“I know, maybe next time. It’s just that I wouldn’t have had time to be with them much anyway with all the introductions and activities I had to attend to. Besides, there was that club they wanted to check out.” I respond

“We both know they would have skipped that readily for this – you know they miss you. She reiterates, “They all do”. She shyly refers to the inclusion of Tina in that statement but I don’t pursue that opening.

I’m not ready to divulge more and she knows not to force it. She knows Tina & my encounters have been brief and stilted after weeks of my pleading and begging immediately after the betrayal.

I acknowledge her encouragement with a smile and urge her to allow me to introduce her to a small group of artists with whom she soon engages in lively discussion. Alice never fails to promote witty banter, injecting humor into her commentary that soon had me and the rest of her audience in a jovial mood. Excusing myself, I make sure the other guests are comfortable and everything is as it should be.

Thankfully, the evening proceeds without a hitch. I received encouragement and praise from some board members and other curators generously approaching me as the evening came to a close. I can’t help but be warmed with a sense of fulfillment.

At least professionally, I can still exceed expectations.

Returning to the present, I get back to the review of invoices and artists’ portfolios on my desk. The clock marched steadily onward until I look up and find it past 9. Usually, I close the gallery myself eclipsing everyone’s workday but find myself walking out with James.

Approaching the lot together to retrieve our cars, I wish him ‘good night’ and remind him I’ll be in at the usual time but that he should take the morning off as he’s taken charge of tying up loose ends related to the opening resulting in a later than usual day for him. He smiles warmly wishing me the same and waves as I drive off.

Reaching the house I am once again taken aback with the silence that surrounds me. The emotional and mental high from the opening vanishes and I wearily saunter up the steps and proceed into the house.

Changed and showered, the kitchen offers a selection of wine although not much else. I rarely cook evidenced by the still frozen steaks offered by that woman from whom Tina used to buy from. I know this needs to change – eating healthier food, both in terms of selection and portions should I continue to pursue my plans.

Sighing, I reach for the mail collected earlier – today’s delivery has joined the growing pile of unopened correspondence lying on the counter. Leafing through while working my way to the living room I see a robustly stuffed envelope marked ‘Confidential’. A quick peek at the return address confirms the sender – it read ‘Orlow & Maxwell, LLC’.

A departure from my usual heavy sighs, an extended puff of air expands my cheeks and forces its way through my lips as I dwell on how things had gotten to this point.

Glancing up towards the mantel, a picture of two people smiling and so in love glares back at me.

I take a sip of my wine as my eyes glaze over while the memory of our first meeting comes flooding back…