1.7 Looking Up

With drink in hand Amiee set out to the dance floor. Though she didn’t feel much like dancing, she stood in the middle of the floor –the fog engulfing her as if she were expecting it to make her disappear somehow. She looked down at her drink, the expression of hurt and anger still lingering on her face, there were times that drowning herself in fancy named drinks would seem to solve her problems –this time it wasn’t the case.

For days, Amiee spent most of her time, that wasn’t consumed by work, in front of her easel, painting away her emotions and thoughts. It seemed to be the only thing that really soothed her. She didn’t call Shelby, and she didn’t bother checking to see if she called, in fact she turned her phone off all together and buried it under the bed. Out of sight…out of mind. 

One after another paintings slowly began to fill her small studio apartment. That didn’t stop her…she continued on, pouring herself onto canvas.

Days quickly turned into weeks and Amiee had not seemed to budge. Her paintings didn’t really make her feel completely better…but it was the most productive she had been since she got to Bridgeport. She finished off her tenth painting and hung it on the wall.

She stood in front of the easel, still unsure of herself, getting ready to pluck a new paintbrush from the cup when the doorbell rang.

Her first thought was to ignore it, it was either Shelby or Everett –she was sure. Neither of their faces she wanted to see…but for very different reasons.

The bell continued to ring and against her better judgment she decided to open it.

When she opened the door, it was the last person she had expected standing in her doorway.

“Did I forget to do something at work?” Amiee said softly.

“No…I was wondering if you had a moment to talk…may I come in?” Mrs. Littler responded in the same soft tone.

“I guess.” Amiee said wedging the door open wider, allowing her guest to enter.

“Would you like some coffee, or water or anything to drink?” Amiee said as she made her way to the kitchen.

“Coffee would be great…cream and sugar please.” Mrs. Littler said. Amiee cringed at the thought of Mrs. Littler ruining the purity and bold flavor of the coffee, but continued to prepare it. She set the mugs on the table as she watched Mrs. Littler examine her artwork.

“You really do have an interest for art; the works on your wall are simply stunning, dark and so powerful with emotion, simply stunning…I don’t think I recognize the artist though…where did you get them?” She asked. Amiee took a long sip of her coffee and spoke softly.

“They are mine…” She said.

“You did those?” Mrs. Littler asked raising her eyebrow and focusing her attention back to the painting on the wall.

“Yes.” Amiee replied.

“Most artists are only blowing smoke when they say they are good…but it seems you truly have raw talent…I may have underestimated you.” Mrs. Littler said sipping her own coffee.

“What did you want to talk about?” Amiee said getting the subject at hand back on track. The faster she could get Mrs. Littler out of here…the faster she could get back to working.

“I initially came to see if you were okay…you haven’t seemed yourself at work for weeks now…” Mrs. Littler said.

“I assure you I am fine, just some personal things I am working through.” Amiee replied hastily.

“But...after seeing your work…I would like to offer you a position at the gallery.” Mrs. Littler said.

“A real position.” She added. Amiee perked up almost instantaneously.

“What kind of position are we talking?” Amiee said happily. It was the first time in weeks she could draw a real smile on her face.

“I would like to offer you a position as a gallery attendant…I know it isn’t exactly the best position but it is all we can do at the moment, it would sure beat running around doing errands all day.” Mrs. Littler said.

“I’ll take it!” Amiee said without hesitation.

“I would also like to know if you are interested in helping with the auction we are having tonight, the designer had some important matters to attend to and was unable to finish getting things ready for tonight…we have everything that is needed, just no one to pull it all together.” Mrs. Littler said.

“Of course!” Amiee replied. She was beaming with happiness and gratitude.

“Okay then I will see you at the gallery at 4 pm for setup…auction starts at 8pm. So bring something nice to change into, and you are more than welcome to bring a piece of your own work to hang in the gallery…I think you earned it.” Mrs. Littler said as she excused herself from the table and waved goodbye. 

Amiee was so excited that the moment Mrs. Littler left she ran around the house screaming and clapping, all the way to her bedroom where she began jumping up and down on her bed with excitement. This couldn’t have come at a better time, she thought to herself.