Elisabeth opened the door before Jackson had a chance to ring the bell. He announced, "Valium delivery!"
"Don't joke. I think I really could use one." They kissed warmly, not just a hello kiss. A kiss that said, 'I have missed you'.
Jackson handed her a box. "For you."
"Oh my, what did you do?" Inside she found a stunning pair of diamond and ruby drop earrings. She gasped, "I can't accept these. This is too much."
"You can and you will. This is an important night, and I want to mark it as such."
"They're so beautiful, thank you." She took off the pair she was wearing.
"You don't have to wear them tonight."
"Oh, yes I do." She held one up to an ear. "They're perfect with my dress." She wore an ivory A-line dress with shoes to match. The rhinestone earrings she had on were fine, but the rubies gave a pop of color that complimented the outfit beautifully.
Jackson asked, "So, are there any last minute things you need done?"
"No, the caterers just left." She took his hand. "Come see the studio and tell me what you think?"
He let out a long whistle at the doorway. "Wow! This is amazing." The messy studio from last week had been transformed into a professional art gallery. Pieces were hung on the walls with down lighting, and brass easels were strategically placed around the room. Standing partitions broke up areas of the expanse. A bar stood in one corner and a buffet table in another. "No wonder you were so busy."
"Do you like it?"
"I love it!" Jackson walked around taking in the art, and searching for three oils he intended to buy. "Are some of the pieces I saw last week missing?"
"Possibly, I have certain pieces I won't sell to just anyone. I know it's crazy, but I like to know where some things end up."
"Like my landscape?"
"Exactly."
"Not at all crazy, I understand completely." He wondered what she would think if she knew he had never tried to publish a single piece of music. He guessed she would understand. "Well then, I need to find new pieces to buy."
"You are absolutely not going to buy anything!"
"Of course I am."
"No you are not. This isn't up for discussion. Tomorrow we'll find the ones you wanted and you will take them."
From the set of her jaw, he sensed she would not move on this. "Why don't I make you a drink?"
"Great, scotch neat please. The bartender should be here any minute."
She made small adjustments on some easels as he handed her the drink. "I predict tonight will be a huge success. Cheers."