it serious thought.”
“Perhaps you should. Just look at this beauty here. You’re telling me your photos won’t hold up?” Fi swept her arm out to the gallery.
Kira walked around the counter and out into the space, studying it with fresh eyes. Rays of sunlight slitted through wide front windows, picking up the honey tones in the worn wood floor. Gallery lighting brought out the moody tones of her mother’s paintings, and the driftwood shelves holding Gracie’s goods were charming. It was a good space – classy and elegant, while also being warm and inviting. A space that would let a new collector feel welcome and encouraged to invest in art, while also catering to those with a seasoned eye.
“Right here,” Kira muttered, coming to a stop on an accent wall that was now empty due to a recent sale. Painted a deep grey – the color of the ocean before the rains unleashed – the space would be a perfect spot to highlight some of Kira’s recent landscape shots.
“Exactly. You could do a dreamy field picture, angry waters of the cove, maybe some of the stone circles in the area. A snapshot of our part of Ireland. I believe photographs would sell equally as well as paintings.”
“I’m certain they would. Even some black-and-whites would be stunning here.” Kira thought about old Mr. Murphy in his newsboy cap, grinning with a pint of Guinness in his hand. “Can you see Mr. Murphy here?”
“Oh, he’d love that. Truly he would. You have to take his photo.”
“I believe I will. Thanks, Fi. You’ve given me a lot to think about. As has Brogan.”
“A nature center, huh?”
“It’s a grand idea. And he’s asked me to do some photography there as well.”
“Has he now? Maybe he wants to spend more time with you.”
“Who’s to say? The man kisses me and then talks business two seconds later.”
“When do you see him next?”
“We’ve a meeting today at Gallagher’s to discuss the recent developments.”
“Oh?” Fi got straight down to the important stuff. “What will you wear?”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s business. I think Dylan’s coming as well.”
Fi laughed. “I repeat: What will you wear?”
“Will this not do?” Kira looked down to her favorite leather pants and boots, which she’d paired with a loose cream blouse.
“This is lovely. The pants and boots are a yes. But… what about something more vibrant up top? To bring out your eye color?”
“I have a heather green top…”
“Go put that on. And a little eyeshadow. Just a hint. Maybe some lip gloss? I’ll watch the gallery.”
“It’s not a date.” Kira was already halfway to the door.
“Nevertheless, you can still look appetizing.”
“Don’t I always?” Kira laughed at Fi’s muttered response and clambered up the stairs to change.
She pulled on a scoop-necked top and then stopped in front of her mirror. Her hair was wild around her head, as it usually was, and she tucked a few pins with sparkles on them in the mass of it to add a little pizazz. Picking up her makeup, she lightly shaded her lids with a soft purple that immediately popped the green tones in her eyes. Blowing herself a kiss, she ran back downstairs, her mind already whirling with portrait ideas for the gallery.
“Perfect. You look like the cool girl that everyone wants to hang out with.”
“I am the cool girl that everyone wants to hang out with,” Kira said, then laughed, “Kidding, kidding.”
“I was going to say… someone has gotten all high and mighty these days.”
“Not even close. I can’t even get a date with the nerdy scientist with sexy bedroom eyes.”
“Have you really tried?” Fi asked, picking up her purse.
“I suppose I haven’t, have I? I’ve been mooning about waiting on him.”
“Might I suggest you make a move then?”
“I think that’s a delightful suggestion.”
“Good luck. Maybe I need to get some food at Gallagher’s later,” Fi mused. “I’m sure Liam would be interested in talking about the nature center.”
“Oh sure, then. Why not invite everyone to the meeting? That’ll be a fine date, won’t it?” Kira glared at her.
“You’re the one who said it’s not a date,” Fi laughed as she ran out the door.
Kira stomped her foot. Lovely, she thought; now the whole town would be sitting in on their meeting later. Sighing, she turned back to the counter and pulled out a notepad. She might as well get some of these ideas out of her head, otherwise she wouldn’t be able to focus on her date later.
Meeting, she reminded herself. It was just a