Chapter Three

Sydney made the trip to the gallery with fifteen minutes to spare. Noting the Starbucks across the street she decided to make a pit stop before her meeting. As she joined the line a customer, who appeared to be in a hurry, bumped right into, splashing some steamy milk onto her jacket. Sydney winced and took a step back.

"I'm so sorry," the woman apologized. "I'm going to be late and I just…"

"It's okay," Sydney assured her. "I know how busy things can get."

"Oh, your jacket. I didn't ruin it, did I?" the woman asked nervously.

"No, no…it's leather. It'll wipe right off," Sydney replied.

"Here. Let me," the woman said and grabbed a napkin to wipe the spill clean. "Let me buy you your drink," she offered.

"You really don't have to," Sydney said. "It was just an accident."

"No, please…here," the woman said and slipped a five dollar bill into Sydney's purse. "It's the least I can do for being rude."

"You weren't rude, but thank you very much," Sydney said to her.

"Okay, if I don't go now I'm going to be really late. Have a good day," the woman told her.

"You too," Sydney replied. She shook her head and stepped up to the counter and ordered when it was her turn. After securing her drink she headed across the street to the gallery.

She pushed the door open and smiled at the receptionist. "Hi, Amanda," Sydney greeted the familiar face.

"Sydney!" Amanda said with a smile. "Long time, no see. How are you?" she asked her kindly.

"I'm doing well," Sydney said to her.

Before she could add anything else Amanda squealed, "You have a really big ring on!"

Sydney looked down at her ring finger. "Oh, yes…I'm engaged," she said, chuckling at Amanda's enthusiasm.

Amanda got out from behind her desk and took Sydney's hand into hers. "Let me see. Wow. Beautiful. Someone really loves you," she said. "I didn't even know you were dating anyone."

"Thanks," Sydney said. "Yeah, it's a complicated story," she said with a chuckle. "But we're very happy."

"Ooo yay, when is the wedding?" Amanda asked.

"Amanda, what did I tell you?" Mr. Bradley, the gallery owner, asked as he walked into the lobby.

"Oh, sorry," Amanda apologized and took her seat. "Congratulations," she mouthed to Sydney.

"Welcome Sydney. It's nice to see you," Mr. Bradley said, offering his hand.

"Likewise," Sydney said, shaking his hand firmly in hers. "I'm looking forward to seeing the new pieces you have."

"I think Mr. Casey is going to like them a lot," Mr. Bradley said. "They are a bit edgier than usual, but I believe a few items will round out his collection nicely."

"Mr. Casey told me the artist would be here," Sydney replied. She pulled her notepad out of her briefcase.

"He is here, but he asked that you view the work first and then meet," Mr. Bradley said.

Though she wasn't an artist herself she worked with enough, and lived with one, to know that this practice wasn't unusual. A lot of creative people liked letting their work speak for itself.

"Of course," Sydney replied with a nod. "Please," she said and gestured for him to guide her.

"Right this way," Mr. Bradley said.

Sydney took a few more sips of her coffee before depositing the cup in a trash can. Mr. Bradley pulled a curtain aside and Sydney walked into the main gallery.

"I'll be in my office if you need me," Mr. Bradley said, leaving her alone in the room.

"Yes, thank you," Sydney replied. She looked around at the walls which were covered from top to bottom. To say that the work was unique would be an understatement. The artist used found objects to create very 'different' paintings.

She was a bit surprised Mr. Casey was interested in this particular kind of work. He usually had a much more classic taste. Mr. Bradley was right, though, this would definitely enhance his already impressive collection.

Sydney went from piece to piece, taking notes for over an hour. She knew people that used their phones to record their thoughts, but the physical act of writing worked better for her. She would have liked to snap a few pictures, but that was generally frowned upon in these situations. And if anything leaked to the public on accident she'd feel terrible. She reviewed her scribbles and decided there were two pieces she wanted to suggest to her boss, price permitting. Not that Mr. Casey ever seemed to worry about money.

"Ms. Sage?" a voice behind her broke her concentration.

"Yes?" she asked, turning around after tucking her notepad back into her briefcase.

"I'm Tim Dunne, the artist," he said, offering his hand once the space between them had closed.

She smiled and shook his hand politely. "It's very nice to meet you. I've read a lot about you online," she said.

He chuckled. "Hopefully only good things," he replied as he let go of her hand.

"Mostly good," she said. "You do have some critics out there."

"If I didn't then I probably would be much of an artist, right?" he said to her.

"I suppose that's true," she agreed with him.

"I was very excited when your boss contacted me. He's very well known in the art world," Tim said. "Thanks to you I'd assume," he added.

"Oh, I'm just doing my job," she said modestly.

"Nonetheless. Do you see anything that would appeal to him?" he asked eagerly.

She smiled at his nervousness. "Yes, I do. There are two pieces that would complement his collection nicely," she said. "Do you have a price list or…?"

"I can have my assistant email it to you," he assured her. "There are a few pieces I won't be unveiling until the opening of the show. I think they might catch your eye."

"I'd love to see them," Sydney said to him.

"I'll have my assistant round up two tickers for you then. It's Friday night," Tim said.

"Perfect," Sydney agreed. Mr. Casey was still out of touch so he wouldn't be expecting a report anytime soon. She'd have time to see the new pieces and then make her final recommendations. "My fiancée is an artist too. I'm sure he'd enjoy seeing your work."

"What's his medium?" Tim asked curiously.

"Painting mostly," she replied.

"Great. I look forward to meeting him," Tim said. "If you want to give me your contact information I can get you all set up," he added.

"Yes, of course," Sydney said. She unclipped the pouch in the front of her briefcase and produced her business card.

Tim took the card and tucked it into his pocket. "It was wonderful to meet you, Ms. Sage," he said to her.

"Likewise," she said with a smile. "I'll see you on Friday."

Tim walked her to the lobby and then returned back into the gallery.

"Isn't he soooo cute?" Amanda gushed when Tim was out of earshot. "I just want to squeeze him," she told her.

Sydney laughed. "He's attractive," she agreed. "Does he have a girlfriend?" she asked.

Amanda's face took on a pained expression. "He's dating his witchy assistant," she said glumly.

Sydney wasn't certain if the girl really was unpleasant or if Amanda was just jealous. "That's unfortunate," she said to her. "I guess I'll find out for myself on Friday."

"Ooo you're coming to the show? Fun," Amanda said, back to her bubbly self. "I'll see you then."

"See you then," Sydney echoed. "Have a good day," she told her before she pushed the door open and headed back outside. She put on her sunglasses and headed to her car. She drove the short distance to the park to meet up with Adrian and Hadley.