Page 38 of Take Me Please, Cowboy
“I know.And I’m thrilled.I haven’t stopped smiling since I got your email.”
“We’ll want everything to hang a few days before the opening night reception, so have everything to us by the twenty-fifty, maybe?”
“Do you have an ideal number of pieces you’d like me to show?”
“It depends on the size of your canvases, but usually it’s anywhere from ten to thirty.I’ve found that we sell the large 24x36 works well, but you’ll want a variety of sizes as everyone has a different preference, budget, and display space.”
“Thank you,” Ansley said as one of the sales staff flagged Marcia for a call.“And I’ll see you soon.”
“Can’t wait to see what you bring us.”
Outside, Ansley sat in her car parked on Bozeman’s bustling Main Street, heart thumping, emotion sweeping through her chest.For years, she alone had believed in herself, and for years she had persisted at her craft even when her family suggested over and over that she get serious and buckle down with a real job.Painting was a hobby.She needed a real career.She needed to contribute to society.She had been given a good education and she needed to use it.
The comments and criticisms had hurt, but Ansley knew who she was, and she knew what she wanted and this show in three weeks was proof that she was on the right track.Her hard work hadn’t been in vain.One exhibit wouldn’t change the world, but it was a start to making the life she’d always dreamed of, the life where she could be creative and successful.
She’d have to call home and share the news with her parents, but before that, there was someone else she wanted to tell.Ansley pulled out her phone and studied it for a long moment before typing a text to Rye.I’ve had some exciting news and had to share.I’ve been asked to participate in a three-person exhibit at a prominent art gallery in Bozeman.It’s my first gallery show.I’m pretty excited.Just thought you’d want to know.
She waited a minute in case he answered.He didn’t.
She kept her phone on her lap while she drove back to Paradise Valley, but he didn’t call on the drive, or even while she made dinner, or did the dishes.
Turning out the kitchen light, Ansley told herself it was okay, that he didn’t have to call.He knew and that was enough.It had to be enough.Right then her phone rang.And it was Rye.
Blinking back tears, Ansley grabbed a coat from the hooks by the door and stepped outside to the covered porch to talk to him.“Hi,” she said, breathless.
“Is this a bad time?”
“No.It’s perfect.Just finished dishes.”
“How is your uncle?”
“Grouchy but fine.”
“Hope he’s not taking it out on you,” Rye said.
“No, and the Wyatts are being amazing.They’re coming every day to sit with him, letting me have some time to myself.”
“Good people.”
“Yes.”She drew a breath.“You saw my message?”
“I did.Congratulations, Ansley.I’m really happy for you.”
The warm sincerity in his voice made her exhale with pleasure.“Thank you.”She bit her lip, not sure if she wanted to cry or smile.She’d wanted so badly to hear from him and had been so afraid he wasn’t going to respond to her text.“How are you?”
“Good.And you?”he replied.
“Better now that you’ve called.”Her voice cracked and she fought to keep all the emotion in.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting.I was working earlier, and then trying to get on the road for Pendleton.”
She knocked away the tears and suppressed a shiver at a chilly gust of wind.“You’re driving now?”
“I am.Getting close to Sandpoint, Idaho.”
She glanced at her watch.It was almost seven.“How much farther do you have to go?”
“Another four hours or so.”
