Under a Summer Sky--A Savannah Romance

by Melody Carlson

  As Ryan drove them to Lori’s house to pick up Bernie, Nicole had mixed feelings. Although she was glad to be getting Bernie back, she was somewhat sorry that her charade with Ryan was over. It had been fun playing his girlfriend. There had been moments, like when he’d thanked her for standing up to Alex for him, when she almost believed it was true. Or that perhaps it could become true. Although she knew better. That ship had probably sailed long ago . . . back when she’d snubbed him as a teen.

  21

  Bernie was thrilled to discover her mom had changed her mind. As Ryan and Nicole helped her gather up her things to take to her grandparents’ house, they both played down their conversation with her mom, simply saying that Lori had decided it was a good idea for Bernie to continue working at the gallery.

  “It’s just better for everyone,” Ryan said as he hoisted a full duffle bag over his shoulder. “What is in this anyway? Rocks?”

  “Just things I need.” Bernie handed a stuffed backpack to Nicole.

  Before long they were on their way, and Bernie, in an upbeat mood, chattered nonstop all the way there. “My friend Gina will be home by this weekend,” she said. “That’s earlier than they were supposed to come home. So if it’s okay, I might not want to work every day at the gallery. I mean, I want to spend some time with Gina, you know?”

  “Of course,” Nicole agreed. “This is your summer vacation. You should be free to enjoy it. I just hope you won’t mind keeping me informed of your whereabouts.” She glanced over at Ryan, suddenly feeling concerned about her new responsibility of parenting an adolescent. “I mean, when your dad’s not around. If he’s in town, I’ll just assume you’re reporting to him. Okay?”

  “Okay.” Bernie sounded a little uncertain.

  “I hope you’re taking what Nicole is saying seriously,” Ryan said. “I know you’re used to a certain amount of independence, Bernie. But you’re only thirteen. That means you’re still accountable to the adults in your life, even if your mom is kind of out of the loop. And if for some reason Nicole’s not around or your dad’s out of town, I want you to consider me as sort of an ancillary guardian.”

  “An ancillary guardian?”

  “I sort of promised your mom I’d help keep tabs on you, but I need your cooperation. Nicole and I both do. And so does your dad. Can you agree to this?” His tone grew serious. “If you can’t, I think the deal will be off. You’ll have to spend the summer with your mom.”

  “No,” she said quickly. “I can agree to what you’re saying, Uncle Ryan.”

  “Great.” His tone warmed up again. “I remember what it’s like to be a teenager. Sometimes you feel like you’re grown up enough to do what you want, even if the adults in your life don’t approve. But while you’re on Nicole’s watch, I’m sure you’ll want to do your best.”

  “Yeah!” she said. “Absolutely.”

  Nicole felt a small wave of relief, but she also knew that teens could be unpredictable. Hopefully Bernie would appreciate this opportunity enough to really want to toe the line. And if she didn’t, Nicole could at least count on Ryan for backup. That meant a lot.

  Nicole was glad that Bernie went to work with her the next day. First of all, it meant that she wouldn’t worry about the girl being home alone all day. It wasn’t that she thought Bernie would do anything wrong exactly. But being responsible for an adolescent was a little unsettling. Still, the main reason she wanted Bernie with her was because the girl could be sort of a buffer around Amyra. Nicole’s guess was that Amyra didn’t really want to offend Vivian’s only granddaughter, because she usually tried to be a bit more congenial when Bernie was around.

  Almost like it was choreographed, Nicole and Bernie quietly did their usual chores to open the gallery. Bernie started the coffee while Nicole turned on the lights and started the music system.

  Nicole had quickly acquired a sense of ownership of the gallery. It wasn’t that she felt she owned this business, it was simply that she cared. She wanted it to look shiny and clean, everything in its place—smelling good, looking good, sounding good. She wanted the Graham Gallery to welcome everyone who stepped through the door.

  “I made your coffee.” Bernie held a mug toward Nicole. “I think it’s how you like it.”

