Angela had worn a comfy track suit for the setup and preparations. She had brought along a classic skirt and heels and a light sheer blouse with camisole; the same blouse which had been drenched by the rain, the second time she had met Michael.
Through all her hectic day, Michael still managed to pop into her thoughts. She’d thought he’d pop in a little less often as the days went on but that wasn’t the case.
She worked with the volunteers hanging the pieces, the info cards and setting up the silent auctions sheets. A small table was set up by each display. She also needed to put up the display banner; a beautiful illustration of smiling children with the wordsLife and Spirit.The tall, door sized banner was to be set up and displayed by the entry.
She needed to take care of the appetizer table and the drinks; water, punch and white wine served in goblets. They had rented the meeting hall of the municipal building at a minimal cost and they were given the use of the kitchen to prep the food and drinks. Angela was getting a little concerned about the arrival of the food. Christine had said she would look after it.
The show was starting at seven. It was now six-thirty and no food had arrived. Angela was panicking a little. She figured, she might as well change into her dressy clothes while she had the chance. She rushed into the bathroom to quickly change. She scrambled in the small stall and finally emerged a new woman. She packed her leisure clothes into her oversized purse and looked for her hair clip to put her hair up. It was nowhere to be found, she would have to wear her hair down, flowing andtousled. She colored her lips with a deep shade of peach. She was relatively happy with the results of her quick makeover.
When she came out of the bathroom, she noticed a few early birds; mostly some of the artists with their parents. She breathed a sign of relief when she saw Christine and a volunteer come in with the food and table cloths. They quickly formed a team to assemble the drinks and food. Angela managed to get a sticker in her hair but in her haste, failed to notice and so had everyone else. She checked her watch; 7:00 pm on the dot and everything was ready. She breathed another sigh of relief. She could finally relax.
Sacha came running to her and gave her a hug.
“Hi, sweetie, I love your canvas,” Angela told her, truthfully. “I’m going to bid on it.”
“Thank You,” Sacha smiled. “Good luck.”
“Oh, I’ll go as high as I need to go.”
“Well, I’ve seen a few people who were interested,” Sacha teased.
“Oh, I’ll get it.”
A small crowd was coming in. Angela beamed at the people. She was so delighted. She had spent the last three weeks, networking, spreading the word, telling everyone who would listen. Her marketing skills were used to their fullest potential. She knew how to gather a crowd and that she did. Looking at all the faces, she knew this was going to be a success.
With her mind a little more relaxed, she enjoyed a few appetizers. She chatted with a few people she knew and thanked them for coming and participating. She browsed at the artwork, yet again amazed at how beautiful they were. She stood in front of Sacha’s canvas; a simple glowing sun with various blues, oranges, purples and yellows circling it. It was a somewhat abstract piece which was so beautiful in its simplicity.
“I love that one, too.”
Angela turned at the familiar voice.
He looked at her without saying a word. He looked as attractive as he had in her recent thoughts.
“Hi, Michael, I didn’t expect to see you here.” She hadn’t, despite all her thoughts of him; she had failed to realize he might show up tonight. It made perfect sense; he was after all a big supporter of the foundation.
“I wouldn’t miss it.” He smiled at her as he reached for her hair. The slight feel of his hand on her neck sent shivers through her spine. She felt a slight tug.
“Lorraine’s Catering…” he said as he read the sticker. “She does good work. I just had some of her mini quiches,” he joked.
“Was that in my hair? No one told me”
“I guess no one noticed but...of course... I definitely would,” he said, as he brushed her hair behind her shoulder to get a better view of her face.
She suddenly had the urge to grab him and take him to the coat check room. Check all her inhibitions; why, why did she have to be so good.
“I missed you,” he told her. He wasn’t making this any easier.
“I missed you too.”
They stood, looking at each other. Although there were dozens of people around them; to each other, they were the only ones in the room.
“Are you bidding on that one?” he asked, looking at Sacha’s piece.
“That’s the plan. I’ve got to have it.”
“You have good taste,” he told her, his smile fading.
“I was wondering if we could talk?” he asked.
