A man approaches May

May’s heels clicked softly on the polished wood floor as she moved through the quiet gallery. She drifted from piece to piece, barely focusing on the art. There was a familiarity here that she hadn’t felt in years. The smell of paint and varnish mixed with the faint scent of dust and old wood. As she rounded a corner, lost in thought, she collided with something solid. Strong hands steadied her, and she looked up, startled.

“Whoa, easy there,” said the man.

May’s heart skipped. The man was tall, with dark hair that fell in loose waves around his face. His eyes, a deep shade of brown, held a glint of amusement as they met hers. He was dressed simply, in a dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves and plain black khakis.

“I’m fine,” May said, a little breathless. She stepped back, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I didn’t see you there.”

“Clearly,” he replied with a grin, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.

May felt a flush creep up her neck, but she quickly shook it off. “I was distracted. The art is… captivating.”

“Yes, it is,” he said.

May’s smile faltered for a second. There was something magnetic about him. She quickly pushed the thought aside. “You’re a regular here?” she asked, trying to steer the conversation onto safer ground.

“I’m actually one of the artists. Elliott.” He offered his hand.

“May,” she said. His touch was warm. A jolt ran through her. “I didn’t realize I was bumping into the talent.”

“Hardly,” he said with a chuckle. “But I try. What brings you today?”

“I used to come here a lot when I was in college,” she said. “I was a sculptor.”

Elliott’s eyebrows lifted. “Do you still work with your hands?”

May shook her head. “I haven’t touched clay in years.”

“That’s a shame,” Elliott said, his voice sincere.

May felt a pang in her chest. “I suppose you’re right,” she said, trying to keep her tone light. “But the world doesn’t always leave room.”

Elliott studied her for a moment. “Why don’t you come see my studio? It’s just upstairs, in the attic. I’d love to show you what I’ve been working on.”