Falling Fast :: H.S.

Chapter 5 : art show

Did I choose the right outfit? Will I stand out enough or too much? Do I look professional? Will anyone even buy my art?

My mind races as I chew my lip. I stare up at the large building, people walking from their cars and inside the bright entrance. I can't get myself out of my car. I'm scared. Nervous. Everything. Too much. I don't know if I can do this.

My phone ringing shocks me from my thoughts as I see it's Anastasia.

"Hey-"

"Darling! People are asking about you! Please tell me you're on your way!"

"I actually just pulled in, I'm on my way inside now," I try to keep my voice from sounding shaky but I don't think I did a good job.

"Is everything alright?"

"Just really nervous."

"Don't be love, two of your paintings have already sold! Now get in here and mingle! You've got this!"

"Thank you, I'll be right in," I hang up, almost in shock. My butterflies feel like lions roaring inside of me.

I am not going to let myself hold myself back anymore.

My feet hit the pavement before I take a few deep breaths of the night air. I make my way inside, trying to keep my anxiety from making me run away.

Once I reach the front I step inside to see a marvelous art gallery with my art and others hung everywhere, almost like a museum. A lump grows in my throat. This is my dream. This is real life. How is this happening to me.

"Ah! There you are, dear! Looking stunning!" Anastasia rushes over to me and brings me into a large embrace. Her being smells of a beautiful floral scent.

"Thank you, you as well," I complement before she grabs a glass of champagne for me from a passing waiters tray.

"I must introduce you to a few people," she smiles brightly.

A few hours pass, and I feel as if my life has turned into some kind of movie. I meet so many amazing artists and people who want to learn about me and my art.

I dont know when people buy my paintings as they aren't supposed to share that information with me while the night is still ongoing. I have fifteen frames up tonight, and I'm really hoping to at least sell four. But who knows, maybe the two is all I will sell.

"Hello love."

"Harry?" I almost choke on my champagne as I turn to see him standing before me. A smug smile across his cheeks.

"The one and only."

"What are you doing here?" I as in shock as he brings me into a hug.

"I wanted to come see you. See your work in action," he replies as he gives me a gentle kiss to the forehead.

"Thank you so much. I didn't expect you to be here. I'm sorry. I am so happy you're here, though," I smile, realizing that his presence makes me feel safe. The nervous and anxiousness I've had all night almost seems to leave my body as I stare into his green eyes.

"Anything to make you happy."

I introduce him to a few people as I am pulled away a few times to talk about my art to potential buyers. His eyes follow my every move, his smile bright as he listens to me engage with the strangers amongst us.

"You're a natural," he complements as we step outside for some fresh air.

"Really? Because I feel like an elephant is standing on my chest," I groan as I take a deep breath, making him laugh.

"Don't be anxious, love. This is clearly what you were born to do. Share art with the world. You, yourself, are a fine piece of work," he winks making me playfully push his chest. "Come here."

"Thank you so much for coming," I mumble into his chest as he holds me tightly in his arms. He gently rubs his fingers along my back helping my muscles relax.

"I wouldn't want to miss it for the world," he says as he again kisses my forehead before slowly bringing our lips together.

The sounds of the city seem to disappear as all I can feel are his lips on mine, the sound of our hearts beating, his scent. His being engulfs me in a state of completeness. I feel whole when I'm with him. Like he is the key to the lock inside. The lock to my bad emotions as his mer presence melts them away.

"You should get back inside," his lips part from mine making me whimper sadly at the short exchange of affection. "There is plenty more where that came from. Now go miss artist."

The night comes to an end as I and the other artists stand at the front doors thanking everyone as they leave. Once the building is empty Harry takes my side.

"Celia! Darling!" Anastasia's voice calls out from the distance and I see her walking towards us.

"Hello. Anastasia this is my friend Harry. Harry this is Anastasia, this is her gallery," I introduce them and he shakes her hand politely.

"Lovely to meet you."

"Ah, british? You've got yourself a tall drink of water," she winks at me making me blush a little, Harry's arm now around my waist.

"How did everything go?" I ask as she says goodbye quickly to the other artists already leaving.

"I will get back to you on Monday about what all sold and your paycheck as well. I'll call you first thing in the morning. Get yourself home and relax, you deserve it."

"Thank you, ma'am. Have a wonderful night," I say goodbye as Harry and I make our way to my car.

"I may have a sugar mama now, huh?" Harry teases as we stop next to my car.

"Don't get too carried away."

"I really like you, Celia," he smiles in his cute, shy way. I absolutely love his facial expressions and his goofiness.

"I really like you too," I blush as he slowly steps into me, my back pressing against my car.

My breath catches in my throat as he puts one arm up to rest next to my head, pinning me against my driver's door. His lips meet mine as I tangle my hands in his shirt, his free hand now caressing my hip, pulling me tightly into him. My hands move up to his neck as our kiss gets more heated. My fingers tug at his skin, our lips moving together effortlessly.

"Will you come home with me tonight?"