Aud didn’t let Leo go. “You’re right.” He claimed Leo’s hand and held it as they walked back into the house. Leo glanced over his shoulder as they rounded the corner, half expecting to see someone leering over the fence at them.
Even after Aud called the police and they told him an officer would be there shortly, their mood was shot for the evening. Leo wanted to keep sitting on the couch kissing Aud, but the back of his head kept tingling like he could feel someone staring at them. He sighed heavily. “I’m sorry, but I feel weird now.”
Aud put his head in the crook of Leo’s neck and hugged him. “I have to agree. I normally feel safe in my own house, but I’ve never had anything like this happen before.”
Leo kissed the top of Aud’s head. “Maybe next time we can go over to my house until things start feeling right around here.”
“That might not be a bad idea.” Aud kissed the hollow of Leo’s neck. “I’ve got my alarm and everything’s insured, but that doesn’t do me any good if I don’t feel safe.”
Blue and red lights flashed on the curtains, casting strange pulsating colors through the room.
“I guess the cops are here.” Aud rose and went to the door. “Maybe after we give our statements and they take a look around, we can go get some coffee or something. I want to end the night on a positive note.”
“That might be great.” Leo agreed. The night’s wrapping up a little earlier than I hoped it would, but I hadn’t figured on the cops getting called either.
10
AUD STROLLED through the gallery, next to a painter who was preparing for an opening. “So this is where the actual reception will be held. We can set up this room any way you would like it.” He gestured to the empty walls of the rear gallery.
“And I can get in here tomorrow and start getting ready?” Concinta Muniz asked. “These walls are big enough for my larger pieces. The last place I did an opening I couldn’t display my larger pieces, just the medium and smaller ones.”
“Of course. That’s why we cleared the walls here yesterday.” Aud walked over to the lone pedestal in the center of the room. “Would you like any screens or boards put up? Can any of your smaller pieces sit on easels on pedestals, or do you want to leave the middle of the room open and just have people along the walls?”
“Open, I think,” Concinta replied. “Although having the wine and cheese in the center would be good.”
“We can do that. Or if you prefer, I can hire some waiters to mingle among the patrons.”
She frowned slightly. “But that would cost extra, wouldn’t it?”
“Yes. I haven’t found a catering service that provides free staff.” She says she’s had other openings, but she sounds like a complete newbie at this.
“I think we’ll stick with letting the guests get their own wine and cheese. I’m paying enough for that.”
“Very good. My staff and I will handle arranging for the food and making sure there’s enough for the event.” Aud had hoped to slip out Friday night to spend time with Leo. Maybe Leo would like to come. I’d enjoy showing him more about what I do here. When was the last time I wanted to share this part of my life with a guy?
“Where are the loading doors?” Concinta asked. “We need to make sure my work can enter the building. But what would be the use of having these tall, beautiful walls if your doors didn’t match?”
“This way, Concinta.” Aud gestured for her to follow him out of the room and down the short hallway to the loading dock and doors. “There will be a drape across the opening to the hallway when the gallery is open.”
“Very good.” She shook her head as she looked at the doors. “I do not know if this is wide enough for my largest work.” She pulled a tape measure from her handbag and began taking measurements. For the longest distances, she handed one end to Aud.
She tsked as she slipped the tool back into her purse. “We will have to be very careful and angle things just so, but I believe it will do.”
“Good.” Aud gave her his best deal-closing smile, although she’d already signed the final contract for the event nearly a month earlier.
“Then I shall go gather the pieces I wish to have on display.” Concinta turned back toward the main gallery. “Hopefully it will prove to be a most profitable evening for both of us.”
“Your work is exquisite, Concinta,” Aud gushed. He knew she liked to be fawned over. “I’m sure you will have many existing fans showing up as well as plenty of new ones. I’ve made a point to get the show listed in all the weekend events pages, both print and online. The coverage is very complete.”
“Thank you, Aud. I’ve heard nothing but good things from my friends who’ve had shows and openings here.” She paused at the front door. “I’ll begin bringing pieces by in the morning.”