"Abigail, you've surpassed yourself," Flora said with admiration in her voice. "This is the original, isn't it?"
Abigail beamed with pride. "Of course," she affirmed confidently. "You can verify it yourself."
Flora Bell's eyes remained fixed on the painting, and she seemed entranced by its beauty. "It's a true gem. You are good. How did you find this?"
Abigail felt a surge of pride and relief. She had dedicated herself tirelessly to acquiring this painting, and the sight of Flora's delighted smile was immensely rewarding. As Flora Bell continued to marvel at the artwork, Abigail recognized that this moment would be etched into her memory forever.
Without a moment's hesitation, Flora Bell gave her approval. "Let's hang it up immediately. Our patrons deserve to feast their eyes on this beauty."
Flora guided Abigail and Georgia in precisely positioning the painting, selecting the perfect wall just across from the entrance, where the most exquisite pieces were displayed. It was to be hung beside pieces one and two of the collection. Its presence in the gallery was nothing less than transformative. As the masterpiece was carefully placed on the wall, Abigail couldn't help but experience a deep sense of accomplishment. She had brought immense joy to her boss, and her aspirations of becoming a curator had taken a significant step closer to reality.
As they admired the artwork in its new setting, a man's voice suddenly interrupted them. Abigail turned to see the same man who she had locked in the bathroom at the art dealer's auction, standing there with an air of intrigue and a broad grin.
Abigail's face flushed with embarrassment. "What are you doing here?"
Flora Bell inquired, her curiosity piqued. "Do you know this gentleman, Abigail?"
Abigail stammered nervously, "No, I don't," hoping the man wouldn't reveal the bathroom incident.
The man's brows furrowed, his expression one of genuine interest. "Well, that's unfortunate. I'm quite interested in purchasing this painting."
Flora Bell responded with a gracious tone, though it was also firm. "I'm sorry, sir, but this painting is not for sale. It's here for admiration and to attract customers to our gallery."
Drake raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Excuse me? That can't be. I genuinely want this painting."
Flora maintained her poise and smiled. "Exactly. You're attracted to it, and you're free to explore the rest of our collection—all of which is available for purchase."
Flora turned her attention back to Abigail, beaming at her. Then, she walked away, leaving Abigail and the persistent man alone.
Drake, not one to be easily deterred, adopted a playful demeanor. "Couldn't you help me out, darling?"
Georgia, who had been observing the exchange, couldn't contain her curiosity. She asked Abigail, "Do you really not know this man?"
Abigail cast Georgia an earnest look and signaled for her to leave with a subtle gesture. Georgia appeared skeptical but complied, stepping away.
Drake, with a hint of annoyance, realized that his task had just become more challenging than he had anticipated. Nevertheless, he couldn't ignore the flustered expression on Abigail's face.
Having recovered from her initial shock, Abigail inquired, "How did you even find me here?"
Drake responded with a charming smile, his tone lighthearted. "Let's just say I have my ways, Abigail."
Abigail stared at him with a deadpan expression. "Is your 'ways' related to stalking?" She scowled and leaned in, placing a hand on her waist. "Why is this painting so important to you?"
Drake chuckled, his eyes locked onto Abigail. "Oh, I'm not here for the painting, though. I'm here for you," he replied with a dubious smile, "I just happened to see the painting while I was here."
Abigail's cheeks flushed with irritation and confusion. "For me?" She narrowed her eyes skeptically. "Yeah, right."
Drake extended his hand. "I don't think I got to introduce myself. My name is Drake."
Abigail crossed her arms, maintaining her defensive stance. "What do you want?" she asked, her tone cautious.
Drake leaned in closer, his gaze intense. "I want to take you out. Dinner, perhaps?"
Abigail's eyes narrowed even further, and she quipped, "You look like you're squinting."
Drake chuckled at her remark. "You think asking me out will make me give you the painting?" Abigail scoffed.
Drake shrugged nonchalantly, his grin widening. "Well, it's worth a shot, isn't it?"
Abigail hesitated, studying Drake's expression for any signs of insincerity. She turned away, starting to walk away. But Drake swiftly reached out and held her arm, stopping her from leaving. "Okay, wait, I was just kidding," he said with a hint of seriousness in his voice, "It's not for the painting. I want to take you out."
Abigail raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "Really?"
Drake nodded earnestly. "Really," he affirmed with another charming smile.
