“Well, I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow, make sure to come.”
“Yes, definitely come. Otherwise, we’ll come after you ourselves,” the guide teased.
“Excuse me. How did you say it’s pronounced? Von?” Sophia turned back as she was leaving the room.
“Van. Constantin Van,” he replied.
“Elizabeth. You can call me Libby,” the Guide muttered.
* * *
Sophia arrived early at the designated spot on the paper. Ephors always had a habit of doing everything perfectly, and being late was unacceptable for them. She wanted to speed up the process of connecting with this person and resolve the issue at hand. Adjusting the mirror in the car, she touched up her lips with a soft peach color and made sure she hadn’t smeared her mascara. Sophia preferred a gentle, everyday makeup look, despite her bright and quite attractive appearance (with wavy light brown hair and dark, thick eyebrows) not needing any additional highlights. But Sophia didn’t want to stand out or draw attention to herself among the crowd.
At the exhibition, as with any other event, she chose a refined outfit. A black blazer, a black silk dress, and black high-heeled pumps. For accessories, she opted for emerald stud earrings and a thin titanium ring on her pinky.
Stepping out of the car, Sophia decided to take a look around. The studio was located not far from the main street, but it was hidden from passersby by winding alleys and iron staircases. The brick building, in the spirit of the old town, seemed to say "new things are born here, but the old is honored."
The iron door creaked open with a heavy groan, and Constantin stepped into the light. He was wearing a green checkered shirt with rolled-up sleeves, worn dark jeans, sneakers, and a few strokes of paint on his wrist.
“What delicate hands he has,” Ephor noted.
“Sophia! I didn’t think you were so punctual. There’s still an hour until the opening,” Van said a bit flustered but his eyes showed joy.
“Yes, I can’t help myself. It’s probably a professional habit,” she shrugged.
“Well, everything is almost ready. Please, come in,” Constantin invited her.
Everything inside was just as Sophia had imagined. A well-lit space, with light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows and walls sconces. Gray loft-style walls and a long dark chocolate leather Chesterfield sofa sat in the middle of the room by the bar, waiting for its guests.