It Was Only Time
Chapter 2 – Opportunities
When Justin walked in to the Sidney Bloom Gallery, Lindsay launched herself at him and gave him a crushing hug.
"Lindsay, you better tell me what's going on, you are freaking me out a little."
"Let's go to the office and you'd better sit down. First, the other two paintings you showed me before the show, the ones I didn't pick. Well, they sold today for $2000 each."
"You are kidding me! That's amazing, but how? They weren't shown, they…"
"There was a lot of interest in your work, so I took the liberty of showing the prints you left with me to an interested party. I'll have the check later this afternoon and the gallery will take care of transport and everything."
"Who bought them?"
"It was done through a company representative on behalf of the owner, who prefers to remain anonymous."
"Please don't tell me that Brian's involved. I…"
"He's not." Lindsay lied, inwardly wincing "If it was Brian, he would've offered a heck of a lot more money for your work. Didn't you tell me that he offered you five thousand for a pencil sketch once? Anyway, we have more important things to discuss."
"More important than two of my paintings being sold for four grand, sight unseen? This I've got to hear! Well, don't keep me in suspense…"
"The review in Art Forum, well, lets just say people paid attention, important people. One of them is a friend of mine from The Dozier Gallery in New York. She wants to meet you and take a look at your portfolio. They are having an Emerging Artists Showcase at the end of March and she hopes to include some of your pieces, plural. She has time to meet with you on Monday morning. This is an enormous opportunity for you, Justin. So, I told her you'd be there. I hope I did the right thing."
"I don't know what to say…Of course, I'll be there… Do you really think they'll include something?"
"Yes, I do. You usually have more confidence in yourself and your art, Justin."
"Yeah, I…I think I am in shock. Anyway, even if nothing comes of it, it's another professional opinion. Of course, I'll be there! Did you say you had another thing to tell me?"
"Have you ever heard of the Arthur Loring Gallery?"
"Ah, who hasn't?"
"Well, anyone who's not interested in the art world, for instance. Anyway, I got you a job interview there." Justin didn't think he could be any more surprised.
"What? A job at Arthur Loring's? But, I don't have a degree or any gallery work experience. I…How…"
"I sang you praises, said that you know more about art than most people twice your age, etc, etc. And the job is nothing too glamorous – just as an assistant. You'll probably be making copies and coffee, but you'll make wonderful contacts, meet people, you will learn a lot and have a real chance to help your career, I guarantee it. In any case, I didn't get you the job, just an interview. You'll have to impress Arthur Loring all by yourself, which I am sure you'll do. What do you think?"
Justin shook his head in bewilderment and said: "When's the interview?"
"Tomorrow morning at 9 am, you'll have to miss the fundraiser at Babylon. There's a flight out to New York at 3 o'clock this afternoon, I hope you'll be on it."
"Today, you want me to leave today...And if I get the job that means I'll be moving to New York." Justin said uncertainly.
"Why are you hesitating?" Lindsay looked at him in surprise, "Scratch that, I know why. Or should I say who?"
"Brian" they said in unison. Justin was silent for a few minutes, thinking.
"It's never going to work between us, will it, Linds? He's never going to give me what I want and I can't spend the rest of my life waiting. It's just that...I don't know what to do."
"If you want my honest opinion, I truly believe that Brian does love you, very much. I also truly believe that he will never realize it or won't let himself realize it. So, you are right, he won't give you what you want, which is sad and unfair. I also know that you are young, Justin, and you have a talent that deserves to be shown to the world. This showcase is an opportunity of a lifetime, so is this potential job. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't throw this chance away for someone like Brian Kinney. But, the decision is ultimately yours to make. I know it's a lot to take in, but..."
"OK. OK, you are right. I know you are right. God, this is happening so fast, my head is spinning! What do I do first? Plane tickets, then I need to call my mother. I'll have to find a place to stay…Wait, Daphne…"
"Justin, stop!" Lindsay laughed "Don't worry about the plane tickets, that's my present to you and I won't take no for an answer! And I will help you with anything else you might need until your flight, so will the rest of your friends and family. I know Brian for one will…"
"No, Lindsay, not Brian. He's getting ready to go to Australia anyway."
"Right. OK, but we'll call everyone else. Let's get started."
In the end, only Jennifer, Debbie and Daphne, along with Lindsay were able to come to Justin's "rescue" on such short notice and help him with last minute preparations before his flight. Justin got on a plane with a huge smile on his face and Debbie's "Good luck, Sunshine! Knock'em dead!" still ringing in his ears.
Disclaimer: All belongs to Showtime and CowLip.