In the Moment

I used to bake when I had so much on my mind that I needed to have something that was exact. Baking for me is an exact science.

Walking into the kitchen Avery shakes her head, "I still think that you should do this full time." I hear her teasing tone as she circles around it like a shark. Stopping to wrap her arms around you, "Tell me all about your masterpiece." "It is a triple tier marbled chocolate cake. With three layers of whipped buttercream frosting on each tier. First dark chocolate, second milk chocolate, and third even though it technically is not a chocolate. It would be white chocolate. On top is a mixture of berries and Gladiolus. The mixture of the red, white, lavender, rose and peach colors of the Gladiolus just made it pop with the berries plus their taste is fairly neutral so if people take them off or leave them on it will by no means affect the flavor.” I shrug my shoulders, for me it makes sense. Turning she kisses my forehead, “It’s beautiful Syd and my bet is that everyone will be standing in line to taste it.” “We should go and get ready. For your event.” “After you."

A year and a half ago

I had just gotten out of a four year relationship. It ended with cheating on his part. The crushing feeling that came after led me to question everything that I liked.

After a year and several tattoo’s later my best friend Jason invited me to an event at an art gallery that I loved. Him being in PR got him into parties, events, shows and so on. I needed to get out, so why not go.

The event was small, showcasing an artist you had never heard of, waiters passed with flutes of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Moving from each piece you studied them intently. Tilting your head your eyes trace the brush strokes of the piece. The color blending and mixture was something that takes my breath away.

Feeling the body heat of someone next to you the voice was deep, alluring, intoxicating, “This one has seemed to capture you.”

Turning my stomach fills with dragons not butterflies. Green sunflower eyes look into mine. It was as if I was seeing a star bursting to life in the depths of the universe. The edges of her corneas were a deep Prussian blue, turning into a deep Jasper green with swirls of electric green. The copper around her pupils is what caused me to swallow hard.

The way it burst out from them, it looked as if a sun had been placed there. Her height matches your own at five-ten. Finally pulling myself out of the hypnotic spell she has me under, I nod. “This artist is very talented.” Giving you a soft smirk you both turn back to the painting, “May I ask what makes you say that?” “A lot of things. Their use of color, brush strokes and movement of the lines takes you deep into it. It is curiously intelligent and vividly startling. It holds an almost ancient feeling.” “Wow, are you an art critic?” “No, I just enjoy it.” “Do you come here often?” You both look at each other bursting into laughter.

A waiter passes allowing my stomach to make itself known. Reaching out she places her hand on my forearm, “I think that you might need a whole tray.” Her smile lets you know that she was teasing. Biting my bottom lip I smile, “I tried the hor d'oeuvres.” “And?” “I should probably finish seeing everything and then go get something.” “You refuse to say that the food is bad?” “Someone worked very hard to prepare it and people are enjoying them. I mean the flow of waiters is pretty constant in and out of the kitchen.” “I hear that the bistro around the corner is pretty good.” “I have heard that as well.” “Would you like to go and get a bite and then come back?” Her hand is still gently resting on my forearm again. I feel the pull towards her. Nodding in response her eyes light up.

Her hand drifts down to mine, her fingers drift slowly over mine. Then I hear Jason’s voice, “Syd, I see that you have met Avery.” “Yeah, I have.” “Her stuff is great. I mean when I found her at the farmers market selling her smaller ones I knew. Avery I need to steal you away, we have buyers lined up and some are double lined. I bet that we can start a bidding war.” He says as he wiggles his eyebrows. “I was going to take a breather. Can they wait?” “Avery, if we start selling now news will spread like wildfire. I mean we have east coasters here. This could be huge for you.”

Looking at her I see her conflict. Softly brushing my fingertips across her palm I give her a soft smile and a nod, “Okay, I guess I will go chat with the east coasters.” It hurts it shouldn’t but it does. Jason hugs you tight, “Go get some food you will actually eat.” Laughing, I nod as he pulls her towards a group around one of her pieces. She turns to look at me, with her brow furrowed she disappears into the crowd.

Three weeks passed. Keeping myself busy with work keeps my mind from drifting back to Avery. Her show is a hit. People line up early in the morning waiting for the gallery get a glimpse. I had had lunch with Jason several times since that night. He mentioned her, so I asked. Walking out of my office I wander through the bistro’s kitchen. It is busier than usual. Marcus, your front of house manager. Told you that the wait most days was over an hour and a half. It had increased by forty-five minutes since Avery’s exhibit had opened.