  Nicole took a sip and smiled. “It’s perfect. Thanks!” She glanced around the gallery with satisfaction. “I was just going over your grandmother’s notes this morning. We’ve got less than three weeks before the Collin Turner exhibition, which means I need to get some things done to prepare for it. So if you don’t mind being out here on your own, I’ll be in the office.”

  “I’m fine.” Bernie nodded.

  “Just call if you need help with anything.”

  Bernie frowned. “When does Amyra get here?”

  “Eleven.”

  “Yippee.” She rolled her eyes.

  “If she asks about me, just tell her I’m busy.” As Nicole went through the back room to the office, she knew she was treading on thin ice. She had no doubt that Amyra would resent her presence in the office. Ever since she had come to work here, Amyra had been territorial about the office space, acting as if it was her personal turf. Well, she was about to find out that wasn’t the case. Hopefully it wouldn’t get ugly. If it did, Nicole was prepared to assert her authority as manager. If necessary, she would suggest that Amyra seek other employment. She didn’t want it to go that way, but it might. And Alex would fully approve.

  Nicole had just started designing a flyer on the computer when Amyra stormed into the office. “What are you doing in here?” she demanded.

  “Working.” Nicole looked up from the desktop computer.

  “What is that?” Amyra tapped her finger on the computer screen. “The Turner exhibition? Who said you could—”

  “Vivian asked me to create flyers. It was on the list she made for me. She wanted the flyers to be posted around town at least two weeks before the event, and I thought Bernie could put some—”

  “I was going to design the flyer.” Amyra scowled.

  “Vivian asked me to do it,” Nicole said calmly. She nodded to the image she’d used for the flyer. “I think this Turner painting translates nicely onto—”

  “I don’t care what you think.” Amyra glared at her.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Nicole stood, looking directly at Amyra with a somber expression. “I really don’t want to have to let you go, Amyra, but if you keep questioning me about everything and continue to be so disagreeable, I don’t have a choice.”

  “You’re going to fire me?” Amyra narrowed her eyes. “Seriously?”

  “Vivian gave me the responsibility of managing the gallery for her.” Nicole picked up a loose business card from a ceramic bowl she’d set some in. “You can see it here. If necessary, you can contact Vivian to hear it from her. Or you can even call Alex if you like.” She pointed to a ledger on the desk. “By the way, Alex has been teaching me how to do the bookkeeping and payroll—”

  “You’re taking that over too?” Amyra’s anger seemed to morph into concern.

  “I hadn’t really planned on it. But Alex and I were both worried you might not be around, and it seemed like—”

  “You can’t just fire me, Nicole! I’ve been here for three years, and Vivian—”

  “As manager I can fire you,” Nicole said. “And Alex is not only backing me on this decision, he’s strongly encouraging me to do it.”

  “Alex has always hated me.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I—”

  “I do know about that!” Amyra looked so angry that Nicole felt a little afraid. “What you’re doing is wrong. It’s completely unfair.” She clenched her fists. “In fact, I think I’ll consult an attorney.”

  “Amyra.” Nicole shook her head. “That would be a waste of time and money. Vivian has given me the authority to hire and fire as needed. No lawyer would dispute that.”

  For a long moment, they both just stood there, eyes locked. But Nicole
was determined not to back down. Amyra needed to know who was boss. It was time.

  To Nicole’s surprise, Amyra’s eyes began to shine with tears. Was she about to cry? If she did, would Nicole cave?

  “I’m sorry this is so hard for you,” she said gently. “But I know Vivian wouldn’t approve of the hostile environment in her gallery. I’ve really tried to get along with you, Amyra, but you’ve made it just about impossible.”

  Amyra still didn’t say anything. Nicole couldn’t tell if she was going to explode in anger or burst into tears, but she braced herself as she waited.

  “So that’s it then?” Amyra demanded in an unsteady voice. “You’re going to just fire me? After all I’ve done for this gallery, you’re just kicking me to the curb?”

