The Masterpiece (Work of Art #3) Read online

  Luckily, it’s just a short drive to their offices. They’re located in a retro building on a street that’s home to production offices, shooting stages, and recording studios. I’m a few minutes early, so I sit in my car, trying to calm myself before going in.

  The receptionist is impeccably dressed, her pale skin startling against her jet-black hair.

  “You’re here to see Travis, Ms. Jacobs?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll let him know you’re here.”

  I sit down in the reception area and pick up one of the production magazines on the fancy coffee table. The custom-designed table reminds me of a Mondrian painting. It’s a combination of various rectangular shapes of thick black metal bars with shapes painted with primary colors.

  I hear the music pumping through the sound system and wonder if this is a fun place to work.

  “Ava, they’re ready,” the girl says, and I follow her down a hallway with large posters of their various productions framed on the wall.

  “Here you go.” She points into the office, and I step through the door. I’m surprised to see not just Travis, but three other people waiting for me inside, and they all stand to shake my hand.

  “Ava, do you remember Sonja from the ArtOneWorld party? She’s our director of development,” Travis says.

  I shake her hand.

  “I don’t believe you met Ben Silverstein who’s head of operations, and Seth Kirkland, VP of production.”

  After shaking hands, we all sit down.

  “Sorry to take you by storm like this. But we’re under a crunch with the network and things are moving very fast.”

  “No problem. I’m intrigued. What’d you want to talk about?”

  “Have you seen any coverage of your time in Spain?”

  “Coverage? No, I haven’t seen it yet…Why?” I’m confused. So, they’ve watched the footage from Spain.

  “They must have quite a PR team at the museum. They had you and Caswell portrayed like the royal couple of the art world. It’s not just Caswell; you’re known over there now too.”

  I blush and have to stop myself from downplaying the attention we received. “The whole experience was amazing.” This isn’t the time to be modest.

  “Well, Bill, the head of ArtOneWorld, saw the footage and is convinced that you’re a star in the making.”

  “Really?” I’d be amused, but they all seem very serious.

  “He wants you…and we all agree you should be part of our team. Are you ready for your life to change, Ava?”

  “Part of your team? What do you have in mind?” My mind races, trying to understand what they want.

  “We want you to star in our new show, ArtOneWorld Presents: The Artist Revealed. And it’s the show we’re most excited about for our launch lineup.”

  I’m completely stunned. I can only imagine the look of shock on my face. I take a deep breath and try to control my inner hysteria. The first words to slide out of my trembling mouth sound surprisingly calm.

  “Wow, I’m very flattered. But, why me?” Surely my lack of experience worries them. There must be better candidates.

  Sonja jumps in. “Well, we understand how sudden this must seem to you, so if I may, I’ll explain how this came about. We’ve had this show in development for well over a year. We already had commitments from a number of fantastic artists, but we just couldn’t find the right host. It seems that anyone we found who had the right amount of knowledge about contemporary art, along with a foundation of art history, was completely flat on camera. We tested over thirty people, many of them very well respected in the field. And of course, there’s a wide selection of personalities who can make a good interviewing host, but they didn’t have the knowledge to pull off informed and relevant conversations with the artist.”

  “Exactly,” Travis adds before Sonja continues.

  “This concept is about approachability—creating an opportunity where Joe Average can spend a day with the artist in their studio, hanging out, and watching how they spend their time. It’s a chance to see how the artist’s mind works outside the formal interview setting. The idea for the host’s role is a back-and-forth impromptu conversation with the artist…not a format where a host would be checking off a list of prewritten questions.”

  Seth jumps in. “So, when your footage with Caswell came to our attention, we got very excited. We needed to know, though, that the dynamics of that interview weren’t reliant solely on your obvious chemistry with Caswell. So, when we set up the Andrea Altman shoot, we purposely picked one of the most reclusive, challenging artists to interview.”

  “And you gave us a home run,” Sonja states firmly.

  “You have everything we want: you’re very attractive and appealing on camera, you have a fresh and fun point of view, and you have all the education and knowledge of art that makes you believable,” says Seth.

  “The demographics are perfect. And you’re the perfect blend of relatable versus aspirational,” Sonja adds.

  “Aspirational?” I ask.

  “Yes, it’s not just that people will like you, they’ll want to be you. You tested extremely high in our focus groups.”

  Wow…focus groups? The seriousness of this hits me again.

  “So, Ava,” Travis says dramatically. “Are you ready to be the host of the coolest show ever produced in this genre? Are you ready to be the media darling of the entire art world?”

  I stare at Travis for a moment, trying to reformulate every idea I’ve had of him. Clearly, he had me in mind for this early on and has studied my every move to see if I could handle it. My instincts tell me that no matter what hesitation and insecurities I have, I need to serve my response up in the right way.

  “Yes! I’m stunned, but I am beyond thrilled to have this opportunity. I’m very honored to be chosen for such a great concept.”

  “That’s just want we wanted to hear. This is great…very exciting,” Ben confirms, clapping his hands together. “So, if you don’t have a lawyer or agent, you need to get one immediately. Our lawyers will be presenting a contract by early next week, and we want this wrapped up as quickly as possible.”

