UNDER THE CANVAS

Damien Chase leaned back on his expensive Louis Vuitton leather couch, sipping a glass of vodka as he dail Lily’s number she picked on the second ring, her voice bright and eager “Hey, pumpkin,” she purred. ‘‘I was just thinking about you.” A smug smile tugged at his lips. “Well, I hope you were thinking about the gift I sent. Did it arrive?” Lily let out an excited scream. Are you kidding? Damien, it's breathtaking! The diamond bracelet is exquisite, made only for Queens, and I am your queen, but the painting, my God. You know how much I adore Elle's work. How did you even get your hands on it? “Oh well, I have my ways.” His voice carried a note of pride and satisfaction. He knew how much she admired the elusive artist. Over the past two years, he had spared no expense in acquiring Elle’s pieces for her, shipping them across the cities to hear the delight in her voice “I bet you do my Superman,” she said blushing. “I am anxiously waiting for the day to come. It's only a matter of weeks, and we’ll finally be together.” Damien’s grip on the glass tightened slightly. After two years of late-night calls, stolen moments on FaceTime, and long stretches across the miles, it was finally ending. He had met Lily on a dating app, their connection instant, their chemistry undeniable. But circumstance had kept them apart until now. “I can’t wait either,” he admitted. “I count the hours, minutes, and seconds till I finally see you, I'll kiss and hold you to my chest for fifteen minutes, if not more”, his voice dropping. “I’ve waited long enough”. Lily sighed dreamily; then her voice turned to tease. “And I finally get to meet Elle.” Damien chuckled. “I should be jealous. You sound more excited about meeting an artist you’ve never seen than meeting your boyfriend.” “Oh, don’t be a complainer,” she laughed. “I’m just so obsessed with her. No one has ever seen her, but her art has something hauntingly beautiful about it, like she paints emotions she’s lived through. I need to meet the woman behind these amazing paintings.” “She promised to reveal her identity at the exhibition,” Damien said, “if she shows up.” “She will," Lily insisted. “You just wait and see.” “I’ve got a huge surprise planned for you Lily.” “I can’t wait to find out, my love.” “I promise to make your stay a remarkable one my love.” The pleasure in Lily's voice was contagious. Damien grinned in excitement as they spoke for a while longer, making plans and telling petty jokes to each other. She promised to call the moment her flight landed. * * * * * * The day finally arrived, Damien’s phone buzzed with incoming calls “I just landed,” Lily announced. “But I'm running late. I’ll go straight to the venue for the exhibition and call you when it's over so you can come pick me up.” Damien frowned slightly. “I can come to get you now.” “No need,” she assured him. “I don’t want you waiting around while I spout over Elle's work. Just meet me after.” He grudgingly agreed. “But call me the moment it ends, not a minute late” “Promise” He hung up, feeling a strange sense of unease settle in his gut. He brushed it off, telling himself he was eager to finally see her. * * * * * * Hours passed “I need to get to the mall and get Lily’s favorite wine and also some things she always talked about,” Damien said to himself. He took his car keys and left. He stopped at a flower shop to get Lily some flowers. “Good day, can I get a special flower?” “Any specific choice?” answered the florist. “You can make a few suggestions or, better still, recommend one that says I love you dearly.” The florist smiles softly and says, “You’ve come to the right place.” Damien heaved a sigh of relief. “This is a Lilac melody bouquet. It is delicate and enchanting with soft lavender and pink bloom, which is designed to evoke emotions that should send the right message to your beloved.” “I’ll have that,” Damien said. “That's thirty-five bucks.” Damien paid the money and went straight to the mall. Damien picked some chocolates for Lily as she loves them and also her favorite wine, Château Cheval Blanc 1947, Château Lafite 1869 he got her a new set of jewelry and some expensive perfumes. He went to the boutique to get her some sexy lingerie. He took out his phone and called the hotel to confirm his reservation for the night. “Hello, Damien speaking, I want to make sure my reservations are in order tonight.” “Yes, sir, all is well arranged to suit your specifications.” “Alright then.” He rushes home to drop a few things off and also to have a quick bath. He rushes out of the bathroom and quickly puts on his Tom Ford suit and his shoes. With that Damien Damien checked his watch, his impatience growing. The exhibition should have ended by now. He clutched his keys and headed out. Damien is sitting in his luxury Bugatti Centodieci. He pulls out the movie tickets from his pocket and positions them on the dashboard of his car. By the time he arrived at the venue, the hall was almost empty, safe for some of the few disappointed guests who were seen talking in small groups. He quickly scans the hall looking for Lily. Just then, he saw a waiter carrying already-used wine glasses. “Hey man, is the event over?” “Yeah, about thirty-five minutes ago” “And did the mystery artist show?” “No, Sir, she didn't show,” the waiter answered, not recognizing who he was talking to looking sad. Once he recognizes who Damien is he quickly holds the tray to his chest and makes an apology. “Mr Chase I'm sorry I didn't know that was you.” “It's fine you can carry on” he replied, waving him off. He pulled out his phone and dialed her number. It rang. And rang. No answer. His fingers tightened around the phone. He tried again. Still nothing A cold dread crept up his spine Where the hell was she? He stood for a long time, thinking of his next move. Just then, he saw a couple holding hands and leaving the hall; then he ran after them. “Hey, I'm sorry to disturb you, but have you seen someone like this here today?” he said, pulling out his phone. “Chill, man, are you a cop or some private investigator?” “No, she's my girlfriend. I'm supposed to pick her up after the exhibition.” “No, man, don't think so, or maybe she ditched you to go with another sucker,” the man said, letting out a mischievous grin.” “No, not my Lily, she's not that kinda girl she loves me.” “Oh well, sorry, can't help you.” His heartbeat pounded in his ears, a frustration transformed into panic. His mind raced through possibilities. Had she lost her phone? Left early? No, she would have called. He called again. Voicemail. He stepped outside and called out her name. Maybe he didn't get here in time, so she took a walk. Just then, an idea struck him. He saw a pub opposite the venue and thought maybe she was waiting in there for me. He quickly went into the pub with still no sign of Lily. Where could she be? was his thought. “Did she ditch me like that guy said? No, we love each other”. He said to himself for the second time. A snarl of frustration escaped his throat. He turned on his heel, trying to call her again, but with no response, he muttered and said. “Where in heaven's name are you, Lily?”