Ava's Wishes

by Karen Pokras

  “So what?” Carly asked. “Lots of people have long distance relationships.”

  “You don’t get it, Car,” Ava explained as she applied her makeup. She rarely wore bright red lipstick, but the dress demanded it. “He never had an interest in a long distant relationship. Otherwise he would have told me right at the beginning that he didn’t live here. Not once did he mention it. In fact, even after he told me where he lived, he didn’t seem to care if he saw me again or not. His exact words were, ‘Maybe one day you can come out to visit with your family.’ A maybe, Carly, not a you must, but a maybe and with my family no less.”

  “Ooh, ouch.”

  “He only had an interest in a weeklong fling. You know … a girl in every port kind of thing? He knew exactly what he was doing. Well, no thanks. He can find someone else to cozy up with this week.”

  “So what’s with the dress, then? I just assumed it was for Thomas. Oh, I get it! It’s a screw you dress.” Carly nodded and smiled. “Nice touch.”

  “What are you talking about? I just want to look nice tonight. It’s a big event,” Ava insisted.

  “No, no, no. I know exactly what this is. This is a dress that says ‘you’re an asshole for treating me this way … look at what you could have had’ dress. It’s cool. I would have done the same thing. It totally works; especially with the lipstick. Anyway, there will probably be some other hot guy there who will take one look at you in that getup and fall head over heels.”

  Ava sighed. “No more guys. I’m finished. I just want to get through this week so I can go home for the holidays. Are you ready? I don’t want to be late.”

