MIO FIORE

THE GALA

The charities were good because it was good for me to be seen in public for something other than work, but then again seeing I designed the venue for the art to be displayed, it was also work-related. Dad was also a sponsor of half the artists here so I had to show support.

"You better slow down on that wine."

I jumped hearing that voice swearing as the wine dangerously swished around in my glass, and I was in a light-colored dress, the last thing I needed was a wine stain. I looked up already recognizing the voice, "What are you doing here?" I asked surprised.

“Your father invited me, I thought I would come and keep you company." he shrugged his shoulders.

I narrowed my eyes, "Why are you really here?"

"I’m hoping someone will buy my painting for a million dollars so I can buy your company." he joked.

"Aiden," I said irritated rubbing my forehead.

"I thought you didn't drink alcohol." He said reaching for my glass which I swiftly moved it away.

I scoffed turning around to stare at the painting I was staring at because I had clearly too much wine and was starting to think that the tie he had on was really nice.

“You don't know a lot of things about me, "I muttered.

I could feel the warmth from his body against my back and I took a step forward.

“Touche dear wife."

"Don't call me that!" I looked over my shoulder.

I felt his arm around my waist tugging me along to another painting and I shrugged him off, "Look, leave me alone." I said. I went to remove his hands when I heard him speak.

His eyes narrowed as he stared down at me, "Camera's are watching"

“f**k the cameras.” 

“Why are you so hostile towards me?" he asked.

"Because you're so...so...irritating!" and Aiden knew exactly how to get on my nerves. I couldn't act like he would, show his true colors at home, and then act like the perfect husband when we were in public. I was the same no matter where we were.

“Do you want another glass?" a waiter asked as we looked at another painting. Before I could say yes Aiden answered for me, "I think she's had enough."

I frowned looking at him, "You had a concussion, I really don't think you should be drinking." he clarified further.

I sighed, he had a point. I turned to look at the painting in front of me, it was trees that were drawn so the bottom looked like a forest but as they grew towards the sky they morphed into the busy city with lights in the tall buildings. And a figure was walking towards the forest dressed in a business outfit, or I think it was, it was a silhouette but I could make out he was on the telephone to someone.

“How do people think of things like this? Do you like it?"

I shrugged, "It's not bad."

“It's by Rob Gonsalves, one of his famous paintings." I turned to look at Aiden, "How do you know that?"

He looked down at me and I couldn't help but notice that the tie made his grey eyes look even more grey, like a thunderstorm. I scoffed, great, all these paintings were making me poetic.

"Krystal!" a familiar voice called just as Aiden opened his mouth to say something. I looked over my shoulder to see Daxton.

"Daxton." I said surprised, "I didn't know you were coming."

“Your dad told me and I had to come!"

Was there someone dad didn't tell? But I guess it was good as the more people that came, the more paintings that could be sold.

Aiden cleared his throat beside me and I nearly jumped out of my skin when I felt his fingers on my waist, the warmth of each individual warm finger imprinting into my side, and I shot him a look.

"Who's this darling?"

I clenched my teeth trying to subtly move out of his grasp but knowing this was just a show for dad I did a quick introduction, "Ah yes, the boy in our house the other day." Aiden nodded.

Daxton laughed, "A boy, well, I'm sure not I am a boy but you must be Aiden."

I looked between them confused with the mini stare off, "I’ll be right back." I excused myself as I retreated far away for some peace and quiet.

I found a waiter, taking another glass before heading outside to sit in the nice garden.

The cold air was refreshing, and I knew there was still a long time before the event was over, the auction still had to start.

I took a sip of my drink stretching out my legs, slipping my feet out of my shoes, and looking up at the dark sky, the tiny stars I could make out in the distance. It was so peaceful out here, and if there weren't any stupid mosquitos and bugs I would happily sleep out here.

I wasn't sure how long I was out here before I heard someone whistling and I looked up squinting at the figure in the distance. 

Was that the waiter? I hope it was, I wanted another drink. Maybe water this time.

But as the figure got closer I made out the height and build to be nothing of the waiter I kept bugging all night.

“What are you doing out here?" the familiar deep voice questioned me.

I felt like saying something witty, but I kept my mouth shut. "Nothing. Is it over?"

“The auction just started." I groaned, just? That meant it would take another two to three hours easily. I moved my head to the right a bit so his silhouette kept the light out of my face and I sighed, ah, that felt better.

I had all that time to kill, I really should take a nap, if I had my car I could happily sleep in it.

“Krystal."

"Hmm?"

“Do you...want to get food? With me?"

"What?”