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Olivia nodded. ‘I am. It’s my one big responsibility on board. Then maybe I can sit back and enjoy, well …’ She threw her arm out, gesturing at the view.
‘Precisely. You deserve it.’
‘And you’ll be there too, right? I don’t want my cabinmates to miss out.’
‘You bet. I’m not one to turn down some free drink, even if I know nothing about art. Still, I bet this is going to be a story to tell my clients. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
25
‘Stefan, I really don’t think Aaron meant for these pieces to be on sale too.’
She was back in the gallery a few hours before the showcase was due to start. She’d been shocked by the change in the layout since she’d last visited – she’d been so busy that she hadn’t come by every day to check on the actual gallery itself. But instead of the elegantly sparse display of his artwork, meant to create the biggest impact for each piece, the selection adorning the walls had multiplied.
In particular, she was standing in front of a crowded display of Yennin’s pencil drawings and drafts, pieces she knew Art Aboard had requested, but had no idea had been actually printed. Beneath was a selection of postcards, unsigned prints and even a T-shirt with his artwork on it.
‘I told you, Aaron and I agreed that I am in charge of what goes on sale. This is my area of expertise, remember?’ Stefan brushed past her, straightening one of the prints that had been knocked off its line.
Yennin sketch, read the plaque.Official reproduction.
She narrowed her eyes, looking at it. ‘I know, but it’s very clear that Aaron wanted to roll these pieces out slowly – to start out with a buzzy, exclusive art auction to keep the value high. If we suddenly sell everything …’
‘If he has an issue, he can take it up with me afterwards.You’re the numbers woman, right? If you’re unhappy with the numbers at the end, then you can talk to me.’
‘Rest assured, I will,’ said Olivia. She glanced down at her watch. She needed to go and get changed. She wasn’t going to have any luck changing Stefan’s mind. She’d just have to explain things to Aaron when they got back to Ushuaia – and hope that he understood her position. ‘I’ll be back just before six o’clock, in time for the guests’ arrival.’
‘See that you are.’
She rolled her eyes at Stefan’s back as she left the gallery, a flush of heat prickling the back of her neck. But she could hardly argue with Aaron’s emails. She only wished he’d bothered to reply to her with a proper explanation.Dear Olivia …maybe it was a brush-off, and his affections had turned.
She couldn’t think about it now. She just had to do the best job she could, and deal with the consequences when they returned to Ushuaia.
Back in her cabin, she changed into one of the few nice outfits that she had brought with her: a simple burgundy lace dress from LK Bennett, which she wore with her only pair of heels. She put on a bit more make-up too, lining her eyes and swiping on lipstick. With all the people filming, this was going to be a major PR event, and she wanted to represent the advisory well.
Janine walked into the cabin. ‘You look nice. Going to the auction?’
‘I’ll head up there in a few minutes. You’re coming too, right?’
‘Wouldn’t miss it,’ said Janine.
Patty came in next, her cheeks flushed from being outside. ‘Ooh, I didn’t realize we had to dress fancy.’
‘You don’t. I’m sure most people will be in their fleeces.’
‘So I’m OK like this?’ she said, gesturing to her thermal leggings and Antarctica-branded hoodie that she’d bought from the gift shop.
‘Of course. I’m glad you’re all coming. I’m going to need the moral support.’
‘I’m sure Janine will give it a fabulous review, won’t you, darling? We might not be able to afford any of the art, but at least we can drink some free wine.’ She leaned in and lowered her voice. ‘Itisfree, right?’
Olivia laughed. ‘Yes.’
‘The drunker people get, the more they spend, is that the idea?’ Annalise muttered. ‘Capitalism at its finest.’
‘Come on, don’t be sour,’ said Patty, throwing her arm around her colleague. ‘We’ve got to sell this to all the VIPs who want to go on a Pioneer cruise. This could be the bestseller for our branch next year, don’t you think?’
‘If you really think that, then you’re more naive than I thought. There are bigger forces at play here and, trust me, they don’t give a fuck about anyone but themselves.’
‘Annalise!’ Patty gasped. ‘What are you talking about?’