An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

A Different Kind of Morning

LENA POV

"I just think we should extend the workshops into the winter and maybe add a few more classes. It could be lucrative and drive in more clients and students." I hear Denni say as I am taking notes of the meeting and keeping track of anything that I may need to purchase.

I try of course to remain professional and not stare at Denni, but it is rather hard for she is just so polished and I swear she gets more beautiful by the day. She has her red readers on today as she looks so confident sitting at the head of the table.

"It could work, Dr. Mercer. But we would need money to hire other teachers for these workshops," Shirley says as she looks at her.

"Well yes, that goes without saying and without much debate. If we do have a gallery show in the winter months, that alone can fund many things as well. We had a very successful lunch the other day with a few other folks who are looking to put a good amount of money into this gallery. In any sense, it gives you all a great deal to think about. My time here is running out." She smiles as that line alone makes me feel as if I was punched in the gut for I do realize July is flying and August is quickly approaching.

Just the thought of her leaving, well, I can't even fathom that, for what did it mean for us? Unless she really was serious about moving here because the truth was, I wanted Denni to be my girlfriend and maybe that sounded juvenile, but I honestly really did.

"What do you think, Lena?" I suddenly hear her ask me as I look up and make eye contact with her as everyone around the table looks at me. I feel as if the air has been sucked from my lungs as I try to reply.

"Oh, me?"

"Yes, you have been with the gallery for a few months now. What is your take on this? On adding more workshops and using a gallery show to fund the need for teachers?" Denni asks as she smiles, and I clear my throat as I quickly take a drink of water feeling very thrown off guard.

"Oh um..I think it's a great idea. Gallery shows alone can bring in thousands, depending on the artist being shown, and from what I saw in LA, workshops are very beneficial. It would make us more well known and possibly set us up for a walking gallery in the spring or summer." I find myself spitting out as Denni stares hard at me and smiles.

"Well, that is very insightful. I think we should all sleep on it. Michelle, do you mind ordering lunch?"

"SURE! Of course!!" Michelle says as they wrap up the meeting, and Denni and I are left in the room alone as she walks over to me and my eyes meet hers.

"As I predicted, you know what to say, Lena Adams." She says as I blush now and shake my head smiling.

"You don't think its obvious?"

"That what is obvious, my dear?" I feel her finger graze down my arm as she sits beside me.

"Well...us?"

"As far as I see it, Lena, we are co-workers, and I am a co-worker who sees that you are greatly undervalued. That's all. Now, I need to run an errand, but I need help with that. Care to join me?" I blush again as she gently grabs the paper and pad from me and writes down a list of things. "I need to purchase these items and need help. Please join me."

"I guess." I laugh as she smiles widely, and I follow her to her car as she gets in and we drive off.

Honestly, I am feeling a little upset about what happened in the conference room, but well, maybe I was making a big deal out of it. "Denni?

"Yes, honey?"

"Um, back in the conference room, you sort of put on the spot." I say as she turns to look at me and gently grabs my hand.