothers cheeks, they parted, both walking a little more buoyantly than before.