Man to Man
“Hello, may I have everyone’s attention please,” everyone directs their attention to middle of the floor. “Welcome to our 23rd annual Artis et Operis Gallery showcase!” Shoot, it’s about to start, Timothy please get Lola back in here soon.
Lola looks at the top of the stairs and see Eric standing there holding a bouquet of flowers. “Eric? What are you doing here?” Lola says in shock. “Well, I knew tonight was your showcase, I wasn’t going to miss your big night,” he says giving her the flowers. “Thank you, they’re beautiful,” she says smelling them. “Oh! Sam, this is Eric, Eric this is Sam, he’s actually the reason why I fell in love with art, he’s an amazing artist.” The two men look at one another, and then smile and shake hands. “Nice to meet you Sam,” Eric says, “pleasure,” Sam replies. Timothy steps outside, “Um, I’m sorry to interrupt, Lola it’s about to start, they’re going to be introducing you momentarily.” “Oh shit! I was so distracted by everything going on, I totally forgot! Gentleman, please excuse me I have to go get ready, but I’ll see you both inside okay,” she says rushing inside.
Eric and Sam watch as Lola disappears into the building, neither uttering a word. Once she is out of sight, they look at one another with discernment, “so, when you said you knew someone who worked at the gallery, I assume you meant Lola right?” Sam asks, “that’s right. And you and Lola know each other from?” “College; at an art showcase nonetheless.” “I see.” Eric says. “And what is your relationship with Lola exactly, if you don’t mind me asking?” “I don’t, but that is a question you’d have to ask her Mr. Guevara.” “Hmm. Why didn’t you tell her?” “Tell her what exactly?” “That we’ve met before,” “Why didn’t you?” Eric asks. They look at each other for a moment in silence, “Well then, we don’t want to miss her big moment, do we? Eric says walking back to the doors, “I’ll see you inside then.”
Timothy and Lola make their way to Stephanie just in time, “Oh thank goodness, you made it. Ms. Allard is almost done introducing the new exhibits, you’ll be on next.” “Okay, oh, is it bad that I’m nervous?” Lola says fanning herself, “girl, you got this. You worked too damn hard to be nervous. You better strut and let these people know who created this!” “Guys, I could not have done any of this without you, thank you both so much,” she says giving them a hug. “Oh, what happened with Eric, were you able to find him?” Timothy looks at Stephanie and covers his face. “Huh? You were looking for Eric?” Lola asks, “no, not necessarily, I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t looking for you…” “What do you mean? Everything’s all good, he found me outside while I was talking to Sam.” Both Timothy and Stephanie look at her with straight faces, “what? It’s not like… Oh shit… That’s not good,” “not at all” Timothy says as Stephanie shakes her head. “I didn’t even… I mean it’s not like Sam and I have anything going on, and I doubt he has felt anything in years; plus, the last time I saw him, he was on a date with another woman,” “Gasp, no he was not!” Timothy exclaims, “yeah, but its whatever, it’s been years since him and I had even seen each other so I didn’t expect that to not happen… I mean at first yeah it bothered me a little bit, but like I said, it had been three years since I’ve seen or heard from him, so he was bound to find someone else.” “Right, just like you found Eric,” Timothy says, “right, yes exactly, and I’ll just explain to him that tonight was mess and he’d understand, right?” “And now, without further ado, the women who made this year one of the best thus far, Ms. Lola Spears!” “Well, now isn’t the time to think about that, you’re on!” Timothy says pushing her away.
As Lola makes her way through the crowd, she see’s Eric on one side of the room, and Sam at the bar, both looking at her with smiles on their face, cheering her on.