It still managed to take my breath away.

My focus shifted to rest on Tina’s figure as her profile graced my view.  Next to her, Helena was talking animatedly to another guest while her hand lay lightly on Tina’s left shoulder. 

Prompted with the image, yet again my breath was taken away.  Not only that, my heart seemed to have skipped a beat.  The nagging melancholy reminding me of what I’d lost wasn’t quite stilled.  Recalling right then that it wasn’t that long ago when things were different.  That she was with me.  Presenting me as hers as I did in turn, with pride. 

Hastily, I blinked back the emotion that surfaced.  Damn.  Yes these feelings were diminishing but when could I expect them to just…stop?  Ah of course. 

Time.  My enemy.  My friend. 

Distancing me from what I at times still want to hold on to.  Yet helping me weave through the days that passed with growing tolerance and new memories.

Discreetly I smiled for Tina.  Then I smiled for myself. 

That she was here and that we were still in each other’s lives after everything.  That family and friends were here sharing the evening with me.  The success of how and what it was turning out to be.  Not to mention it would bold well for me professionally speaking.

Composure reclaimed, an apologetic smile was flashed in my companion’s direction.  Emma had moved as well, taking a step to her right to realign our positions as I’d stirred within the space we occupied.

“Pardon.” Alluding to the slight commotion reasoned, “consequence of having to cater and be attentive to everyone tonight.”

“Where were we?”  I asked gratuitously.

Emma kept her voice low to preserve our privacy although it was marked with the excitement of ‘possibility’.

“Well I was trying to convince you to take me up on my offer.  Bail us out of the distasteful situation of not having someone as qualified as you to head up the expansion.” 

“Let’s see, your contract with the CAC is up for renewal in thirteen months or so leaving the perfect opportunity for us to merge timelines.”

“The initially limited role will build up to having sole direction.  It also provides time for you to decide up to the last minute as I’m convinced I shouldn’t look for anyone else until you definitively decline.” 

She recapped unnecessarily as I’d remembered every word from our prior phone call and tonight’s conversation.

“We’ll match if not surpass your current terms all else equal – proper adjustments made as appropriate.  I’m not asking you to bind yourself to us immediately, just to consider it.”
 
“Plus, if I recall you loved being at the helm of your own gallery.  That’s how this will function.  The only gap would be the absence of your name on the gallery doors.” 

“At least initially,” she cajoled. Winking conspiratorially.

Finishing her monologue, “The only thing left is to ascertain if anything was holding you here beyond what a plane ride would address.”

With sensitivity, she restated her earlier query. “Is there?”

People did it all the time.  Splitting time between places.  Was there anything that would call on my constant attention here?  Everyone would be just a plane ride away after all.  On top of everything her enthusiasm was quite thrilling.  Infectious really.

‘Is there?’ she asked.

‘Family…friends, more than a decade of my life?’

Reminding myself an answer was expected, I looked down at the glistening maple floors and took a moment to gather myself.  Clearing my throat then locking eyes with Emma, I answered. 

“I think a first hand assessment is called for.”

Emma replied, “I like how you put that.”  Her smile genuine at my response.

“How is that exactly?” I inquired.

With a nod she clarified her remark. “Very carefully.” 

Then she finished enthusiastically, “Nevertheless, mission accomplished on my part!”  We laughed softly in agreement. 

A mini vacation as she put it.  Yes, I think I’d enjoy one.