  “Yup, let’s go.”

  ~~~

  Ava and Carly arrived at the gallery with ten minutes to spare. She had hoped to get there a little earlier, but Cynthia had left her very little time to get ready after working her all afternoon. Once the meeting with Thomas ended, he stuck around briefly to try to speak to Ava, but she just ignored him until he finally got the hint and left. After that, Cynthia put Ava in charge of decorations and adding final touches to set up. Cynthia’s afternoon, on the other hand, consisted of appointments with her hair and makeup people.

  “Ava, dear,” Cynthia said, taking Ava’s hands in her own. “The gallery looks beautiful. You’ve really outdone yourself. Tonight is going to be a smashing success, I can feel it.”

  Ava couldn’t help but agree. She was incredibly proud of her efforts. The gallery had looked wonderful when she left to go back to her apartment to get dressed, but was even more elegant now that the sun had set. Without the brightness of the outside sunshine coming in, the gallery’s strategically placed spotlights were able to highlight each of the photos perfectly. Ava had worked hard to make sure each photograph was displayed and grouped in such a manner as to prominently display its maximum artistic beauty. Added to that were festive silver balloons, confetti, and streamers to celebrate opening night, both inside and outside of the gallery. Set around the gallery were tables arranged with Thomas’ promotional materials amongst bowls of floating votive candles, designed to cast their glow on his fanned out piles of postcards, business cards, and brochures. A trio of musicians sat in the corner playing soft classical music to set the mood of the evening, and men and women dressed in black and white catering attire were already in position with trays of hors d’oeuvres and champagne, waiting for the guests to arrive. Her feelings for Thomas were irrelevant. The gallery’s reputation was at stake, as was her career. Her position and integrity required her to do the best possible job she knew how.

  Cynthia was absolutely glowing as she sashayed across the floor in a silver gown that matched the balloons. “This is it, Ava! Everything is ready to go, and it’s just about time to open. Wonderful, here comes Thomas now.”

  Just as Thomas approached, Ava took a deep breath and unlocked the door. He paused as he took in Ava’s appearance; it was as if she took his breath away for a brief moment.

  “Ava—” he began.

  “Oh, Thomas!” Cynthia gushed, hurrying up to him and kissing him on alternating cheeks. “Isn’t this just beautiful? Ava worked tirelessly all afternoon after you left.”

  “Yes, just stunning,” Thomas replied, not taking his eyes off Ava.

  “Come,” Cynthia ordered, whisking Thomas away. “I want to give you the grand tour. The caterer and bartender are set up in the alcove, and over here …”

  Ava could hear Cynthia’s voice trail off as she guided Thomas toward the back of the gallery and into the next room.

  “Told you,” Carly whispered. Grabbing a glass of champagne from one of the trays getting ready to be passed around, she took a swig.

  Ava smiled a satisfactory grin as she welcomed the guests starting to arrive for the opening.

  Chapter 22

  Within minutes, the gallery filled with the sounds of people chattering, laughing, and complimenting Thomas’ photography as they walked through the gallery, sipping champagne and nibbling appetizers. Ava stood to the side, ready to answer any questions, of course, but mostly she was enjoying the moment.

  She watched as Cynthia worked the room, effortlessly gliding from one guest to the next, pointing to whichever of Thomas’ photos they happened to be standing in front of. She indicated nuances of each picturesque scene, which may or may not actually exist, in order to try to sell the work of art. After all, at the end of the day, sales were what mattered to Cynthia. We’re running a retail business, Ava, not a museum.

  “Attention, everyone!” Cynthia shouted, making her way to the center of the room. She held her hand out for Thomas to join her. “Thank you so much for joining us tonight. For those of us who haven’t had a chance to meet our esteemed artist, may I present Mr. Thomas Malloy.”

  The room erupted in applause as Thomas took a quick bow.

  Cynthia continued, “For those not familiar with Thomas and his fabulous work, let me tell you a little bit about this amazing man. Mr. Malloy studied photography at New York City’s prestigious School of the Visual Arts and then went on to study with …”

  Carly sidled up to Ava and whispered, “Have you seen the price tags on these photos? Ten grand for a picture? Are you joking? Hell, I can take the same picture on my cell phone. You think Cynthia will let me hold an exhibit here?” Carly grabbed a handful of cold shrimp off of a passing tray and popped them in her mouth. “The snacks are pretty good, and so’s the booze,” she said as she quickly swallowed. She guzzled the rest of her champagne, replacing her empty glass with a full one when the waitress walked by.

  “How many of those have you had, Carly?” Ava asked quietly.

  “Who cares? They’re free,” she answered.

  Ava shook her head. “No more … please.” Pulling the glass of bubbly liquid out of Carly’s hand, she put it back on the tray as the waitress passed by them once again.

