‘I want to set up an exhibition for her.’
‘Ah, I see.’ Charlotte smiled back at him. ‘That’s the real reason you invited me here tonight. You want me to use my contacts to get her some exhibition space?’
‘Oh, you got me there.’
‘I might be able to do that. I’d have to see her work first, though, to get some idea of the kind of space we’d need.’
‘Come round tomorrow morning?’
‘Says the man in a hurry?’
‘What’s the point of hanging around? I reckon she’ll be ready in about six weeks’ time — we need to do some editing and some reshooting, but that should be enough. So we could aim for early July?’
‘You’ll be hard pushed to get a venue so soon,’ Charlotte said, but then smiled at him. ‘But I’ll come round in the morning to have a look. It will have to be first thing, though, I’ve got an appointment at ten.’
‘That’s fine.’ Daniel raised his glass to her.
* * *
‘Hiya, I’ve brought coffee and croissants,’ Anna called out happily as she nudged open the door to the studio. ‘Oh!’ She stopped short at the sight of Daniel and Charlotte huddled by the Mac that was used for editing. When they both turned to face her, Anna tried to regain her composure and said, ‘Sorry, if I’d known, I’d have brought an extra coffee.’
‘Not to worry.’ Charlotte smiled at her. ‘I’ve got to dash soon anyway. We’ve just been looking at your work.’
‘Have you?’ Anna felt affronted that Daniel had sought to share her photographs with someone else without even consulting her.
‘Yes, they really are rather good.’
‘Thanks.’ Anna put the coffee and croissants down, no longer hungry.
Daniel looked at her, frowning. ‘Charlotte has lots of contacts in the art world and she’s agreed to find a venue for your exhibition. She wanted to get a feel for your style so that she could find a space to complement them.’
‘Oh, I see.’ She was slightly mollified at his explanation, but still wished he’d spoken to her first.
‘We were thinking in about six weeks’ time,’ Charlotte said. ‘So we need to start looking for a venue as soon as possible. They usually get booked up months, if not years in advance.’
‘Yes, I know.’ She was dumbfounded. This had all happened so quickly and, because it had been taken out of her control, made it feel a little surreal and actually very scary. She turned to Daniel. ‘Do you think I’ll be ready so soon?’
‘Of course you will,’ Daniel replied, smiling confidently at her.
She suddenly felt lightheaded and clutched a table to steady herself. She’d waited so long for this moment, but it was nothing like she’d expected it to be.
‘Are you okay?’ Daniel looked concerned.
‘Yes, I’m fine.’
Charlotte looked at her watch. ‘Well, I must get going.’ She picked up an oversized Armani handbag and stood up. After giving Daniel a peck on the cheek, she turned once more to Anna. ‘Your work is really good, you know. I’m sure you’ll be a hit at your exhibition.’
‘Thank you.’
And with that she swept out of the studio, leaving a waft of Coco Chanel in her wake.
Anna watched her leave, still unable to move.
‘Ah, you sure you’re okay?’ Daniel asked again, frowning.
‘I’m fine.’ She forced a smile. ‘It’s just a bit of a shock, that’s all.’
‘What’s a shock? The exhibition?’
