Free Ten Days in Tuscany by Annie Seaton

him realize that his ability was way out of her league. But if he could see her recognized, organize an exhibition, and showcase her work, it would put one of his talents to good use. He had no doubt he could organize a show that would be spectacular.
    “Of course that’s my dream, but I can’t afford it. And I also don’t know that my work is good enough. There are so many artists who paint the Tuscan countryside. Just go down to the village and look at the shops in the Via delle Volte. Prints, calendars, wall plaques. I’m just one of hundreds of artists who paint the same thing every year.”
    “That’s not true, Gia. Your talent is fresh and different. I know we’ve just met, but I want you to trust me.” He ran his hands slowly up her bare arms until his fingers gripped her shoulders gently. “I want to help you. You can’t hide your talent away.”
    Gia shook her head and went to speak, but he put his finger on her lips. “ Ssh . Hear me out. I’ve been working long enough to get some money behind me”—now that was a white lie—“if you’ll let me help you set up your exhibition, I can lend you the money to get it advertised and organized. Then when you sell your paintings, you can pay me back.”
    “But where would I hold it?” She frowned. “I can’t leave Castellina. I can’t afford that, and really I don’t know anywhere else. And who would come?”
    “What’s wrong with right here?” Nick gestured to the studio around them. There were three stone walls where canvases could be displayed, and the space was huge. He imagined the light in the daytime would be amazing with that south-facing window. “You’ve got that beautiful courtyard outside where you could serve refreshments, and I could help you clean up the studio and set up the exhibition.” His business mind kicked in. Already he was thinking of the logistics of such an event and how to advertise it in Florence, who to invite. “Tuscany is the tourist center of the country. How many Florentines have villas that they use on a weekend? You have a captive market here. A wealthy market. All it would take is some advertising, some well-placed invitations, and I guarantee you a hugely successful exhibition. A village girl with an amazing talent.” Already he could see the mock-ups of an advertising campaign in his head.
    Gia stepped away from him. “But when? You said you’re only here for ten days? Would we leave it and organize it for when you come back here next spring… If you come back next spring?” Her brow wrinkled and Nic watched as her finger pushed her spectacles back up when they slid down her nose. He was getting to like that quirky little habit. Hell, he was getting to like this quirky woman.
    “No. I have some er…contacts in Florence. I often spend my weekends there, and it’s not much farther to come down here to Castellina. I’d be happy to come back and spend a few weekends here to help you get organized.”
    “No.”
    Nick’s excitement plummeted as she shook her head with a frown. “I have always wanted to make my own way. For too long others have been telling me what to do.”
    His mind raced. He had to convince her. This was one opportunity that he couldn’t afford to let go.
    “How can I convince you? How long will it take you working as a waitress to get to Florence? To hire a space for a show?”
    “I don’t know.” Her voice was a little less determined.
    “Look.” He pointed around the room. “If you just let me help you, you have enough paintings in here to sell to get you straight to Florence, and your days of waitressing will be over. Almost immediately. I can just give you a little startup, and you can pay me back afterward.”
    “And what if I don’t sell any? Then I’ll owe you as well as trying to save.” She shook her head with a smile. “I’ll still be waitressing when I am an old woman. And still in Castellina.”
    Despite her words, Nic could sense a weakening in her tone.