AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Thank you: VictoriaAnnxx and Bonnie Sveen Fan for reviewing my first chapter, and to those reading.

Chapter 2

Evie looked around, gazing at all the wonderful works of art in the center.

"Ah you must be Evelyn Maguire?"

Evie looked up and saw a tall man who looked about twenty years older than her, with black hair and a chiseled chin.

"I'm Alex Vandersai. I must say it's a pleasure to meet such an aspiring young artist."

"Thanks. It's a pleasure to be given this chance and I have to say I just love some of the work you have produced," Evie beamed.

"Ah you're just being modest. Come and I'll show you around, get you used to the place so you can get right in."

"Thanks."

Evie followed Alex and was guided around the center.

"So how old are you Evelyn?"

"I'm eighteen."

"Starting young, I like that initiative in people."

Evie was pleased that Alex seemed so taken by her and seemed so friendly and nice.

"So what is it about the arts that you love Evelyn?"

"Um...I'd have to say the fact you have the ability to express so much of yourself through the artworks."

Alex smiled, "Yes my paints definitely show a window into my soul."

Evie saw a painting on the wall which had a mixture of blacks, gold, and reds and seemed to be an outline of a lady.

"Wow that's beautiful," Evie said pointing to the painting.

"Ah yes that's one of mine," was all Alex said before trying to usher Evie away.

"I love how your painting captured the essence of the subject."

"Muriel yes. She was my model for that painting, lovely girl. Now I bet you're eager to get started now that our tour is finished."

Alex was keen to move on from his painting as it held a secret past of his that he did not want someone finding out, especially someone as smart as Evie.

"This is where you can start your shifts. You will be helping set up artworks for display and making sure everything is in prime order and of course once you settle in you will get the chance to be taught by some of the best artists and have some of your own work on display."

Evie smiled; this was a dream come true and she just could not believe it.

"If you need any help I'll just be in my office upstairs."

"Thank you."

Alex gave Evie a quick wink before turning to leave.

Evie kept herself busy with what she was instructed to do and before long it had reached ten o'clock.

"Ah I'm impressed with your work commitment. I guess I made the right choice after all," Alex smiled as he had come back down to meet Evie.

"I hope the work hasn't turned you off though, I'd hate for you to get discouraged."

Evie smiled, "No, I had a great time. I can't believe my first shift is already over. Is anyone else still here?"

"No on a Friday night everyone leaves early and it's just me, but it'll be wonderful to have some company now."

Evie grabbed her belongings and headed towards the door.

"I'll see you tomorrow morning and Alex thanks again for this opportunity."

Alex smiled, "No need to thank me Evelyn it really is my pleasure. Now do you need a lift home?"

"Ah no, my boyfriend is picking me up, in fact he should be here now."

Alex stood in the doorway and watched Josh get out of a car and give Evie a kiss. Alex couldn't help but stare at Evie's lean and well defined body.

"How was your first day?" Josh asked as he and Evie got into Andy's car.

"It was wonderful. Alex showed me around the whole center, and I got to start on sorting out artworks," Evie beamed.

Andy was looking through the window at Alex.

"Who's that fella?"

Evie turned to look, "Oh that's Alex."

Andy raised his eyebrows. Something just didn't sit right for him about that guy. He didn't trust him one bit.

After Andy dropped Evie off at home, Evie and Josh said their goodbyes and Andy drove back home.

"Why are you so quite?" Josh asked Andy.

"I don't trust that Alex guy," Andy said flatly.

"Come on Andy, you haven't even met him yet. You can't judge someone just by looking at them."

"I don't need to meet him Josh. I've been around shifty people a lot and I know one when I see one and that Alex guy is shifty," Andy said, as he pulled up in the drive.

Josh walked into his bedroom and thought over what his brother had said. Josh trusted his brother's word, he did know about this sort of thing, but if it was true and Alex shouldn't be trusted why hadn't Evie noticed anything?

The following day Josh walked Evie to work but was kind of quiet.

"Hey, why are you so quiet?" Evie asked with a smile.

Josh sighed and held Evie's wrist, stopping her from walking further.

"Evie wait. I'm a little bit worried about you."

"Whatever for?" Evie questioned.

"I'm not so sure on this Alex guy. Andy reckons he's shifty."

Evie smiled, "Don't be silly. Alex is a nice guy. You have nothing to worry about. Besides I can look after myself."

Evie leaned up to kiss Josh.

"I know I just love you: that's all, and don't want you getting hurt."

"I love you too Josh. I'll see you tonight," Evie said goodbye and headed into the Art Center.

As the end of her shift neared eight pm, Alex came down to meet her.

"Ah what a wonderful job you've done on the studio tonight. Why don't you come up to my office and we can talk about your next project. I'm thinking you are far too advanced for this and want to show your portfolio to one of our top artists coming down next week. I want you to get some training from them so you can display your work in the studio."

Evie beamed, "Wow, you would really organize that for me? Thank you."

"So how about that coffee?" Alex pushed.

Evie looked at her watch. "Look, I'd love to but my boyfriend's waiting for me."

"No problem. I'll see you next week," Alex smiled seductively.

"Bye," Evie replied and walked out, meeting Josh at the door.

"So enjoy your day?"

"Yeah, Alex is giving my portfolio to a top artist so I can get professional training soon."

Josh scoffed at the sound of his name.

"Come on let's go get something to eat at the diner, I'm starved."

Evie took Josh's hand and led him away.