Saturday 19th October 2013
Max's alarm woke her up at 8 the next morning. She reached over and turned it off, then lay back against the soft pillows. This is the comfiest bed I've ever slept in, makes my dorm bed feel like a wooden board!
A frisson of excitement ran through her when she thought about the exhibition at the Zeitgeist. People were going to be admiring her work from all around, and she would get to experience what it felt like to be a famous photographer. What it feels like for someone like Mr Jefferson.
She shook her head as if to clear her thoughts – why do I keep thinking about him? It's probably just because he's on this trip with me.
She decided she'd get dressed and sample the breakfast buffet provided by the hotel and was pleasantly surprised to find Mr Jefferson outside waiting for the elevator. He was dressed in his usual smart casual style, a blazer and white starched shirt over dark jeans. Wowsers, he looks good at this time of the morning. Oh stop it Max, if Chloe were here she'd be making sick noises in your ear.
'Morning Max, how'd you sleep?' Mr Jefferson gave her a big smile, looking genuinely pleased to see her.
'Pretty damn good, Mr Jefferson,' replied Max, feeling confident. Today was going to be her day, 'That bed was seriously one of the most comfy I've ever slept in,and the biggest.'
Mr Jefferson chuckled at her and ushered her into the elevator as it arrived, 'Yes, that's one of the advantages of hotels, although there's a part of me that can't help but think about all the other people who've used them before.'
'Yikes, that's a thought!' Max replied, 'I-I didn't think of that.'
'Ah don't mind me, I'm just theorising, it's probably too early for it,' Mr Jefferson removed his glasses and polished them on his suit jacket before replacing them and looking directly at Max, 'So. How are you feeling about later on?'
'I-I'm really nervous but excited, too. It's my chance to feel like a real photographer.'
'You area real photographer, Max. A damn fine one at that, you know I think so. Your work has really come along since the start of the semester. I can see your style maturing and becoming recognisable – that's rare for someone just starting out.'
'Thanks Mr Jefferson – you really believe in me, huh?' Max replied, giving him a coy smile as the elevator reached its destination.
'That I do, Max, that I do. Now let's go eat, this hotel does a damn good buffet.'
Which one of these shirts makes me look like an artist the most? The neutral, tasteful beige or the more outgoing jade?
Max finally settled on dark brown pants, a white tank top and the beige shirt on top. She added a golden doe necklace that Chloe had given her when she won the contest.
'Promise me you'll wear this at your exhibition, Max, I wanna see it in those publicity photos,' Chloe had said as she handed over a jewellery box.
Max was to meet with Mr Jefferson in the lobby so they could cab it to the exhibition. Maybe I should have asked for a limo, Max laughed to herself.
It was odd, she hadn't felt so confident in all of her life – was this the result of her pep talk with her teacher earlier? Or was she just owning the fact that she was a respected artist?
Max didn't know, but what she did know was that today, everything was going to go her way.
Standing in the foyer of the Zeitgeist, Max took a deep breath. Mr Jefferson, standing next to her, leant down to her ear and whispered 'Go on, this is your room now.'
Max shivered a little at his breath tickling her ear and neck and felt the little hairs raising, giving way to goosebumps. She followed his words and entered the gallery. The first thing she examined was the guestbook.
Not as good as last year – David Foy
Totally makes me want to start taking photos! - Adam B
These heroes chose the path of least regret – Thomas Farber
These people saw my photo. My photo! Max could hardly contain her glee, then she turned her attention to the wall next to the reception desk. It had a list of all the contest winners names, and there she was.
Max Caulfield – immortalised forever. She felt so giddy with happiness!
'Feels good, doesn't it?' Mr Jefferson's voice came from behind her. Again, he had placed his hand on her upper arm and squeezed it. But this time, he didn't move it. 'It feels good to be recognised for your talent, right?'
'Oh it really, really does. I still can't believe I'm here.' Max replied, tensing up at his touch at first but then relaxing. That actually feels quite nice!
'I already told you, you belong here, this is your time and your place. God, I can remember my first exhibition, I was beyond excited, but of course, I had to act like a cool sophisticate, not showing my delight. Didn't want the artists to think I didn't know how to behave.' he said.
'Thanks for believing in me, Mr Jefferson. It means a lot.'
'Max, please, I think you can call me Mark now, after all, we are friends, right?' He was gazing at her like no way he had before.
Max swallowed, she suddenly felt quite hot, she was sure her face was betraying her with a dark blush. 'We sure are...Mark.' She felt a little odd saying his name at first, but what the hell? He said she could.
'When you're done here, perhaps you'd like to join me on an expedition around San Francisco?' Mark asked, taking his hand off her arm.
'Oh wow, t-that'd be g-great, yes,' Max stuttered. Why am I being so dorky! It's not like he asked you on a date, he's probably just going to give me a photography lesson in the city.
'Great, I look forward to it! Come find me when you're finished basking in the adoration from your fans,' he said, winking then moving off to another part of the gallery.
Wowsers, that was intense.