"Fine," she finally conceded, "But I'm not giving you the painting, no matter what."
Drake's eyes sparkled with triumph. "If you say so." He brought out his phone and gestured for her to punch her number into it. "Now, can I have it?"
Abigail dialed her number into his phone and saved it. As she handed the phone back to him, she couldn't help but wonder whether Drake's interest was genuine or merely a clever ploy.
Abigail sat in front of the mirror in her room, delicately applying makeup. She couldn't deny that she felt a mixture of excitement and curiosity. It had been quite some time since she had gone out for anything other than work.
Georgia lounged on the bed just behind her, watching with an amused glint in her eye. "So, you're really going on a date with him?"
Abigail smiled, her reflection showing a hint of blush on her cheeks. "Yes, I'm curious."
Georgia raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. "I think you like him," she remarked. "That handsome man was the one you locked in the bathroom. And all of a sudden, you want to go out with him?"
Abigail shook her head, her voice tinged with defensiveness. "I'm just curious about him and what kind of person he is."
Georgia playfully rolled her eyes. "That's what liking someone is like, my dear."
With her makeup complete, Abigail closed her lipstick and placed it into her small pink purse. "Alright, now it's time to choose an outfit." She picked up two dresses hanging on her wardrobe door. "I'll try the blue one first." She disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes, then emerged wearing a stunning long fitted dress. It was shiny and elegant, adorned with delicate ruffles around the long sleeves. "What do you think?" Abigail twirled around to show off the dress.
Georgia scrutinized the outfit with a critical eye. "Where did he say you were going?" she asked, studying the glamorous dress.
"Dinner," Abigail replied, gazing at herself in the mirror.
Georgia furrowed her brow and assessed the attire. "Hmm, this is still too fancy," she remarked.
Abigail sighed, disappointment flickering across her face. "Yeah, I thought so. I just really like this dress." She headed back into the bathroom and returned wearing the second dress—a knee-length floral-patterned outfit. It had a casual yet classy look. "How about this one?"
Georgia nodded in approval. "Much better."
Abigail's phone suddenly rang, displaying Drake's name on the screen. She picked up the call with a hint of excitement in her voice. "Hello."
"Hello, darling. Are you ready?" Drake's deep voice sounded even lower through the phone.
Abigail couldn't help but sweeten her own tone in response. "I am."
"Alright, what's your address? I'll come pick you up."
Abigail laughed softly. "There's no way I'm giving you my address. I'll see you at the Parkview bus stop." She hung up the phone and turned to Georgia. "Are you ready to go? I'll escort you to the bus stop." She picked up her purse and headed toward the door, her heart racing with anticipation for the evening ahead.
It took them a mere five minutes to reach the bus stop, and Abigail was grateful for her choice of wearing comfortable flats. They settled onto the bus stop bench, taking in the surroundings as they waited.
Abigail's eyes were fixed on the bus timetable posted nearby. "What time does your bus come again?" she inquired, her attention divided between the schedule and her anticipation of the evening ahead.
With a mischievous grin, Georgia glanced at the timetable but seemed uninterested in the bus schedule. "Doesn't matter, Abigail. I'm not going to leave until I see that man," she replied with a playful tone in her voice. "I'll watch you two go off, and then I'll make my exit."
Abigail nodded, amused by her friend's curiosity and support. She decided to give Drake a call to check on his whereabouts. "Hello," Abigail greeted as he picked up.
Drake's smooth and confident voice came through the phone. "Abigail, I'm here. Look to your right."
Abigail's eyes widened with surprise, and she swiftly turned her gaze to the street. There, a sleek black car glided to a graceful stop by the curb. It was a striking and expensive vehicle, a far cry from the typical cars that frequented the bus stop.
Georgia, too, had spotted the car and couldn't hide her astonishment. "Wow," she breathed, her eyes fixed on the luxurious vehicle.
Ending the call, Abigail turned to Georgia with an amused smile. "I think my ride is here," she announced, subtly nodding towards the impressive car. A silent exchange of impressed glances passed between the two friends, and Georgia gestured her approval.
Drake emerged from the car, exuding an aura of confidence and charisma. He was impeccably dressed in a sharp suit that accentuated his rugged charm. As he approached them with a confident stride, a warm smile graced his face.
"Abigail," he greeted them both, nodding politely. "Is this your friend from the art gallery?" His eyes shifted between the two women, genuinely interested in making a good impression.