Read Online Manhattan Dreaming by Anita Heiss - Free Book Online Page A

practice.’
    Emma knew I wanted to go as far as possible in the art world, that I had my sights set on being the director of the NAG one day. But I knew I had plenty of time to work my way up the ranks, because Emma wasn’t going anywhere for a while.
    I moved to the edge of my seat, leaning into her desk. ‘I know it’s a fantastic opportunity, and that it’s important to my career and the gallery – it’s just that – well, it’s America. I like being here, even with the miserable Canberra weather. It’s my second home, after Goulburn.’
    â€˜Firstly, Lauren, it’s not forever – it’s twelve months, with an option to extend for another year. And secondly, and most importantly, it’s not just anywhere in America, it’s New York. The Big Apple, shopping on 5th Avenue, Broadway shows, Times Square, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim. Doesn’t any of that interest you?’
    â€˜To be honest, I like what’s offered here locally. I’m not unhappy living in Canberra.’
    â€˜ Not unhappy and happy aren’t quite the same thing, Lauren. But even if you’re happy here, it doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy life in a big, bold, brilliant city like New York.’
    I could feel myself becoming defensive.
    â€˜How do you think someone like me – Libby calls me a country bumpkin, you know – is going to survive in New York? A lone Blackfella at that. This is big city enough for me. I was out of my depths in Sydney when I was studying.’
    â€˜But there’s a whole world out there, Lauren! New York is an exciting place for a young single girl like you.’
    Single. I had no real ties keeping me in Canberra now, even if I wished I did. Emma had no idea I’d been seeing Adam, so she didn’t know we’d broken up – or why, or how – but I felt like she’d knifed me in the heart. And I knew instantly the real reason I didn’t want to go was because of Adam.
    â€˜Before you make a decision I want you to give it some serious thought. I want you to know there is no-one else I would even consider nominating. You are the best we have. And I don’t say that lightly.’ She handed me the email. ‘Here’s the job description and all the details. They’ll fly you over, we’ll sort out an apartment for you before you leave, and so forth.’
    â€˜How long have I got to decide?’ I said, staring at the paper, but with Mum and Dad in my mind’s eye, feeling completely overwhelmed. ‘I need to talk to my family.’
    Emma looked at her desk calendar. ‘I need to know by Monday. You’d have to be leaving early next month.’
    I walked the long way back to my office, stepping outside for a brief minute for some air, as I was beginning to hyperventilate. No-one at work had seen me have a panic attack, as I’d managed my anxiety well since my uni days, but I felt like one was close to the surface.
    â€˜You all right, Lauren? You’re wheezing. Are you asthmatic?’ Joel from security asked.
    â€˜Oh, yeah, fine, thanks. Not asthmatic. I must be just really unfit,’ I said, pinching some flesh on my midriff. ‘Wouldn’t hurt to lay off the cakes here, either,’ I laughed, motioning towards the cafe.
    â€˜This isn’t a dress rehearsal, Lauren, it’s life. Eat cake and be merry, I reckon. See ya.’ Joel walked off chirpy and none the wiser. I looked over to the Tent Embassy monument and thought about the ongoing struggle for human rights in Australia. I breathed in, exhaled loudly, mentally slapped myself in the head and reminded myself of my responsibilities to Aboriginal artists. Emma had just paid me an enormous compliment. I went back to my desk.
    â€˜Where have you been?’ Libby asked, barely looking up from her computer.
    â€˜Had a meeting with Emma.’
    â€˜About?’
    I