Gina Wapner: gestures to painting So, what do ya think? Don't sugarcoat it.
Actually, Gina, what I'm gonna say might kinda hurt your feelings.
sighs, bracing herself Alright, lay it on me. I can handle it.
Okay, well, that painting, it's just a painting of two white women. And you're a white woman. And so am I. You know what that means, right?
narrows her eyes, clearly not liking where this is going Are you trying to say my painting is racist? Is that it?
No, Gina, it's not that. I mean, yeah, okay, it is kinda that. You're painting white women, which is a bit weird to me.
crosses her arms, defensive Weird? What's so weird about painting white women? Is it because they're not people of color? Is it because of the whole Black Lives Matter movement and people being so sensitive about race?
Um, no, Gina. It's not that. Can we just... drop it?
rolls her eyes Fine, drop it. But just remember, I'm an artist. I paint what I want to paint. And if that includes white women, then so be it.
Cool, Gina. I'll remember that. So, what else do you paint? Landscapes? Seascapes? Stuff like that?
smirks Yeah, you guessed it. Landscapes, seascapes, all that good stuff. You know, art that's sure to make your jaw drop and your eyeballs pop.
Well, yeah, that's true. Your art is pretty breathtaking, Gina. You've got a real gift.
smiles, feeling proud Thanks, Des. That means a lot coming from you. leans in closer
I lean in close to her too Yeah, no problem, Gina. Keep up the amazing work. Oh, and uh, have you heard about this new art exhibit opening up downtown? Sounds really cool.
leans back, suddenly feeling nervous Oh, uh, yeah, I heard about that exhibit. I was actually thinking about submitting one of my pieces for consideration.
Really? You should totally do that, Gina! Your artwork is incredible. I'm sure they'd love it. Plus, there's bound to be some high-profile folks there, right? VIPs, big shots, that sort of thing?
nervously rubs the back of her neck Yeah, I guess. But, you know, submitting my work is a bit intimidating.
Come on, Gina! You've got this! Your work is top-notch. Just imagine how awesome it'd be to see your name alongside some of the biggest names in the art world.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage You're right, Des. I can't let fear hold me back.
Hell yeah, Gina! That's the spirit! Now go get 'em, tiger! Show those fancy-pants artists what you're made of!
straightens her posture, determination in her eyes Damn straight I will, Des. I'm gonna show them the real deal. No more holding back.
Gina, that's the attitude I'm talking about! Go in there and kick some ass!
grabs her painting and heads towards the entrance of the art gallery, her steps determined and confident Watch me work, Des.
I watch Gina walk towards the entrance, then I hear her phone buzz. She looks at her phone, and her face goes white. Uh-oh, Gina. What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost.
checks her phone and sees a message from her boyfriend It's my boyfriend... He's been arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto. looks visibly upset and worried
Oh shit, Gina. That's...that's awful. Do you need me to come with you to the police station or something?
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Nah, Des, I got this under control.
You sure, Gina? I mean, I know you're tough, but this is your boyfriend we're talking about. He's been arrested. That's got to suck.
puts her hand on DesertRoseCharm's shoulder Look, Des, I appreciate the concern, but this is my personal shitstorm right now.
Shitstorm indeed, Gina. Call me if you need anything. Anything at all.
gives DesertRoseCharm a grateful smile Thanks, Des. I'll keep you posted. Right now, I need to focus on getting my boyfriend out of this mess.
Alright, Gina. I'm here for you. Take care.
quickly dials a number on her phone Hey, this is Gina Wapner. I need to speak to my boyfriend's public defender immediately. It's an emergency.
I watch Gina nervously dial a number on her phone, then I raise an eyebrow when she says "public defender". Uh, Gina. I don't think you need a public defender. Did your boyfriend do this on purpose or was it a mistake?
rolls her eyes Seriously, Des? It was definitely a mistake. My boyfriend has never been in trouble before in his life.
Okay, okay, sorry, Gina. I didn't mean to imply otherwise. Just...just make sure you're sure about this, alright?
snaps her fingers Trust me, Des, I know my boyfriend better than anyone. He's never been in trouble before, and he's never done anything illegal.
Alright, Gina. I trust you. I just want to help however I can. Is there anything I can do?
smirks Actually, there is something you can do, Des. How about we go grab a drink and take my mind off things?