Chapter 17
955 Words
As max escorted me back into the art opening. I was just praying it wouldn’t end. All my trying to avoid causing a scene ended up with making a bigger fool of myself and revealing the marriage I wasn’t ready to discuss.
Somehow, the night passed on as if nothing happened. Several couples congratulated us on our marriage, including Max’s boss. A few hours later, as the night was coming to an end, Max decided to leave me to close. He pulled me to the side as we neared the entrance, gathered me up into his arms and kissed me again.
“I’ll be waiting on you,” Max said, into my ears for only me to hear. “I know you’ll be late, but there’s a special surprise for you waiting when you return.”
“I may be too tired,” I said, unconvincingly.
“I’ll do all the work. It’ll be just like the other day.”
Heat rushed to my face at the memory.
“You’re so beautiful, and you make me happy. I’m proud to have you as my wife. We can discuss all the ends and outs tomorrow, just let me have tonight. It’ll be like the wedding night we never had.
I tingled. My heart was beating so hard and fast. I truly loved this man, but I really wondered if he would truly return the feeling. I couldn’t resist the response though. “Of course. I’ll see you soon.”
Max smiled that beautiful smile of his, accentuating his handsomeness. The black suit with red satin shirt unbuttoned a little at the top, with gold cufflinks. The white gold chain he was wearing sparkled with the ring he wore on his necklace. I had put more on my finger and I wondered if he would do the same.
“See you later, beautiful.”
“I watched him walk away, then tried to return to the now ending opening.
After the last patron left, I met with the interns to see what the result of the show’s purchases. Vince walked up just as we were finishing the tally.
“Did we do okay?”
“Sold 20 of the smaller ones and 5 of the larger,” I said. “People were asking if there was any way to get copies of euphoria. That may end up being a print classic, especially after your donation.”
“For which you are deserving,” he replied. “Max is a good man. You two deserve each other so that you can enhance your love.”
“I’m just happy things will all work out for you.”
“I’ll be on my way, Tammy,” said Arlynn. She and the other two interns has been working non-stop, and where anxious to get to the after opening party everyone tended to show up. I wasn’t attending that night for all the obvious reasons.”
“Okay. See you then,” I replied.
“Night, Arlynn.”
“You too, Vince,” Arlynn answered, leaving just Vince and I.
“Are you satisfied with the turn out?” I asked as we walked into my office. I had to put all of the money notes from the evening away.
“It was great. I’m always stunned at the people who showed up.” Vince took a seat on my office as I rummaged around my desk.
“We’re proud of your work.”
“Tell me, what do you know about Emilie?” he asked. It was such a surprising question, from Vince who rarely asked about woman.
“She works with Max, they are close. Why?”
“Nothing. She’s a stunning woman.”
“You know, she attracts a lot of attention, and can be ruthless in her conquering,” I informed him. I stopped what I was doing for a second to watch his body language.
“Emilie has a wonderful presence and spirit.”
“Thinking of asking her out?” I asked, watching him fidget a little. It was slight; a side of him I’d never seen before.
“I’d love to pant her.”
“They why don’t you just ask?”
“I don’t think she’d let me,” he said, standing up. “I insulted her a little.”
“Care to share?” I asked. I figured something’s happened, but Vince getting to Emilie? It must have been a big blunder to get under her skin.
“I’m to embarrassed, but soon.”
“Well, there are other models.”
“No,” Vince insisted. “I’ll have to draw her. You know I only point off what I feel. I can’t shake it. I’d love to set her energy free.”
“If you tell a woman like Emilie that you’ll be breaking your vow,” I said. Vince and Emilie? It was definitely getting late then.
“That is true. I guess I will leave it along then,” he said, sounding dejected.
“Don’t worry. God will send your muse along,” I said.
“You’re right. I’ll escort you to your car?”
“Thank you kind sir,” I responded giving him my hand.
As we walked outside, I noticed what a beautiful night it was to walk. Fortunately, it wasn’t too cold, as the temperature had moderated itself throughout the evening.
“By the way, how did you know I was married?” I asked. I had wanted to approach him about it long before then, but I was so confused about my own feelings of the situation that I didn’t even know where to start.
Vince smiled. “I watched how you reacted around each other. After meeting him, I knew you wouldn’t be walking around with his babe unspoken for, despite your situation. Besides, no couple can resist Euphoria.”
No truer words were spoken.
When I arrived home, Max was sleeping. It was funny to think about it, and that nervousness and worry and here he was sleeping like a baby. I got out of my chess and curled on our bed with him. We had a lot to discuss in the morning.
- Writer
