"The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity."
Alberto Giacometti

When she got home, she kicked off her shoes and started running a hot bath. She poured some aromatic salts to help her relax and went back into the living room to listen to her messages.

"Elena honey, it's me" sounded Caroline's cheerful voice. "Don't forget Bonnie made reservations at Gotham's to celebrate Jeremy's opening. I'll pick you up at 7:30, ok? Wear something sexy"

The first message got deleted fast. She felt like crawling under the covers and stay in bed until spring, or at least until she was in a better mood.

"Hey sis, what's up?" Elena recognised Jeremy's nervous voice. "Just wanted to see how your day went. I'll see you at 8 tonight. Hope you didn't forget. Love you"

This one made Elena feel even worst. She knew she couldn't miss this dinner celebration for Jeremy's opening, but she dreaded the questions about how many visitors the gallery had today or if she got any offers for the paintings. She knew her answers will disappoint everybody, but especially Jeremy.

She kicked off her shoes, took off her dress and went back into the bathroom. She removed her bra and panties and slid one leg in the hot water. She let her skin adjust to the temperature for a few seconds before she slid the other leg and let her tired body sink in the hot water. The rich aromas enveloped all her senses and her whole body relaxed. She closed her eyes and the memory of those blue eyes came back to her. She could still feel the place he touched her hand, she could smell the fragrance he left behind in her gallery. He was very handsome and Elena had to admit that just thinking about his body made her breasts feel heavy. She touched her hard nipple lightly and slid one hand between her legs. Her clit was throbbing and her folds were slick as she began to rub her pussy all over. She imagined his hands touching her everywhere, his dick slamming hard into her as she slid two fingers inside her hot throbbing core. As she put one wet finger in her mouth imagining how his tongue would slide along hers, she came hard, feeling her muscles squeeze her fingers, her clit spasm at every touch and her whole world spinning out of control. His name was a slow whisper on her lips as she came down from her high, breathing heavily.

She decided to give up her hot bath and stepped in the shower, turning the faucet to cold water. She was still hot and bothered and her quick session didn't help much. She rushed to finish washing her hair and body and as soon as she wrapped herself in a big towel she heard the doorbell.

"You were still in the shower? Hurry up Elena, we're going to be late" said Caroline, obviously annoyed.

"Knock it off Care, I'm not in the mood. I had a hard day".

"Ok, let's get you dressed up and ready for a fabulous evening"

"What's so fabulous about this evening?" replied a grumpy Elena as she tried to comb her wet hair.

"You never know, this could be the day you meet your one true love" said Caroline while browsing through Elena's wardrobe. "Here, put this on. It is perfect."

"Of course it is, you bought it for me."

"You know I have great fashion taste. And with a body like yours and those long legs you can't fail with a skin tight short sexy dress. Hurry up, I don't like to be late" Caroline's muffled sounds came from Elena's shoe closet.

When Elena finished she took a long look in the mirror and approved Caroline's choice. The dress was a one shoulder red mini and the black pumps completed her makeover. Nobody would have guessed her internal struggle now. She looked confident and sexy, ready to make some male victims.

The restaurant was busy tonight and they were relieved to see they had a private booth reserved. At least they won't be bothered by the people coming and going and they could have a quiet dinner between friends.

They were the first ones to arrive and Elena quickly ordered a glass of white wine in hope that the alcohol will calm her nerves.

"Elena darling what is bothering you tonight? You don't seem your strange self tonight. Actually it's worse, if that is even possible."

"I'm fine Care, just tired, that's all" Elena replied absentminded.

"Don't give me that. We know each other too well, so whatever is on your mind and soul you better tell me"

What was she supposed to tell Caroline? How she met the most gorgeous man walking on this planet, or how she fantasized about him while masturbating?

"I'm just disappointed about the opening, that's all" sighted Elena, relieved that Caroline dropped the subject the same time as they saw Jeremy, Bonnie and Tyler walk towards their booth.

Meanwhile, the two men sitting in the next booth fell into silence. Out of all places he had to hear her voice here, in his favourite restaurant.

"You are right" said Alaric, "her voice is the same"

"Wait until you see her face, she is the spitting image of Katherine." said Damon, as he lowered his head between his hands, trying to shake off the attraction he was feeling towards her velvety voice.

"Let's hope she's not a bitch Katherine was"

"I don't care Ric, I don't plan to find out"

"Come on Damon, we both know you won't be able to stay away from her. I just hope this time you'll be smart and think with your brain not…"

"You know what? I'm not drunk enough for this trip down memory lane, so if you'll excuse me, I need to go powder my nose" smiled Damon ironically at Alaric and took off to the men's room.

There he looked up a phone number and typed a quick message.

Meanwhile Elena was really enjoying dinner and trying to avoid conversation. There were certain questions she didn't want to answer, especially the ones about the opening. Caroline was telling everybody about her fabulous presentation at work and Elena was thankful her friend was attracting all the attention. Suddenly she felt her phone vibrate in her clutch and she discretely pulled it out. She quickly read the few lines and shock fell over her face. She excused herself and ran towards the ladies room, trying to hide her tears from other people. Suddenly she hit a hard body and HIS smell invaded her nostrils. She kept her eyes closed as she inhaled deeply and she let her body adjust to his, feeling his arms envelop her, his hands touching her skin. Elena tried to pull herself together and tear herself from his arms. With a shaky arm she pushed his body and put some distance between them.

"Why? Why would you do that Mr. Salvatore?" she asked trembling.

"Well you were about to fall and I thought it's better to fall into my arms that the ones of a stranger" he winked at her and smiled, making him even more gorgeous that she remembered.

"I'm talking about the painting, my favourite painting, the one you just texted me about" said Elena feeling the rage come to surface

"Because aside from being a brilliant artist, as you well know, I also like to collect art from fresh meat on the market, like your brother" he smirked.

"Well you can shove your buying offer up your…"

"Now Miss Gilbert that's no way to talk to a gentleman who is making you an irresistible offer" he cut her off. "Why the hate?"

"We don't need your pity, thank you." Replied Elena bitterly.

"I happen to like the painting called "Dancing Water" and I'm prepared to make a deal. I will see you tomorrow at the gallery and I expect a happier face than the one you are wearing right now. That's no way to treat a client Miss Gilbert" Damon whispered in her ear and brushed a stray of chocolate brown hair behind her ear.

"Ok, I will see you tomorrow" was all she could say and closed the restroom's door behind her letting out a breath of air. "Tomorrow…" she whispered.