  “So, thank you all so much for coming!” Cynthia continued. “Feel free to walk through the gallery at your leisure. If you have any questions, Thomas and I are happy to answer them, as is my assistant, Ava.”

  Ava stood up straighter at the mention of her name. She waved slightly to acknowledge her position in the room. As she put her hand down, she caught his eye. What the hell was he doing here … with her? Her heart fluttered. He looked remarkably handsome in a dark suit, particularly when she had only previously seen him dressed in casual clothes or no clothes at all.

  “Hey, Ava, isn’t that Max?” Carly asked. “Who’s the babe he’s with? Let’s go say hi.”

  “Carly, no,” Ava snapped, trying to pull her back. Unfortunately, it was too late. She had already walked up to him and was pointing back to Ava. Before she knew it, Carly was practically dragging them over to where she was standing.

  “Ava,” Carly slurred, “I was right! It was Max. Still not sure about the chick, though.”

  “Max, Megan,” Ava said, nodding. “Welcome.”

  “Oh, so you do know her,” Carly said. “Oh wait, is this the tutor? The o
ne he dumped you for?”

  “Would you excuse us for a minute?” Ava asked, pulling Carly into Cynthia’s office. She shut the door behind her, picked up the phone, and called for a cab. “You will wait here until I come get you. Understand?”

  Carly nodded, looking as if she were about to pass out.

  “Good.” Ava hesitantly returned to the exhibit. Mortified, she rejoined Max and Megan, who were still standing in the same spot. “Sorry about that,” she murmured.

  They stood in awkward silence as people buzzed around them laughing and chatting, not noticing the tension that swirled around the trio.

  “How was your exam?” Max finally asked.

  “Oh, um, good, I think,” Ava replied. “The tricks you showed me really helped, I wish we had …” Ava stopped herself. There was no point re-living the past. Especially with Megan standing next to Max, looking as if she were about to attack if Ava took one step closer.

  Max glanced down. “I’m sure Barry gave you a lot of tricks, too.”

  Ava had forgotten about him, and the fact that Max pre-paid for her tutoring. She wondered if he got his money back. “I told him I was okay on my own,” she said.

  Max appeared disappointed, but she didn’t care.

  “So, um, what are you doing here?” Ava asked. “I mean … never mind … it’s a public event, of course, I just didn’t think you were in the market for high priced artwork.”

  “That’s true. Sorry to say you won’t be making any commission off of me tonight, but I’m actually a big fan. You know … the whole flying planes and art thing? I have a few of his commercial prints.”

  “Right,” Ava replied. “I didn’t make the connection. Sorry.”

  “Yeah, and I didn’t realize this was the same art gallery where you worked. So, um … you know Thomas Malloy?” Max asked.

  “Something like that,” Ava answered. She noticed that Megan continued to move closer to Max as if she were marking her prey, although she had nothing to contribute to the conversation. Ava wondered what Max saw in her – past the blonde Barbie doll look. She didn’t appear to like art or aviation. Ava supposed she answered her own question.

  “Next time he walks by, I can introduce you if you’d like,” Ava offered.

  “Really?” Max asked. “That would be amazing. Thanks.”

  “Sure thing,” Ava replied, losing interest in the conversation.

  “Did anyone call a taxi?” a guy dressed in flannels, and looking sorely out of place, called out from the front door.

  “Would you excuse me for a moment?” Ava asked.

  She went into Cynthia’s office to get Carly, who had fallen asleep at Cynthia’s desk. Putting Carly’s arm around her neck, and her own arm around Carly’s waist, Ava helped her out of the office and into the cab with payment and instructions to get her home safely.

  Chapter 23

  “Ava, dear, can I steal you away for a moment?” When Ava walked back into the gallery, Cynthia grabbed her arm, only giving her a chance to nod at Max and Megan instead of having to join them again. She was grateful for the diversion.

  “What’s up?” Ava asked, following Cynthia back into her office. She hoped Carly hadn’t caused any real damage.

  “I’ve got buyers for five photos already. Can you work up the paperwork for me?”

  Ava smiled at Cynthia. The exhibit still had several hours to go. It was very possible she’d have to bring out some of the reserve photos before the night was over. That hardly ever happened. “Of course,” Ava remarked in relief, taking a seat behind the desk.

  “Thanks. These buyers are like savages out there. They can’t get enough. I don’t want to leave them alone for a second. Just bring them out when you’re done.” Ava watched as Cynthia returned to the main gallery floor. Opening the drawer in Cynthia’s desk, she began pulling out the necessary papers.

  “She’s quite amazing, isn’t she?”

  “What?” Ava asked, startled to see Thomas standing in front of her with two flutes of champagne. “Oh, yes. She certainly knows what she’s doing.”

  He handed Ava a glass.

  “No thanks, I’m working,” she said, feeling uncomfortable to be alone with him. Didn’t he need to go back to the gallery to mingle with the crowd? She could always go introduce him to Max.

  “Oh, come on now, you’ve worked so hard already, one drink will be okay. I’m sure Cynthia would approve. Five photos in the first hour … I’d say that’s something to celebrate.”

