Ava's Wishes Read Online Free

the industry as one of the major players. Cynthia was quite picky about whom she brought into her gallery, and she rarely gave her interns any real responsibilities … that is until she agreed to take Ava Haines on as an intern. Ava impressed her from the moment they met at the interview. Not only did Ava have an interest in both business and art, she had done her research. She knew all about Cynthia and what exhibits had recently come through the gallery, as well as what exhibits were coming through over the next month. Cynthia couldn’t help but be intrigued. However, what really captured her attention was when Ava subtly suggested adjusting an overhead spotlight just slightly to accentuate one of the paintings on the current exhibit. At first, Cynthia was put off at the moxie Ava demonstrated, but she humored Ava and adjusted the light. The difference was stunning. She hired Ava on the spot.
     Ava took a step back. With the Images In Flight exhibit just one week away, she wanted to be sure everything would be perfect. “I think the photo of the meadows should be to the right of the photo of the lake, and the one of the mountains should be the showcase piece. It should be what patrons see as they enter the gallery.”
    Cynthia stood next to Ava and tilted her head, trying to see what Ava was seeing so clearly. “Yes … yes … you are absolutely right.” She promptly switched the photocopied picture of the meadows—provided by the photographer for planning purposes—with the copy of mountains piece. “Of course.”
    Ava marked her clipboard with the approved layout before removing the paper copies, being careful not to tear them as she removed their tape.
    She was about to re-hang the paintings of the current exhibit, which still had another week to go, when a deep voice startled her, “I agree.”
    “I’m sorry, sir, we’re closed,” Ava began. She wished there were some sort of bell for the front door to let her know when a customer walked in. Cynthia was against having one. She thought it would disturb the zen-like atmosphere she was trying to create in the gallery.
    Ava wondered why Cynthia hadn’t locked the doors to the gallery yet. They’d been officially closed to the public for a while now. She supposed it was because it was Friday night, and there were still people mulling about. Cynthia wasn’t one to turn down a sale … even if it was after hours.
    “No, no, it’s okay, Ava. This is Thomas Malloy, our esteemed photographer. I guess I forgot to tell you he’d be stopping by tonight to drop off some promotional materials. Thomas, this is my intern, Ava. I didn’t realize that the two of you hadn’t met yet.”
    “Oh,” Ava said, completely embarrassed. “I’m so sorry. It’s very nice to meet you, sir, Mr. Malloy. Your work is wonderful … really. I’m a big fan. We’re so very excited to have your exhibit here. It’s great … I’m sorry, I’m babbling. I get a little star struck sometimes when I meet the artists.”
    Thomas Malloy laughed. A strong, sexy, hearty laugh, which Ava couldn’t help but notice came from sensual, yet soft looking lips. No. She needed to stay focused. School. Work. Graduation. And definitely not one of Cynthia’s clients. Not one of Cynthia’s extremely good-looking, sexy clients with amazing lips. She took a deep breath to calm herself.
    “I’m flattered,” he said, “but the pleasure is all mine. Please, call me Thomas. Cynthia says you have a real talent for arranging art. From what I just saw, I can see you really know your stuff.”
    “Oh,” Ava stammered, thrown off a little by his English accent, something else to add to her list of things to ignore. She tried desperately not to sound like a silly schoolgirl with a crush. “It’s easy when I have great pieces to work with.” Cringe.
    “You know the door’s not locked— Oh, I’m sorry, am I interrupting? You did tell me to come at eleven, didn’t you, Ava?” Carly asked as she