Watching for a few minutes, full plates go out and empty plates return. My chief Alexandra smiles, “Your recipes are the talk of the city.” “I highly doubt that.” “Doubt it or not, they are. When is the V.I.P. group arriving?” “They will be in at nine.” “Are you taking care of them or is Marcus?” “He is. I will only be letting them know that he will take care of them.” “Do you know who they are?” “No. I honestly don't care.” “Okay, now get out of my kitchen you are messing with the flow during our lunch rush.” Holding my hands palm up I turn walking back to my office.

It’s nine-fifteen you watch as the drink orders are being made. The last one is placed on the serving tray, Ifollow Marcus out. Leading me to the far end of the table my heart stops, “Avery this is Sydney Case the owner of the restaurant and also is the extraordinary mind behind our dishes. Sydney, this is Avery Karter, she has an exhibit at the gallery around the corner.” Extending my hand she takes it, her eyes never leaving mine. “If you need anything Marcus will take care of your group. We have prepared some dishes that are not on the menu but we hope that you will enjoy them. Please, enjoy yourself and have a fun evening.” Not waiting for a reply, I smile, turn and walk away.

Rubbing my hands against my temples I close my eyes as I pace through the greenhouse that encloses the restaurant's rooftop. Opening them I walk to the side wall sliding down. Hearing the front entrance open and shut. I take in a deep breath before standing. I begin to brush the gravel off my jeans, “I know Marcus. I am heading back down to apologize.” “Why don’t you just do it now?”

Feeling her voice coursing through me. I meet her eyes, my voice is soft, “I am truly sorry. The way I acted was completely unacceptable. I will let Marcus know that the drinks are on us for everyone in your group.” In a few strides she is in front of me, “What changed? One moment we are planning to come here and then bam you are gone. I saw it in your eyes and I know that you saw it in mine.” “You had buyers. I didn’t want to stand in your way. I mean you are the one everyone is talking about right now. The up and coming artist. The next name to be heard around the world.” “They are talking about my art, not me.” I watch the fire dance in her eyes, the edge creeping into her voice. “Then who are you Avery? If your art is not an extension of who you are then what is it?” “It’s the part of me. The part that no one else cares to see. I am someone who is mesmerized by the pair of glacial blue eyes that look into mine, keeping me in the moment instead of thinking of the ones that lay ahead or the ones left behind. I want to know who you are Syd.” Leaning forward I kiss her softly, being pulled in as she responds, I pull back. Moving around her I walk to the entrance looking back I see the stunned look on her face, “Have fun on the east coast.” Lacking the courage to stay, like a coward I leave.

Hearing a knock on my office door frame I smile as Jason walks in. Although I tilt my head when I see a very large art portfolio case hanging from his shoulder, “What’s in the bag?” Letting out a deep breath he sits across from me, “You know that when I sent her here for her last meal before she left, my hope was that you two could figure out things. She asked for everything that I knew about you. Every time I talked with her. I could see it in one look, you both had found your person.” Standing he places the portfolio on the desk. “Open it.” I stand opening it slowly feeling my stomach twisting in knots. I know what it is. Looking at the painting I close my eyes. Feeling his hand gently squeeze my shoulder, I open them. “A car and ticket are waiting outside for you, if you are willing.” Handing him my keys he smiles, “Take it to my house please?” “Go.”

Her exhibit opened two weeks ago. The gallery was smaller in a sleek building featuring new artists. Jason had assured me that she would be there. It is close to closing when I hear the sound of heels on the marble floor. Knowing that I screwed up, missed my chance. I turn running right into the person. On instinct I reach out for them to keep both of us from falling. I feel myself shaking as I meet her eyes, “Hey.” Leaning in her lips brush mine, “Took you long enough.” “I know.” It is the only thing you say before she kisses me.

Present Day

Taking off her heels as she walks over to me she smiles as she sits down at the empty table in the now empty gallery next to me. “Tell me why I do this again?” “You are talented, you love it and your work is selling for an amount that is outrageous but still not worth as much as you are.” “Sweet talker. I see that your delectably sinful chocolate cake is gone. I wish that I had been able to get away for a moment to have some.” Wiggling my eyebrows I pull up two pieces from the seat on the other side. Setting the chocolate cake in front of her, “Good thing I plan ahead.” “A very good thing.”