Page 19 of The Artist's Rival

“I want to suggest to you a collaborative project that my gallery would host with pleasure,” he continues, “I propose a meeting tomorrow, if your availability would allow?”

Having settled the hour, they hang up. Ellie looks at the cooled down noodles with disbelief, giddy from excitement. She hopes that a new project will give her some new sense of direction, besides the obvious growth of her recognition. She paces around the studio, impatient for the following days, the mist of late evening darkness seeps into the room, prompting her to leave for home.

–

Next morning, she doesn’t hesitate for even a second to firmly step out of the bed. The meeting is supposed to take place at 11am, and she cannot even think of being late, a worry she likes to exaggerate, for she rarely ever is late, even a few minutes. The weather outside seems fresh and encouraging, finally allowing her to wear a dress. Paired with a vintage blazer, she looks feminine but powerfully professional. Her heavy gold jewelry ornaments her ears and neck, but her fingers are left free and agile. She’s not in the mood for rings.

For breakfast, she prepares only a light sandwich with cottage cheese and tomatoes, feeling too nervous to eat anything too heavy. Little crystals of salt catch the morning light beautifully, sparkling in her eyes.

On the way, she listens to some upbeat jazz music from a spring playlist she undug from piles of others for this occasion. The road is jammed per usual, but she truly has pools of time ahead of her, the clock displaying the blissful hour, 10:20.

–

She pushes the office door open and freezes in a trembling surprise.

“Good morning, Ms Matthews,” Kirsch says, inviting her to sit.

Opposite him sits Tatiana Khan. Hearing the surname, Tatiana hurriedly turns around, her shimmering copper red braid splendidly flowing with the motion.

“Hi, Ellie,” she says, seemingly surprised as well. “How are you doing?”

Ellie sits down, uncertain, remembering Tatiana crying out Ellie’s name as she came.

“Hi, Tatiana,” she says at last. She remains cool on the surface.

George Kirsch nods, content, apparently not expecting the two to know each other.

“Ah, I see that you two have already been introduced. Splendid,” he says, before taking a sip from his cup. “The gallery has been observing the work of both of you. We, I especially, consider the two of you visionary artists of our age. Many pointed out the similarities and the seeming sync in which your art flows, which prompted me to offer an exhibition combining your art. You would work together on whatever theme you’d like, the only condition being that you create it together. I can see such a collaboration attracting much attention.” He smiles, proud of the idea. “What would you say? How much time do you need to think?” he asks, looking from one to another.

No. Absolutely not. I’m not working with her. I hate her.

Ellie stirs on her seat. She was not expecting any of this to go the way it is going, but even though her emotions resemble a thunderstorm, her mind seems clear on the subject. Such an opportunity is certainly to be taken, no matter her personal feelings regarding Tatiana Khan. She swore to make her career as grand as possible, and she wasn’t going to step down now. She turns to regard Tatiana’s reaction.

Tatiana is knitting her brows together, a habit Ellie noted as frequent on her striking face. Her wide set brown eyes are enchanting. Ellie can’t help but note.

“I’m not so sure, our processes of creation seem to be very different…” she says carefully.

Ellie’s face heats up, determined not to lose the opportunity.

“Tatiana, we can make this work. I’m certain of it,” she says, as calmly as possible, not to seem desperate. Ellie knew she needed to take control of this. It was an excellent opportunity for both of them.

George Kirsch looks at his watch and back up at the artists.

“I suggest you talk it through and get back to me once you reach a consensus.” He looks at Ellie, “Counting on you, Ms Matthews.”

Getting out of the office, Ellie is upset to be reduced to the desperate one, having to convince Tatiana to participate. She would prefer to complete the project on her own, but the choice isn’t theirs, and she’s used to building with what she’s got.

Nearing the exit of the gallery, Tatiana unexpectedly turns to Ellie.

“To put it simply, because I want to be honest with you,” Tatiana begins, “the prospect of working with you makes me nervous. You seem to hold very different opinions, and you have made your distaste for my art clear, and that would not put me in the right mindset to express myself.” She exhales, visibly having thought these words through before.

Ellie stops, quite charmed by her openness.

“I get it. I understand,” she responds. Looking into Tatiana’s dark brown eyes makes her remember their hot and dirty fucking, causing something between her legs to stir. “But this is a huge opportunity for both of us. I’m sure we can find a way to collaborate, we can even agree on the vision and work entirely separately. But I need this, really. Tatiana, I do,” she finishes.

Like you needed my hand inside of you.

“Let’s get lunch,” Tatiana suggests and Ellie admires the sway of the younger woman’s hips. Tatiana is hot, all seductive curves and flame red messy hair and full sensual lips and Ellie hadn’t allowed herself to openly think that before.

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