rain drops on roses

Returning to her hotel room, Olga sits on the bed and kicks off her shoes. Sighing, she lies back for a moment before rolling over to the phone to check her voicemail. She can’t help but chuckle when she hears her friend’s message on the other line. Sitting up, she starts to dial. After the second ring, a voice picks up. Standing up, Olga walks over to the bathroom, “Yes, may I please be transferred to Professor Daniel West’s office? This is Olga Viso returning his call.” Checking her make up in the mirror, she returns to the bedroom and starts to change into something more comfortable than the dress suit she is wearing now. Within seconds, her dear friend’s voice emerges on the other line: out of breath, “Did you see him?” Laughing, she pulls out a pair of jeans, “Did I catch you running a marathon, darling Daniel?” “The elevator in this building isn’t working. I just ran up a flight of stairs when Teresa told me you were on the line.” “Ah, so you’re finally getting some exercise.” “Funny,” he drones. “So did he see him?” “Yes.” “And did he say yes to your proposal?” “I told him to call me.” “He was interested, right?” “Why wouldn’t he be interested, Daniel? Being showcased in my museum is a one in the lifetime opportunity for any artist.” She admonishes. “I know, I really appreciate you taking the time and looking for him.” “Well, lucky for you that I visit the Netherlands twice a year and I had planned to do a talk in Sanders class.” “Yeah, I know. Thanks.” Daniel says with relief in his voice. “I have to admit though,” she muses, “I was very surprised when you practically begged me to talk to him and consider his work for one of my exhibitions.” “He was my favorite student, Olga. You’ve seen his work. He’s incredibly talented.” Daniel reasons. “I agree with you, Daniel. Justin is very talented and I know he’ll be very successful in his career. It’s just surprising that you took such an interest in him. You’ve never pushed any of your students at me before.” Putting on some socks, she walks over to the closet to retrieve her sneakers. “Justin is special.” She laughs again, “Yes. I can understand your infatuation with him. He is quite attractive, but alas, I hate to break it to you: he’s a married man now.” Daniel chuckles, “Justin Taylor: Married man.” “Yes, well, he isn’t going by that name anymore. At least not in Amsterdam.” “Really? What name is he using?” “JT Kinney. I told him though that it may be a good idea to use Justin Taylor for his work at my museum since that name is already recognizable to those in the states.” “Don’t worry,” Daniel assures her, “I’ll be sure to let the right people know who JT Kinney is.”