  Ava took the drink. She had a feeling Thomas wouldn’t leave until she did. “Cheers!” he said, clinking his glass against hers. “We sure do make a great team.”

  Ava forced a smile and took a sip. “I don’t know about that. You’re the one with the talent. I’ve arranged plenty of exhibits that haven’t sold nearly as well.”

  “I think you sell yourself short,” Thomas remarked. “Cynthia even pulled me aside a few minutes ago to tell me that the success of the opening is to your credit.”

  “You’re too kind,” Ava said, putting her glass down. She had a hard time believing anything Thomas said anymore. She opened the desk drawer once more, searching for a pen.

  “Do you like the champagne?” Thomas asked, taking another sip. “It’s from my private reserve, Perrier-Jouët. Nothing against Cynthia, but the champagne her caterer chose is horrid. You’ve barely touched yours. Go ahead, take another taste. You’ve never had anything like this, trust me.”

  Ava picked up the champagne and stared at the rising bubbles. Oh, what the hell? Maybe Thomas would leave and let her get her work done if she drank his fancy champagne. She took a long swig. It tasted like regular old champagne to her. Poor guy. He probably paid a small fortune for it. “It’s great,” Ava lied. “Thank you. I really do need to get these invoices done for Cynthia, now.”

  “I meant what I said the other day you know,” he continued, walking over to shut the office door. “I can help you get a job here after you graduate. Cynthia and I are old friends. All I have to do is say the word, and it’s yours.”

  Ava looked up at Thomas. His words sounded funny—as if he were in a tunnel—and the walls of the room were moving, too; in waves, going in first, then out. She blinked her eyes several times to clear her head.

  “Thanks,” she attempted to say. Her brain wanted to tell him that Cynthia already mentioned she would have a job after graduation, but she was unable to convince her voice to project the words. What was happening?

  Thomas moved closer and came around to the side where she was sitting. “I don’t know why you got so upset earlier, darling,” he said, caressing her cheek. “Surely you knew I’d be leaving after the exhibit. We could have had a great week together, Ava, you and me. Why did you have to ruin everything?”

  “What?” Ava mumbled “Wha– No, I …” Her head rolled to the side, despite her attempts to hold it straight.

  He stepped directly next to her and turned her chair toward him. She willed her eyes to move toward the sound of a zipper opening. Thomas’ pants. Suddenly, she felt his hands moving up her thighs as he pushed the fabric of her dress above her hips.

  “No!” Ava tried to scream. The sound came out more as a muffled cry.

  Thomas straddled Ava, cupping her breasts and kissing her neck. “Don’t fight it, darling. I know it’s what you wanted all along.”

  Ava’s tears streamed down her face. “No, please, no,” she slurred. She tried to move her arms to push him away, but they hung down at her sides like two lead pipes. What was wrong with her? Half a glass of champagne should not affect her like this. She was unable to scream, unable to move.

  Ava closed her eyes, feeling the weight of Thomas on top of her. His hands forcefully spread her legs apart, and he pushed her panties to the side. There was nothing for her to do except cry and pray it would be over quickly. She waited to feel the pain of violation, from this man she had liked, and even come to trust just days before. No. He couldn’t do this to her. In one final att
empt, she gathered all of her strength and cried, “No! Help!”

  “What the hell?”

  In a sudden lurch, all of his weight was lifted off of her. She heard the sound of his body being thrown against the wall as well as the punch that crushed bone before she opened her eyes.

  “Are you okay?” Max rushed over to Ava’s side and adjusted her dress.

  Her head continued to roll to the side as she sobbed and attempted to nod.

  “What’s going on in here?” Cynthia demanded, running into her office. She rushed over to Thomas, who was nursing his already bruised and swollen jaw. She gasped when she noticed his pants down around his knees, and threw him a wrap that she kept hanging on her coat hook. “For God’s sake, Thomas, cover yourself up.”

  “Call 9-1-1 for an ambulance,” Max ordered, cradling Ava, “and the police.”

  Chapter 24

  “How are you feeling?”

  Ava looked around the room, her eyes desperately trying to focus on something, anything, as she wondered who was talking and why their voice was causing her head to vibrate so loudly. She tried to lift her arm up to her head, hoping that would make the pounding stop, but felt restrained.

  “Easy now, you don’t want to pull out your IV,” the kind voice said. “I imagine you have a bit of a headache. I can give you something for that if you’d like.”

  Ava nodded and felt relief within moments as the source of that voice injected a substance directly into the IV tubing.

  “Thank you,” Ava whispered, finally able to focus on the nurse.

  “Your boyfriend should be back in a moment, he just went to get some coffee. He’s been by your side all night.”

  Flashes of the previous evening played in Ava’s mind. The champagne, Thomas’ advances, Ava’s inability to fight him off. “Thomas.” In a panic, Ava tried to sit up. “He’s not my boyfriend. I need to get out of here before he tries to hurt …”