The Declaration by S.M. Pratt

Author:S.M. Pratt
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781988639390
Publisher: Creative Communication Solutions Ltd.

8:15 P.M.

Over several rounds of tapas and drinks, the group gained two more gallery directors, and everyone became fairly friendly and comfortable with each other. Of course, art was a common topic for all of us, but the conversation nonetheless veered toward TV shows, world news, and one director—the big-name from New York—started to get political with his comments.

I turned to Marcella, wondering if she too feared what I was thinking, but she was absorbed by her phone. I didn’t know if she’d heard the most recent exchanges.

“A couple more directors and a journalist are at the hotel now. Should we settle the tab and head back?” she asked me.

It seemed like the easiest way to end the director’s political rant.

“Ladies and gents, we’ll be heading to the hotel for the next round of drinks. If you want to get ready.”

Marcella chimed in after I got up. “You’ll also have the opportunity to talk to a journalist and could get some media exposure for your gallery if you’d like to talk to him.”

I thanked Marcella then headed to the bar to settle the group’s tab.

Unfortunately, Edna saw it as an opportunity to sneak in another private conversation.

“Valentina—”

“Edna!” the American director yelled out, making the both of us turn to face him.

The tall, wide-shouldered man stumbled on a chair, creating a commotion that made others turn to look at him as well.

“All good!” He smiled and joined us, grabbing Edna by the elbow.

“Edna,” he said again. His eyes were a bit red. Perhaps jetlag—he was the only director to have flown recently—or perhaps intoxication of some kind. “Are you going to the hotel?” he asked her.

She straightened her arm, popping her elbow out of the man’s hold. “Yes.”

“You staying there?”

“I think all of us are.” She turned to me. “Are you staying at the same hotel as us?” she asked.

“Yes. I’m all paid up. Why don’t we head back together?”

Fortunately, the walk was short. Edna’s abrupt one-word answers made it clear she wasn’t interested in the man’s blatant advances, yet he seemed unaware of that. He continued bragging about himself, possibly trying to say something Edna would find attractive.

I felt bad for the clueless director. He stood no chance as a man flirting with a strict lesbian, but I admired his efforts, and I appreciated the distraction he offered.

The minute we walked into the hotel lobby, he offered to get Edna her next drink and so rushed to the bar, leaving me once again with Edna too close for comfort. But things suddenly took a turn for the worse when I recognized Sophia at the bar.

Shit!

I reached for my phone as thoughts spun in my head. Why? How?

What would happen if Edna found out about Sophia now? I hadn’t mentioned I was seeing someone. I knew Edna held grudges sometimes. Now was not the time for her to hold one and turn down my art just to prove a point.

I sent Sophia a message, doing my best to keep my screen away from Edna’s prying eyes.

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