Chap 4

Bette looks at the sign, The Menat Gallery. Nice name Bette thinks to herself.

I wonder if it is the familys last name or does it mean something else?

Bette walks slowly through the gallery. Taking in all of the emotions each painting, she studies each of them. This week has been one of the longest periods in her adult life that art has not surrounded her. Even though she partly blamed her job for her breakdown, she missed being in a gallery. She missed interacting with the artists and feeling their passions about their work. I guess art is just in her blood and she might not be able to get away from it.

She looks at the next painting and her hurt starts to break. Its a painting of a little girl, around 8 yrs old running towards her father. What connected her to this painting is the description of the people. The little girl has light brown skin, making her at least bi-racial and the father has dark skin. The father is bending down to pick up the little girl while the little girl has her arms around the fathers neck. This is an image that she wishes she had more often in her life while she was growing up. No matter how bad her father treated her in the past, she will always love him, unconditionally. She does realize now that sometimes, loving a person too much can hurt. No matter what you do, people will disappoint you at one point or another. It is human nature. With her new life, she has to now come to terms that the only person she needs approval from is herself. She has to learn to let go of the luggage that comes with her previous life.

Reminds you of you and your father? a voice comes from behind her.

Actually yes but not in the way you think it does. Bette answers.

Oh, really. What way do you think I think it reminds you then?

Well, you think I am drawn to this painting because it reminds me of a memory with my father. It doesnt. Its actually the complete opposite. It reminds me of something that is missing. A memory I wished I had plenty off. Bette explains.

Oh I see. Sometimes, paintings are not just reminds of a memory from our past. It sometimes represents something that is missing from our lives. That is why I love art. Each painting means and speaks to each person different. It all depends on your background and your life. The woman shares.

Hello, my name is Alexandrian Milan but you can call me Lexa. Im the director of the gallery. I hope you are enjoying yourself. As she offers her hand for a hand shake.

Bette finally turns around and makes eye contact. The woman is in her 50s but she has very smooth skin. She wore very little make up but with her light mocha complexion, she didnt need it. Her hair is turning gray around the temple area which made her look wise, full of wisdom about life. There was something about this woman she liked. Something that reminded her about her mother. A sense of comfort. She extends her hand to return the hand shake with the woman.

Hello, Im Dran. Nice to meet you. You have an amazing gallery. Its really incredible. Where do you find your artists? Bette asked.

Thank you. Im glad you like what you see. Well now, I hope you are not trying to acquire my present artists for another gallery? Lexa asked curiously.

Oh no. Its an old habit I am trying to break. Im sorry. Bette apologizes.

Well now that I am sure you are not a spy for another gallery, Ill tell you where I find my artists. Every month or two, I go to the islands and thats where I find them. There are enormous amount of untapped talent that is out there but since they cannot afford to come to the United States, they have to sell their paintings on the streets to the tourists. Every 3 months, I have an opening for our featured artists or two and Ill fly them into the country. Lexa shares.

Wow, thats pretty interesting. I never even though about the talents in that part of the world. Which islands do you visit? Bette inquires.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Jamaica, St Martin, Bahamas, and other island places. I usually take about 8 days to do the traveling and I alternate between the islands. Its a good way to travel on Uncle Sam. Besides, I love the Pina Coladas. I can never get enough of them. Lexa boasts.

Thats a lot of flying. I hated the last couple of business trips I had. I felt like I couldnt get out of that plane fast enough.

Oh no, honey. I dont fly around the islands. I take a cruise. I fly down to Miami then I take one of the 8-day cruises that go to the islands. That way I can relax and do business at the same time. My business trips are always successful as along as I have all the Pina Colados I can drink.

Bette and Lexa both laugh at her last sentence. There is something about this woman that is soothing. Something calms her down.

Well I better get going so you can go back to your other customer. I didnt main to take up all your time. It was nice meeting you and thank you for sharing your insights. Bette starts to turn towards the door.

Dran, you seem to know a lot about art. Are you in the art world? If youre not, maybe you should think about it. You have a passion for it. I can tell the way you speak about the paintings. You have something that artists will appreciate. Heres my card. Im looking for someone to help me ran the gallery and I think we would work well together. Youre young and passionate and I can use another set of eyes. Lexa offers.

Im sorry. Im just here visiting for a week. I dont think I will be staying here even though I dont know where I am heading to. Art used to be a huge part of my old life. I dont wish to be part of it again. Im just here in St Augustine doing some soul searching. Trying to figure out a new path for my life. Im sure there are plenty of other candidates you can choose from.

Dran if you are doing some soul searching, St Augustine is the perfect place. Besides, can you honestly tell me you found your soul in less than a week? Take my card and give it some thought. You can make up your own hours. If you dont have a place to stay, I can help you with that too. I own several apartments and if you dont like any of them, I can give you the number to my realtor. If you need to mend your broken heart and soul, then do that here. I am a very good listener and I am not judgmental. I hope to hear from you soon. Take care and enjoy the rest of your stay. Lexa puts out her hand again.

Thanks Lexa. I cant promise you anything since I still dont know what I want but I will think about it. Good bye Lexa. Bette walks out of the gallery.

Lexa seems to be a very nice person and an excellent director. She liked the idea of the way she finds her talents and the methods she uses. The last time she was on a cruise was of course, with Tina. I really do like this town. I feel at peace here. Maybe I should talk more with Lexa to find out more details on what she is exactly looking for and what she expects from her. St Augustine is a place that none of her friends would ever think about to vacation in. The beaches here are more for families and not for young spring break type of behaviors. She would be safe here. The gang would not get lost in this area of Florida.

Bette walks back to her hotel to do some more thinking. Maybe this is the answer to her question. Maybe, for the time being at least, this is where she can start to rebuild herself. Maybe here she can start to become a person she can like.