When I see a FaceTime call coming in at 9 a.m…
My heart drops into the pit of my stomach.
I was told this would be a phone call!
Mia
This can’t be happening!
I run over to my mirror and survey the damage.
My wet hair is in a towel.
I have on a pink fluffy bathrobe.
And my face is covered in a bright green hydrating mask.
The phone is still ringing.
I debate throwing it out the window.
But not answering this call isn’t an option.
As in, the CEO and Founder of the most prestigious art gallery in New York City.
His time is more valuable than my life.
So I rip the towel off my head…
Point the phone away from me…
The deep voice that responds is thick with authority.
Theo
I’m looking for Mia Hampton.
There’s a weighted silence.
Theo
Then why am I staring at a ceiling?
Mia
I wasn’t aware this was a FaceTime interview.
Mia
And I’m not exactly…umm…presentable.
Theo
Should we reschedule?
This time for a different reason.
I know that Theo Goodwin doesn’t give second chances.
Any aspiring gallery associate worth her salt knows that.
Mia
I’d still like to do this today.
Mia
I’m very interested in the position.
Theo
Well, I’m not doing this interview staring at a ceiling.
Theo
It doesn’t matter to me what you’re wearing.
Theo
I assure you, it won’t affect your chances one way or the other.
But since I don’t have a choice…
I slowly turn the camera toward me.
My God, he looks impeccable.
Dark hair with a perfect wave.
And a strong jaw that outlines a sinfully handsome face.
Though he’s only 29, Theo’s polished and sophisticated.
I give him an awkward wave.
I feel woefully inadequate.
He blinks twice, but his expression is otherwise blank.
Theo
Why does it look like the skin on your face is breaking?
I squawk with laughter, no doubt sounding infinitely worse than I look.
Mia
It’s an age-defying face mask.
Mia
It cracks like this when it’s ready to come off.
Theo shuffles some papers on his desk.
Theo
Your resume says you’re 22.
Mia
I like to plan ahead.
Mia
Never too early to prepare!
Mia
That’s what I always say.
He doesn’t look impressed.
It also looks like he never smiles.
He squints at something over my shoulder.
I turn and see it’s one of my paintings.
I’m about to say something, but he gets right down to business.
Theo
Tell me why I should hire you for the associate position at my gallery.
Was that even a question?
Then give him the answer I rehearsed.
Mia
I’ve been passionate about art my entire life.
Mia
And most recently, modern art.
Mia
It’s history in the making.
Mia
My grandmother was a collector.
Mia
I used to spend hours at her shop.
Mia
I’d stare at all the paintings and imagine the moments they were made.
Mia
What was the artist thinking when they chose a certain color?
Mia
Would I have picked the same one?
Mia
And as for the gallery associate position…
Mia
I’m really organized—
I make a sweeping gesture with my hand to emphasize my point…
And in the process, knock my scalding hot coffee into my lap.
I scream and drop the phone.
I stop myself just in time.
Cringing with pain, I pick up the phone from the floor.
Theo is staring back at me with one eyebrow quirked.
Mia
I just spilled coffee on myself.
I think I discern actual concern in his voice, but I can’t be sure.
Because the top of my legs are burning.
Theo
I’m going to grab some water.
Theo
Why don’t you take a moment to clean yourself up?
Theo
We’ll reconvene in 3 minutes.
I heave with embarrassment.
But I take the bounty for what it is.
I gently put the phone down…
Then leap off my bed and into the bathroom.
Throw on a bra and a sundress.
And put my wet hair in a low bun.
I’d love to put on some mascara…
Theo’s already waiting when I get back to the phone.
His eyes widen a bit when he sees me.
Then he clears his throat.
I’m not sure what that means…
But I decide to launch back into my main point.
Mia
And I have experience planning social events.
But he’s not paying attention.
He’s staring over my shoulder again.
At another one of my paintings.
Embarrassment rushes through me.
I never show anyone my work.
Let alone someone like Theo Goodwin.
Theo
Bring the phone closer to that painting behind you.
Mia
I made that one in high school.
Theo’s voice maintains its authoritative edge.
Ashamed, I bring the phone closer to it.
It doesn’t sound like an impressed “hmm.”
And isn’t that just wonderful?
Could this interview be going any worse?
I try to steer the conversation back on track.
Mia
So like I was saying…
Mia
I have experience planning major events.
Theo
What’s your favorite painting, Mia?
Theo
If you had to choose one?
I’m a little taken aback by the question.
But I don’t hesitate to answer.
Mia
Oh! It’s “The Kiss” by Marmot Channing.
Theo
I’m familiar with the painting.
Theo
Why is it your favorite?
It brings another one of my paintings into view.