  Wow, this is moving at the speed of light.

  “I’m going to need to talk to my current boss. What kind of timing are we looking at?”

  “Yes, there’s a lot to take care of so that you can be clear and focused. You’ll need to be prepared. The shooting schedule will be intense. Up to six days a week and long hours. And we’d like to go into production in six weeks,” Seth says.

  Six weeks? Good God. “Okay,” I say, trying to keep the shaking out of my voice.

  Travis nods and gives me a smile. “Oh, and there’s one other important detail.”

  “Yes?”

  “You’ll need to relocate for at least a year. I hope you like The Big Apple. The first season will be shot in New York.”

  Chapter Eight / The Minefield

  Those who expect moments of change to be comfortable and free of conflict have not learned their history.

  ~Joan Wallach Scott

  New York? I’m moving to New York? The lights in the room suddenly seem brighter, every color in the room more vibrant.

  A thrill shoots through me. I’ve always wanted to live in New York City, and now the opportunity is handed to me on a silver platter. I picture the skyline in my head, but then Max’s face settles over the picture and my heart freezes. This news will not be well received by my man—of that, there’s no doubt.

  One year’s forever and yet it’s a blink of an eye. Is there any way I can convince him to come with me? He’s told me before he’d never live in New York again. Our love has never been stronger, but can it survive a year of being in a long distance relationship? Can I even bear the idea of being away from him that long?

  As my thoughts shoot around like the silver ball in a pinball machine, I’m reminded of the primary subject of this meeting: the new job, the unbelievably fantastic and thrilling new job. T
he idea of having this type of experience with so many important artists is almost more than I can comprehend. I picture myself on a TV screen with the words hosted by Ava Jacobs underneath. It’s like some crazy fantasy the teenage version of me would have spent endless hours daydreaming about before real life kicked the naïveté out of me. The resulting feeling of bewilderment astounds me.

  Travis clears his throat, and I’m pulled back into the present company. “Well, Ava, you certainly have a lot to think about. I sincerely hope you decide to take this. Think of it, you’ll be able to work with some of the most significant and interesting artists alive, and you’ll make an important place for yourself in the art world. You’ll even have the opportunity to do some of the writing for the show. I’m sure once you and your agent weigh it all out, there’s no way you’ll turn it down.”

  “I can’t imagine turning down the chance of a lifetime,” I agree.

  We all say our goodbyes, and I head to the reception desk. By the time I get to my car, I realize that I don’t even remember walking out of the building. Once inside, I pull out my cell phone and cradle it in my hand. Who should I call first? Max is the obvious choice, but I also know this is a conversation we have to have in person, after I’ve gotten my thoughts straightened out.

  He’s going to be upset, and I need to be centered and calm to convince him how it can all work out. Riley and Brian will both be personally affected by my leaving our work and home situations if I take this job, so I doubt they can be completely objective. Calling my practical and supportive Jess becomes the best choice. She picks up the call right away.

  “Hey, Ava, what’s up?”

  “I was wondering if I could come over? I really need to talk to you. Are you free?”

  “Sure. I’ve been fighting with this painting for hours and I think the bastard’s won. I’ve given up on it, so I have all the time you need. Laura’s on a three-day shoot and it would be good to have the company.”

  When I arrive, Jess is still in her studio, looking through her reference books. There’s a large canvas on her huge wooden easel, but she’s turned the entire thing toward the wall, so she doesn’t have to look at it. The painting really must’ve pissed her off. I know better than to ask to see it.

  Billie Holiday’s playing on the sound system, and as I settle onto the velvet chaise lounge, I look up at the ceiling. Christmas lights are strung over the ceiling and give the room an ethereal glow.

  “So?” she asks, as she sets down her book and rolls over to me on her drafting chair.

  “You are not going to believe this.” I fold my arms over my chest.

  “What did art boy do now? Did he have another jealous rage? He better get a handle on that shit before you move in.”

  “No, this isn’t about him. I just got the most unbelievable job offer. I’m frankly still in shock.”

  “Really? I didn’t even know you were looking?”

  “I wasn’t. They came to me…they want me. I still can’t believe it.”

  “Okay, you’ve got me intrigued. What is the job, Miss Yes, I’m all That?”

  “You know that new network, ArtOneWorld? They have a show they’ve developed called The Artist Revealed, and they want me to be the host!”

  Jess’s jaw drops. “Wait a minute…did I just hear you right? You’re going to be the host of a TV show about artists?”

  “That’s correct.”

  “Oh, my God, Ava, that’s awesome!” Her high-pitched yell almost knocks me off the velvet cushion I’m perched on. She jumps up and scoops me up in her arms.

  “Baby, you’ve hit the big time! My little girl is going to be famous and hanging with the hoi polloi of the art world. I’m so thrilled for you!”

  There’s a weight and honesty to her words, and her pleasure in my success is purely selfless.

  “Thanks so much.” I give her a big smile, but twist my hands nervously.

  Her eyebrows knit together. “What is it, girl? You look torn about something. Is there a problem with their offer?”

  “There’s a problem all right. The job’s in New York. I’d have to relocate there for a year.”

