Chapter 10

Attractive artwork can breathe new life into a room. Framed photos will make a room look more contemporary.

Two days later, the art show opened, and a reception was being held that evening to honor the award winners. Damian Reynolds, the juror, had judged the artwork the day before and Anne Williamson had notified the winners. We were thrilled to learn that Nita had won an honorable mention for her photographs.

“I can’t believe my simple photos of Inky got an honorable mention.” Nita accepted the flute of champagne her husband Guido handed her. He leaned over and kissed her gently. “Your photos are great.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Nita. It took skill in getting such terrific photos. Of course, using my gorgeous Inky as your subject might have helped.”

Nita laughed. “Possibly. It’s hard to find a cat more beautiful than Inky.”

The room was jammed, but the crowd parted when Monica Heller entered. She radiated superiority. A tall swarthy man with long dark hair tied at the back of his neck accompanied her. As they walked by, Monica paused in front of us, like Queen Elizabeth stopping to talk to well-wishers in the crowd.

“Congratulations, Nita, on your little award,” Monica said.

Little award. I forced myself not to shake my head in disgust. Or curtsy. Would Monica ever change? “We didn’t see you at the Small Business Fair over the weekend, Monica,” I said.

She wrinkled her nose as though she smelled something bad. “Oh, my dear, no. I have more business than I can handle as it is. No need to drum up more.” She whisked a flute of champagne from a tray held by a passing waiter and walked away, never bothering to introduce the man with her.

I turned to Nita. “Did Monica enter anything in the festival? She knew about your award.”

Tyrone stopped chewing on the ice from his glass and pointed to the retreating figures. “She probably knows because of him.”

At my puzzled look, Nita added, “That’s Damian Reynolds, the artist—and Monica’s latest client. He bought a mid-century modern house near the campus, and Monica is helping him decorate it.”

“Is that what they call it now?” Mrs. Webster bit on an olive that was probably as sour as her feelings about Monica. “They looked a lot chummier than homeowner and decorator.”

“According to word at Vocaro’s, they’re together.” Tyrone took another mouthful of ice.

Between Tyrone and Nita’s hairdresser, we had the best sources of information in town.

A short while later, Anne Williamson thanked everyone for coming and introduced Damian Reynolds. After the applause died down, she thanked him for serving as the juror and handed him a gift-wrapped box. “A small token of our appreciation.” He placed it on the table behind them and took his place next to Anne for the awards ceremony.

Anne announced the winners in each category, and Damian presented envelopes containing cash awards to the recipients. With lots of Nita’s family present for the ceremony, the applause when she accepted her envelope was thunderous. I was thrilled for my friend, who deserved all the recognition she could get.

Nita’s joy of winning the award was obvious from her broad smile. “Can you believe it? I get money as part of the award.”

Later as everyone mingled, I bumped into Anne Williamson who was standing near her piece.

“Congratulations on your best-in-show award. Your piece is fabulous.” I sounded like a gushing fan, but I admired anyone who could paint such a beautiful and dramatic piece.

“Thank you. It’s one of my favorite pieces. It will be hard to part with it.”

“Does that mean you’ve sold it?”

“Let’s just say I’m entertaining offers.”

Damian Reynolds, holding a champagne flute in his hand, walked up to the piece. He studied it for a long time and then moved closer as though memorizing every brushstroke. When he walked away, I turned to Anne. “I wonder what they look for in a piece when they judge the different categories? He certainly admired your piece, giving it best in show. High praise coming from a famous artist.”

“Yes, it was quite an honor,” Anne said with a huge smile. “I think this deserves another glass of champagne.” With that, she went in search of a waiter.

Mrs. Webster, who had been standing nearby, stared at the painting. “All that money for a painting.” She continued studying it.

“You are so entranced by it, perhaps you should put in an offer for it.” I leaned over to take a close look.

“If I had that much money, I could pay for Tyrone’s next year of college.” She shook her head. “There’s something about that painting.”

“It’s definitely mesmerizing.”

Nita came up from behind us and pointed toward Damian who was talking to Guido. “Quite a handsome guy. I predict every young woman at the college will become infatuated with him before the end of the summer semester.”

“Too handsome for my taste.” I finished the remainder of my drink and looked around for a place to put my empty glass.

“I know—you and your belief that handsome men are trouble. In this case, you may be right.”