The Memory Painter

*

As Linz approached the entrance, the art critic for the Boston Globe held the door open, his eyes lingering on her as she passed. Linz didn’t notice her effect as she walked in, but her arrival brought a breath of fresh air to the room.

She spotted Derek and Penelope sipping champagne in the corner. The gallery owners were quite the odd couple: Derek Sloane, flamboyantly gay and ramrod thin, loved to talk art and fashion at all times and could charm a rock; Penelope Keller was the business mind behind the dynamic duo and a quiet introvert with an obvious weight problem.

Derek swapped Penelope’s full glass for his empty one and took a generous swig. “The reporter just left. I need a Valium.” He turned to greet someone.

Penelope saw Linz right away and made a beeline to her. “Finally!” She hugged her. “You made it!”