  Her expression falls as she gasps. “Max. Have you told him yet?”

  “No, I literally just left the meeting. I don’t know how I’m going to tell him. He’ll freak out.”

  Jess paces from one end of her studio to the other. “Yes, he’s going to freak. He’s going to have to figure out how to deal with it. This will be a real test for you guys.”

  “What if he can’t deal with it? What if it ruins our relationship?”

  “Look, I can stand here and be all cavalier and tell you if it ruins your relationship then you guys weren’t meant to be together. But that would be bullshit. Max is a different kind of relationship, and you knew that when you got involved. He needs you near him. If you leave, I’m not sure what will happen.”

  “This isn’t making me feel any better, Jess.”

  “No, but I’m serving it up straight, girlfriend. I care about you and I care about Max, and I wish there was an easy answer here.”

  “Well, I could just turn it down. That would keep things from changing.”

  “You wouldn’t do that, would you?” she asks pointedly, the feminist in her challenging me.

  “I can’t imagine turning it down. I wouldn’t expect him to do that for me, even if it meant keeping our relationship in this happy place.”

  “Ah, baby, and that’s where you’re wrong. You can’t take a moment in life where everything is great and freeze it so it stays the same. Things will keep moving and life will keep changing whether you want it to or not. You’ve been offered the opportunity of a lifetime, and now it’s between the two of you whether you take the job or not. It will always be there.”

  My heart swells with sadness. I curl forward, my face falling into my hands.

  “Being in love with Max has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I love him so much it hurts sometimes. I can’t imagine giving him up, losing him to a job. I just wish I could ask him to move there with me.”

  “Yeah, it sucks that he’s convinced himself he couldn’t work in New York. He says it every time we go there—something about the craziness of the city making him too nervous to focus. I think it’s the after-effect of his school experience.”

  “Yes, he’s told me he loves to visit, but would never live there again.”

  “Well, here’s another way to look at this. You know Laura and I watch that lifestyle cable channel once in a while. Well, there was this series they produced about lottery winners. One show we watched was about how winning the money had ruined these people’s lives. The other show was about people who had embraced the experience and were now living the lives of their dreams.”

  “And how does this apply to my job offer?”

  “You’ve been handed a fucking winning lottery ticket, Ava. What are you going to do, give the ticket back to them because your boyfriend may be uncomfortable with how things may change?”

  “Well, when you say it like that, it does sound ridiculous.”

  “It’s all about how you guys choose to handle this. Maybe this experience will teach you that you guys were great in the moment, but not meant for the long haul. And things will run their course.”

  I feel a surge of denial that this could even be a possibility.

  “On the other hand, if you two do have the future together we imagine, then this will teach you about weathering the challenges life throws at you. There’s something good about learning early on how strong you really are as a couple.”

  “Laura travels a lot, and you guys seem to deal with it.”

  “Yes, we do deal with it, and most of the time it isn’t a problem. You know how independent I am. But I’m not going to lie, there are times that I hate it, and I just want her here in my arms. If we have a kid, it will only get harder. About three times a year, I try to talk her into changing careers, but this is who she is…what she was
meant to do. We all have our destiny. This is yours.”

  The next morning at the gallery, I step outside during my morning break to make a phone call to Max’s dad.

  “If it isn’t the lovely Ms. Jacobs. What can I do for you, my dear?”

  “Hi, Mr. Caswell, I wonder if you could help me. I need to find a good entertainment lawyer slash agent and I have no idea how to do that. I normally ask Adam for such advice, but television production isn’t his world.”

  “Of course, sweetheart, hmm…I have just the guy. He’s young and charming on the outside, but tough when it counts, just like you. What, may I ask, is this for?”

  “I’ve just been asked to host a television show about artists, and I’m going to need help with the negotiations and contract.”

  “What did I tell you? I can always spot talent. Too bad they got you before I did.”

  “Yes, they certainly surprised me, and now the whole thing’s moving so fast, I hardly know what to do.”

  “Well, I’m happy to help you, beautiful. You can call me anytime. What does my son think about this?”

  “Well, I’m telling him about it tonight. You see, the job’s in New York, and he isn’t going to like that. I’ve got to break it to him easy.”

  He lets out a low whistle. “Uh oh. Knowing hot head, I’m sure he isn’t going to be happy. Yes, the easier you break it to him, the better. If he’s the asshole I’m expecting, call me, and I’ll straighten him out.”

  I pause, considering my next question, and I actually shock myself that I’m bold enough to ask it.

  “What if it were your woman going to New York for a job.” He and Max have more in common than either would ever admit.

  “Oh, no, that wouldn’t happen. I don’t do long distance. There are too many ways for things to go wrong. I doubt you’ll convince my son, but I wish you luck trying. Just be ready for anything.”

  I fear I’m doomed, and my heart sinks several notches lower.

  The rest of the day at the gallery is an exercise in restraint. I can’t tell anyone my exciting news yet, and I can barely handle my fear about how Max is going to react tonight. Luckily, Brian’s in Vegas, or he would sense my inner turmoil and drill it out of me. Everyone else is distracted and busy enough so my secret’s safe, and I get through the afternoon without coming apart at the seams.