Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
“ G erard, won’t you please reconsider?” Maxi pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation as she paced back and forth across the spacious gallery, passing through the patches of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. The white walls around her seemed all too empty without the artwork that had been the cause of so much tension.
“My artistic sensibilities cannot allow it, Maxi,” Gerard said firmly from the other end of the line. “I’ll be by to collect my work as soon as that harridan Priya has removed hers.”
Maxi glanced over just in time to see Priya wheeling out the last of her pieces, the door chimes ringing softly as she exited. “Fine, Gerard. I’ll expect you soon, then.”
With a resigned sigh, Maxi hung up the phone and flopped down into a chair. She ripped her hair out of the bun and ran her hands through it before twisting it up on top of her head again. This was a disaster. Chandler Van Beck had entrusted her with curating a special gallery event for Winter Prelude, and now she had no art to show for it.
Just then, her phone rang again. This time, the caller ID showed it was Chandler himself. Her stomach twisted in knots as she picked up the phone.
“Maxi, how are the preparations going for the gallery event? I trust all is well?” Chandler’s voice was smooth but carried a weight of expectation.
Maxi hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “Everything’s coming along, Chandler. I’ve got something special planned for the event.”
“Oh? Do tell,” Chandler pressed, his curiosity piqued.
Maxi felt her heart racing; she couldn’t let Chandler know about the artists pulling out. “Well, it’s a bit of a surprise, actually. I don’t want to give too much away, but I think it’s going to be something truly unique and memorable.”
“A surprise, you say? I do enjoy a good surprise,” Chandler responded, sounding intrigued but cautious. “Just remember, Maxi, this event is important not only for the gallery but for the cultural aspect of the Winter Prelude. I trust you’ll make it exceptional. And don’t forget it needs to be filled with holiday vibes and showcase a wonderful culture that people might not be familiar with.”
“You won’t be disappointed, Chandler. That’s a promise,” Maxi assured him, even as a wave of uncertainty washed over her.
“Ahh, so you are playing it close to the vest. Don’t want to reveal any more details? You know I have eyes and ears around town,” Chandler added casually.
Maxi felt a jolt of panic. Would someone see Priya and Gerard moving their things and tell Chandler about the empty gallery? How could she prevent that? “Of course I know that.” Maxi’s gaze darted around the room as she desperately tried to think about how she could spin this. A piece of paper had blown up outside and was resting against the window. It gave her an idea. “That’s why I’m going the extra mile to keep it all under wraps,” Maxi quickly responded, her mind racing. “The windows will be covered to maintain the element of surprise for everyone.”
“I like the sound of that. Keep up the good work, Maxi,” Chandler said before finally ending the call.
Maxi placed the phone on the desk, staring at it as if it were a ticking time bomb. She had just bought herself a little time, but now she had to deliver on her promise of a “surprise.” She couldn’t let Chandler or the community down. Winter Prelude was too important. Maxi stood up, straightened her blouse, and took a deep breath. One way or another, she was going to pull this off.