Phoenix "Nix" Greer has only been an appraiser's apprentice for 2 weeks. She gets invited by her boss to attend a gala for a museum that is revealing their newest addition. While there, she meets an extremely handsome man, who says he and his associ...
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I never thought that I'd ever be able to attend one of these things. Artwork littered the walls and little cases spread out along the middle of the walkway. So many pieces of unique and priceless treasures displayed for those invited. Catering staff wrapped in white chef's coats carried trays of small hors d'oeuvres and flutes of champagne as they approached the other guests. My eyes scanned the area as I stood nervously to the side, champagne glass held tightly in my hand, silently appraising the others as well as the beautiful paintings and sculptures in my line of sight.
'Why am I here?' I kept asking myself that question since arriving. How is it that someone like me, an appraiser's apprentice, can attend this kind of event? I don't know that much about art. I've only just started to work for Mr. Williams. So, how did I end up here?
One week prior~~~
"Hey, Nix! You still with me?" Scott Williams, my mentor, waves his hand in front of my shocked face. Eyes focusing back on him, I stuttered. "I'm s- sorry. Could you repeat that, sir?"
"I said that I'd like you to attend this gala with me next Saturday. Strictly business. The museum is revealing their newest acquisition, which is supposed to be quite the find."
"Okay, but why are you bringing me as your plus one? Why not Sara, she's worked with you longer than I have." I am still quite shocked that he wants to take me.
"Sara is attending a wedding next weekend and this would also be a good opportunity for you. There will be paintings and sculptures and other pieces from which to gain more knowledge."
Mentally shaking myself, I smile brightly at Scott. "In that case... thank you for this opportunity, truly!"
He smiles back and pats my shoulder, "Great! I'll text you the information." And with that he walks away.
~~~Back to present
So, here I am. Awkwardly standing in the fanciest dress I own, feeling out of place among the beautiful art and people, waiting on my boss who was supposed to be here half an hour ago. Sighing, I check my phone again. 'Finally, wait what?!'
Mr. Boss Man 🎩: hey nix sorry for this... I'm sure you're already there but something came up that I can't get out of so I can't make it to the gala. I'm so mad that I won't be able to see the big reveal but yeah. You should stay though, enjoy the food and art and tell me all the cool stuff you see. Hope you have fun! I'll see you on Monday!
'What. The. Fuck?!' I don't know what to do as I start to panic. 'Okay, this is fine. You're fine. You got this. This is a big opportunity. You have no idea what you are doing, but that's okay. Just don't make a fool of yourself.'
I close my eyes and breathe deeply. Standing tall, opening my eyes, I nod to myself and start to walk around. I stop in front of one of the cases sitting in the middle and admire the piece that lies within. A beautifully crafted necklace and earring set. A large rectangle cut emerald with round diamonds forming a halo frame around it sits at the bottom with round bezel set emeralds in station style along the platinum chain. The earrings dangle in the same shape of emerald as the large pendant but without the halo and two round diamonds stacked on top of it.
