Originally I planned my trip around a funky new B&B called, Pueblo Bonito, which served free margaritas at 5:00 each night. Instead of canceling, I want us to be together and explore the city. As luck would have it, the room I had booked was a single. The young manager took pity on us, especially when I explained that Jay was a struggling artist. Jay looks mortified but I’m a great storyteller so I embellish a little. The manager has a cancellation and gives us a suite with a living room, adobe fireplace, bedroom, and a tiny kitchen, at no extra charge. I am psyched! Our first task is to drop off the paintings. While Jay speaks to the owner, I look around. It is a modest gallery with some nice work on display and in a good location; I feel positive. Yet it is bittersweet as I realize I can’t escort Jay to the opening reception. After we leave, we wander the streets, arm in arm, as Jay points out some of the places he’s worked and some of the galleries where his paintings have hung.