  Nicole sighed. “Like I said, I really don’t want to fire you. I just want our work environment to be less toxic. I can’t stand all this drama and hostility. Bernie doesn’t like it either. And like I said, Alex has urged me—”

  “Can you blame me for feeling angry?” Amyra’s voice lost its sharp edge. “You show up and everything changes. How am I supposed to feel? Vivian never even told me that you were going to be manager. It’s like I was totally blindsided. Do you even get that?”

  Nicole softened. “I can see how that would be frustrating. But you have to see that the way you’ve treated me goes way beyond what’s acceptable in the workplace. You’re not stupid, Amyra. You have to know that.”

  “Okay, I’ll admit it. I’ve been pretty horrible.” Her voice cracked. “I probably hoped I could drive you out of here.”

  “Well, that’s not happening.”

  “I know.” A tear slipped from Amyra’s eye and she swiped it with her hand. “But I’ve been really stressed, Nicole. My life’s not exactly easy, you know.”

  “I realize your mom is sick,” Nicole said gently. “I want you to feel free to take as much time off as you need to be with her. I’d actually like to hire someone else to—”

  “No,” Amyra said quickly. “Please don’t hire anyone else. Not yet. I’ll try to be nicer. I promise I will. I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult. Really, I’m sorry. I’ll do better.”

  Nicole was so shocked she didn’t know what to say. “Well, okay. If you’re sincere, I’m happy to give you another chance. But I still want to look for another employee. Vivian told me that we’d need someone else.”

  “You’ve got Bernie.”

  “Bernie’s not a real employee, and she won’t be here every day. The summer traffic is picking up. We need another employee, even if it’s just part-time.”

  “Well, just wait on hiring, okay?” Amyra sounded desperate. “Think about it, Nicole. If someone else is working here, we’ll get less commission. Do you really want that?”

  “I just want the gallery run right,” Nicole said. “I want Vivian to be proud of us.”

  “So do I. And we can do it. You don’t need anyone else yet.”

  Suddenly Nicole got it. Amyra needed this job, much more than Nicole had assumed. She was obviously worried about losing commissions and not getting enough hours.

  “I’ll do better,” Amyra said. “Just don’t hire anyone else yet. Okay?”

  Nicole wasn’t sure how to respond. On one hand, it was a relief to see Amyra showing some actual remorse over her bad behavior. On the other hand, it seemed only sensible to hire another employee. Still, if waiting calmed down the work climate, maybe it was worth it. “All right. I’ll wait until next week before I start looking for another employee.”

  “Thanks.”

  Nicole folded her arms in front of her, watching Amyra closely. “There’s something else I need to say. Something that’s been bothering me for a while now.”

  “What?” Amyra’s tone turned defensive again.

  “You never returned the silk scarf and beaded necklace that you borrowed from the gallery the first day I worked here. I expect you to bring them back tomorrow.”

  Amyra’s eyes flashed and Nicole braced herself for fireworks, but Amyra just nodded. “Fine. I’ll do that.”

  Nicole relaxed a little. “Now, if you don’t mind, I think you should check on the gallery. I heard the door buzzer go off a bit ago. There might be a client out there, and Bernie really shouldn’t be on her own. Meanwhile I need to finish this flyer, as well as cut some checks for commissions and do the bookkeeping for the payroll next week.”

  Amyra looked as if she was about to question this, but to Nicole’s relief she didn’t. Sure, she might’ve been biting her tongue, but at least she was keeping her mouth shut. Maybe they actually had made some progress. Or maybe Amyra was simply manipulating her. Time would tell. At least Nicole had warned her. And she still wanted to hire another employee, but it probably wouldn’t hurt to wait.

  Nicole wished she could talk to Vivian. She picked up her phone and considered sending a quick text, just to confirm that she was on the right track. But she hated the idea of interrupting the Grahams’ vacation. She really wanted to handle this on her own. Hopefully Amyra’s promises were genuine, although she might simply be playing Nicole, biding her time until she figured out a way to sabotage her. After a few years of teaching high school, Nicole had learned a thing or two about manipulators. No matter what Amyra said, she knew better than to completely trust her. But it would be nice to be proved wrong.

