“So do you play classical music in the gallery because you believe it’s a more sophisticated atmosphere for viewing art?” asked Brad, the suave lawyer who had been annoying Blythe ever since he had moved into Edmonds. He leaned over the counter to give Blythe a sexy look. A vision of Zoolander’s “Blue Magnum” flashed through her mind and made her laugh.

“What’s funny?” He asked. Blythe’s smile disappeared. The CD playing over the gallery speakers featured Debussy piano music. Right now it was playing a movement called “Reflets dans l’eau” – so soothing you could easily imagine the rippling reflections on a lake.

“I play classical music because I like it,” she said and shuffled some papers loudly, hoping he would clue in to the fact that she was busy prepping the next email newsletter to send out.

“So you actually enjoy classical music or do you feel like you have to like it?” He twirled a pen lazily through his fingers. Probably trying to show off his perfectly manicured hands, thought Blythe. She sighed.

“Yes, I actually enjoy classical music,” she said, “It’s very inspiring and allows me to get into my right brain easily when I’m painting. I can find classical music to fit any mood I’m in and there aren’t any words to intrude.”

Brad stopped leaning on the counter, stood up straight and clapped.

“Very admirable,” he said, “I can’t say I know anybody else who actually likes classical music. Most of us just pretend to appreciate it because we feel we have to.”

“Well then you’re really missing out,” said Blythe, “I just wish I could remember the titles and composers.”

“You need a music appreciation class!” said Brad, “I had to take one in high school. Worst class ever but we got a lot of jokes out of ‘Air on a G String’.” He paused, obviously waiting for Blythe to laugh. She raised her eyebrows. I’m sorry, she thought, I don’t actually think high school boy humour is funny. The CD had moved on to the next track, intensely fast-paced and building in tension.

Brad seemed to get the point.

“Well,” he said, “I’ve got to get rolling. You and me – dinner sometime soon? This Friday? How about 7:00 p.m.?”

He made it sound like it was a given that they would be going out. Blythe gulped for a second and then replied automatically,

“I don’t close the gallery until 8:00, sorry.”

“Well, 8:00 p.m. then?” He flashed another signature smile at her. Blythe squared her shoulders and took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry Brad, I am not at all interested in going out for dinner with you.” She gasped. Had that actually come out of her mouth? Had she really just said that to the handsome lawyer standing in front of her? She had! She wanted to jump for joy. She had done it! Brad suddenly didn’t look so suave or sexy anymore. His face was turning red.

“Excuse me?” he said, his voice starting to rise right along with the music.

“Brad,” she said quickly, “You heard me. I am sorry but I am not interested in dating you. Please leave now.” The second time it was easier to say, but he looked like he would choke.

“I can’t believe it,” he sputtered, “How could you not . . . ? Why would you not . . . ?”

Blythe shrugged and looked at him sympathetically.

“Sorry Brad, I’m looking for someone else.” The piano came down in a series of chords as if to put several sets of punctuation on the end of her sentence. Brad pulled himself back together and held up his hands in mock defeat.

“Alright,” he said, “I give up. I’m really sorry you’ll be missing out.” He turned around and walked out. Blythe collapsed back in her chair, exhausted from the effort of saying no.

“Are you ok?” asked Jacki, coming into the gallery with Josh. Josh paused to start looking at the paintings, while Jacki walked up to Blythe.

“Oh, hi,” said Blythe, “yeah, I’m great, actually!”

“You’re as white as a sheet!” said Jacki, “Josh and I are just out on a walk after dinner.”

“I’m fine, really I am,” Blythe said, “I feel like I just passed the exam for Rejection 101.”

“Oh really?” asked Jacki, leaning in over the counter like Brad had done, just a few minutes earlier, “That sounds juicy. Was it the guy we passed coming in?”

“Yes,” said Blythe, “I’m not interested in him but he’s been hanging around for weeks and randomly asking me out. At first I always managed to just say I was busy but I finally told him I wasn’t interested.” She paused.

“I still can’t believe I actually did it!” she said.

“Good for you,” said Jacki, “Did he take it ok?”

“Oh, he’ll be fine,” said Blythe scornfully, “by tomorrow, he’ll have moved on to making some other woman believe he’s God’s gift to women. He’ll end up pitying me for being so stupid as to pass up an opportunity like himself.”

Josh finally walked over to the counter as well.

“By the way, I love the Debussy,” he said, “I’m a huge fan of his work.”