Chapter 7 - RICHARD'S INTEREST
Richard’s interest in Amber’s art became another danger.
Not malicious.
Still complicated.
His foundation wanted to offer her:
a solo show,
catalog,
$40,000 production budget,
$25,000 artist fee.
After the restaurant story leaked into art circles, people accused Richard of rewarding her because he “rescued” her.
Amber hated that.
She called him.
“I’m withdrawing.”
“No.”
“That’s not your decision.”
Richard paused.
“Correct.”
Good start.
Then:
“But I want you to know the offer predates the restaurant.”
“I know.”
“Seven purchases predate it too.”
“I know.”
“Then let the record show that.”
Amber stayed silent.
Richard continued:
“If you withdraw because of gossip, gossip decides.”
That line sounded like something her father would say.
She stiffened.
Richard heard it.
“Sorry.”
“No, you’re right.”
Different source.
Same risk.
Then Amber proposed a solution.
Independent curatorial review.
No Richard vote.
No foundation executive who attended the restaurant.
Reconfirm the exhibition based only on preexisting work.
The board agreed.
The exhibition survived review unanimously.
Amber signed.
Not because Richard saved her.
Because the work did.
Then Richard told her something else.
He had recognized her not only from paintings.
Two years earlier, A.M. Vale sent a short handwritten note with a sold work.
The handwriting curved the capital A in a peculiar way.
Amber had the same shape tattooed lightly in ink on her finger that night from sketching title studies.
Tiny.
Not evidence.
A trigger.
Her face finished the recognition.
Then Amber asked:
“Why were you searching so hard for me?”
Richard looked at the painting on his office wall.
AFTER PEOPLE LEAVE #4.
A kitchen table with three empty chairs.
“My wife died three years ago.”
Amber went quiet.
“I bought it because it looked like the room after everyone stopped bringing casseroles.”
That answer removed glamour.
He had not been collecting an investment.
May you like
He had been grieving.
And Amber had unknowingly painted something that belonged to him.