  22

  To Nicole’s amazement the next day passed without incident. Amyra still sniped at her a few times, and she practically shoved Bernie out of the way when one of her clients entered the gallery. But for the most part, things were better. Amyra even returned the silk scarf and glass beads.

  Nicole was feeling more and more like the real manager. When a local artist came in, asking to show her portfolio, Nicole stepped in before Amyra could shoo her away like she normally did. It had aggravated her to see Amyra talking down to the local artists who occasionally ventured in, hoping to consign something. Amyra was adept at acting superior, playing the art snob, pretending she knew even without looking that their work was inferior. As an artist herself, Nicole had felt for the locals. Today she was glad to intervene.

  “I’d love to see your portfolio,” Nicole told the woman. “Please come into my office.” She tossed Amyra a warning look as she led the woman through the gallery. Even if this art was totally lame, Nicole was determined to give it her full attention. If nothing else, it would remind Amyra of who was in charge. Besides that, with recent sales, there was room to consign more art. Vivian had even written about this very thing in Nicole’s notes, listing contact information for artists she could consider if necessary.

  She quickly learned the woman’s name was Harriet Porter and that she’d been painting her entire adult life. “For nearly twenty years,” she told Nicole, opening her portfolio. “I’m new to Savannah. Moved down here from Maine last winter. I’m still trying to get my bearings, but I’d love to start showing my work.” She chuckled as Nicole flipped to the next page. “Rather, I’d love to start selling my work.”

  “These look really good,” Nicole told her, pointing to a print of a particularly nice seascape. “You’re obviously very gifted.”

  “Thank you.”

  Nicole continued to look at the images, feeling that if the paintings looked as good in person as they did in print, it would be safe to consign some. Since she’d just gone over Vivian’s notes about consignments yesterday, concerned that she needed to start looking at new art, she felt like she was ready.

  “I’d like you to bring in a few of these so I can get a closer look.” Nicole flipped back and forth through the portfolio, finally selecting five of the best paintings. “I can’t promise you anything until I see them up close, but I’m definitely interested.” She smiled at Harriet. “When can you bring them in?”

  “Is today too soon?”

  Nicole laughed. “Not at all.”

  By that afternoon, Nicole had consigned all five paintings and was ready to discuss more, but she didn’t want
to overdo it. “If these do as well as I expect, we might consider doing a Harriet Porter show toward the end of summer. If you’re interested.”

  Harriet beamed at her. “Absolutely.”

  “In fact . . .” Nicole pursed her lips as she studied the desk calendar. “First Friday Art Walk is coming up—right before the Fourth of July. The owner of the gallery, Vivian Graham, who’s on vacation, asked me to come up with something special.” She looked at Harriet. “How would you like to be our featured artist? Perhaps you could even bring a work in progress.”

  “I would love that! I have a Savannah street scene right here on River Street that I’m working on.”

  “That’s perfect.”

  “I can’t wait.” Harriet hugged Nicole. “Thank you so much. This has really given me hope.”

  Nicole almost confessed that this had given her hope too—partly because it felt so good to stand up to Amyra, but also because she’d nearly forgotten about First Friday. Instead of revealing all her foibles, she decided to be a bit more professional, focusing her attention on carefully writing out the consignments, giving Harriet her receipt, and shaking hands. “I look forward to First Friday with you.”

  Because Nicole was in charge of closing the gallery that night, she and Bernie ordered in dinner and stayed late, moving and rearranging to accommodate the new pieces. When they were done, Nicole felt truly pleased. “I think it works,” she told Bernie.

  “You’re really good at this,” Bernie said. “Grandma would like what you’ve done.”

  Of course, Amyra was not a fan. When she came in the next day, she immediately questioned the new pieces, acting as if they weren’t fit for the Graham Gallery. Nicole put on her art teacher hat and proceeded to educate Amyra about light and color and form and shape and space and texture. Finally Amyra got a slightly glazed expression and, to Nicole’s relief, decided to keep the rest of her art opinions to herself.