And I see his eyes lock on it.
Mia
It’s hard to pinpoint the reason with words.
Mia
It’s more about the feeling I get when I see it.
Mia
So, the first panel of the painting is dark.
Mia
Just two strangers standing at opposite ends of a street.
Mia
Not looking at each other…
Mia
Not even aware the other person exists.
This time, I can tell he’s listening.
Theo
And the second panel?
Mia
Well, that’s the magical part.
Mia
And they’re staring at each other with stars in their eyes.
Mia
I always wonder what happened in those few hours.
Mia
What made everything change?
Mia
Can things like that happen in real life?
Mia
My imagination always runs away with the work.
I look down, a little embarrassed to be so vulnerable…
But I can’t seem to stop myself.
Mia
And that kiss that he’s about to give her.
Mia
You just know it’s going to be a good one.
Theo
Why do you think that?
Mia
The strokes of red evoke such strong emotion.
Mia
He’s cupping her jaw…
Mia
Staring into her eyes…
Mia
I refuse to believe it will be anything but spectacular.
Mia
How can it not be when it’s…
I pause searching for the right word.
I give him a genuine smile.
Theo
That painting is one of my favorites too.
Mia
I swear I didn’t read that anywhere!
Mia
I wasn’t saying that just to impress you!
I’m shocked to see the ghost of a smile on his lips.
Theo
I’m not sure I’ve ever publicly talked about it.
He looks down, and I take a moment to study him.
The only thing more unbelievable than his handsome looks…
Is the fact that I landed an interview at his gallery.
Theo
So why do you want to work at my gallery, specifically?
I decide to be completely honest again.
Mia
This gallery position is my top choice.
Mia
Because…I admire you.
Mia
I’ve been following your career for a while.
Mia
You’ve gotten where you are through hard work…
Mia
And your taste in art is exquisite.
Mia
Also, you notoriously treat your employees like gold.
Mia
What else could an artsy girl like me want in a job?
His lips definitely turn up in a smile this time.
Could I actually be turning this interview around?
His face turns serious again quickly, however.
Theo
Who is your favorite artist?
Mia
That’s hard to choose.
Mia
But I’ll go with Carvaggio.
He pulls his bottom lip between his teeth.
My eyes hone in on the movement.
God, doesn’t he know how distracting that is?
Theo
He was a controversial guy.
Theo
Do you like that his art broke boundaries?
Mia
What I like most is that he humanized the people in his paintings.
Mia
Beyond what was acceptable for his time period.
To my great delight, he laughs.
Did Theo Goodwin just laugh at my art joke?!
Maybe I am saving this interview after all!
We laugh together for a moment…
But then my hopes are immediately dashed.
Because what happens next is like a sword to the gut.
Another phone starts ringing in his office.
He looks at it, then curses under his breath.
Theo
It’s been a pleasure, but unfortunately you will not be an employee of my gallery.
Theo
My assistant Dasha will be in touch shortly.
I stand there, staring at the phone in disbelief.
Despite the rocky beginning…
I thought we were getting along.
And why is his assistant going to call me?
To give me the news in a more official manner??
Flooded with disappointment.
Another FaceTime call comes in.
Since my head is buried in a pillow…
It takes a lot of effort for me to lift it and see who it is.
I pick it up and give her a sad smile.
Mia
Don’t worry, your boss has already delivered the bad news.
Mia
I know I didn’t get the job.
Dasha
Yes. You didn’t get the job, but…
Dasha
You got an opportunity.
I pull myself off the bed.
Dasha’s eyes stare over my shoulder at one of my paintings.
Dasha
Wow! I can see why.
Dasha
Your paintings are amazing.
My heart starts beating rapidly.
Mia
Dasha, what are you saying??
Dasha
I’m saying that Theo loves your work.
Dasha
And wanted to show it in his gallery.
Dasha
He used the phrase “cutting-edge” and let me tell you…
Dasha
He doesn’t use that often.
Something this good can’t be happening.
Dasha
He also said you’ve got an eye for art.
Dasha
That you’ve got the gut instinct.
Dasha
Not just the analytical skills.
This is too good to be true.
Mia
But…my art isn’t good enough.
Mia
I gave up on that dream a long time ago.
Mia
I figured I’d just do the next best thing and work at a gallery or…
Her expression has my words trailing off.
Dasha
So do you want to tell Theo Goodwin he’s wrong?
Mia
Alright, you’ve made your point.
Dasha
Theo wants to discuss details tomorrow night over dinner at the gallery.
She must see the look on my face…
Because she gives me a conspiratorial smile.
Dasha
You’re 100 percent right, Mia…
Dasha
That’s not something that he does often either.
