Starlight

Chapter One

“Today is a big day for you Amaya. Second Gallery within the span of three years, that’s some achievement. But I always wonder, why the anonymity? Why did you choose me to be the face of your gallery?”

“You’ve always asked, and I’ve always told you. I choose to be anonymous because I don’t like all the attention that comes with popularity. The media, the Paparazzi’s, and people in general. I try to avoid them as much as I can. Especially now that this particular gallery is going to be the talk of the town, being the biggest and most sophisticated gallery in all of New York. You see, with you as the interim owner, I get to live a happy and peaceful life. You love the attention, I love the work. It’s a win win for the both of us if you ask me.” She said, taking a sip from the flute of her champagne.

“It’s a different thing to not want to have a media presence and it’s an entirely different thing to keep a secret from even the staff. No one knows you’re the owner. Everyone thinks of you as just an artist, whom I’ve known from childhood, that loves spending time here. Even when you paint, it is always an anonymous exhibition. People keep asking, and I keep telling them the same thing. Till when do I have to keep this secret? I want you to have the recognition you truly deserve Amaya. I really do.” Mason said, looking at her earnestly.

“The staff and everyone, I don’t trust to keep my secret. But you, I trust with all my heart. I happy seeing my achievement without being in the picture to receive the accolades. I’m happy seeing my art go places, and that’s all that matters to me. One day though, I’ll relieve you of the burden to keep my secret. I’m not sure when, but I promise you, I will.” She said, “if God grants me the strength,” she said under her breath.

“I’m not pushing you hun. I just want you to be truly happy. But if this makes you happy, then it’s fine by me”

“To you living the life, and me, being completely and absolutely anonymous.” She joked, as she raised a her flute for a toast, he clicked their glasses together, and they both laughed.

They stood there in silence, each with a thought in mind, as they watch distinguished people, from business men and women, to artists, and art lovers come into the gallery through the one way glass panel in the office.

Soon, their silence was cut short with a ding from Masons phone, signaling an incoming text message.

? ? Helena ? ?

It’s time, where are you?

_________________________________

“Alright hun. Let’s go do our thing, it’s time.” They dropped their glasses on the table, and walked out of the office. Mason walked towards some guests and Amaya disappeared into the crowd.