2. Adored
921 Words
The sky was moonless and pitch black.
Inside the Santa Monica Gallery, however, was as bright as midday. There were no decorations around aside from the paintings hanging on the wall. Gazing at each portrait was like taking a trip to a different realm.
I was standing in front of my favorite painting named Paloma when someone tapped my shoulder. I smiled, angling at the man wearing a shirt under his vest. His dark-rimmed glasses gave him a nerdy appearance.
"Mr. Rivera, I'm delighted you made it despite your packed schedule."
"There's no way I'm going to miss your latest collection, Lawrence." He scanned the area, as though looking for something. “Well, Lawrence, I'd like to congratulate you. I've never been disappointed by your works. They're innovative, daringly distinct, and foxy."
His comment was a piece of music to my ears. Who wouldn't want approval from the highest-paid and most controversial columnist of Manila's ArtCritical? However, if he notices even a minor fault from my event, it will be reported to the magazine straight away.
I extended my hand to greet him with a polite handshake. "Thank you so much, Mr. Rivera. Thank you for accepting my invite as well."
"Lawrence, you certainly deserve everything good in this world. You're a fantastic painter. I'm sure there's a lot more waiting for you in the future," he praised, then looked around again. "Oh, well. I'll go ahead. I'm still up to some more paintings."
I nodded. "Just feel free to look around. See you later, sir." I waved my hand as he moved away.
I breathed in relief and spun to the painting I wouldn't get tired of gazing at. I hope you can see how successful this event is. Aren't you happy for me? For us? Now, look at them. They're all enchanted by your priceless beauty.
The sound of compliments coming from the visitors was nothing compared to the pounding of my heart. My spirit was lifted every time I watched them smile.
"Don't spend too much time staring at that painting. It might talk to you."
Hearing Ruth's voice from behind me made me laugh. "Are you jealous, hon?" I spun and wrapped my arms around her waist. I couldn't help but admire her beauty. She looked so sophisticated and classy in her long red gown.
"What a surprise. I thought you're not coming. Don't you have classes for tomorrow?"
"Oh, I have." She raked her fingers through the locks of my hair. "But of course, I'm not going to miss the most important day of your life."
I kissed her forehead and smiled. I know, she wanted to be kissed somewhere else. But we were in public. I'd reserve the sexy things later. "Thank you so much, hon. By the way, I owe you this one. If not for you, my paintings are still hidden dusty inside my studio."
Ruth's gorgeous face softened into a charming smile. The peeping of that small dimple at the side of her full lips enhanced her beauty even more. I never intended to fall in love with her because we were only friends way back in college. But who wouldn't be smitten by someone so lovely and kind?
"I'm always here to support you, Lawrence. I love you, and I'll do everything that will make you happy."
"I love you too. You know that hon," I whispered. Clearing my throat, my hands slipped down the small of her back. "So, where are we going to celebrate later?"
Ruth bit her bottom lip. "Are you teasing me?"
"If that's how you see it." I shrugged my shoulders as if innocent of what she was up to.
She grinned and was about to answer when her ringing phone interrupted our little naughty moment. Dismay was written on her face when she fished the phone out of her purse. For one moment, her eyes widened, like there was a ghost flashing on the screen. But then she realized I was studying her face.
"Who's calling, hon? Aren't you going to answer that?" I asked.
The pink tint on her face flushed into white. Clearing her throat, she said, "It's from the faculty." She met my curious gaze and bit her lower lip before smiling. "I, um... I need to answer this privately if you don't mind."
From academia? At this hour?
The call made me curious. But maybe that was urgent. It was the end of the second semester anyway, so everything was in a rush.
"Oh, thank you, honey. Promise, this won't take long, okay?" She kissed me on my lips, turned her bareback on me, and rushed toward the washroom.
And I was alone again.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at Paloma's frame as my mind went over some memories. When I started to paint her, it was one of the toughest times of my life. Depression even consumed me. But when I eventually finished the portrait after several sittings, I felt like I'd been reincarnated.
"So, this is Paloma!"
That pleasant voice drew me out of my reverie. When I turned back, I noticed a young woman staring at Paloma. She was small but appeared taller in her fitted blouse and slim jeans. Her lengthy hair drew my attention as well. It was the same jet-black and wavy hair as mine. Her doe eyes, though, were what drew my attention. Their color was chestnut brown, a color I adored so much.
"That's indeed Paloma," I said, still gaping at her.
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